about

Having lived overseas from 7-18 in Kampala, Uganda, Joel is focused on accessibility to stories and the stage. His work at PTVR focuses on the intersection between the internet and live theatre; He recently gave a TEDx talk on the merits of Virtual Reality for accessibility to the stage! As a producer, he focuses on new work development - curating a space for new/early-career artists to understand their craft and collaborate in community. As a Director, he is centered on telling stories that confront tradition and focus on the tension between the expectation and reality of being human.

Joel is the Artistic Director for Pocket Theatre V.R., a company member of Playground Chicago, a member of For The Group Chicago, and was selected for Directors Haven 6 in 2023. Recent credits include Assistant Directing for Mikael Burke for Tambo and Bones, The Runaways Lab Theater, Playground - Chicago, Haven, Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble, Stage Left Theatre, Eclectic Full Contact Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, and Virtual Theatre Collaboration. In his free time, catch Joel on the Frisbee field, where he plays for Chicago’s professional Ultimate Frisbee Team: The Chicago Union.