780 N 200 East, Lindon, Utah · 801-785-1186
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Mike Black
Bruce Conrad
Joyce Gunther
Tyler Renstrom
She is an Actress: Joyce began acting in elementary school and did a few school productions growing up, but she didn't get involved as an adult until after all of her children were in school. Randy Gunther, her husband, and several friends had been encouraging her for years to start acting and when her youngest was seven years old she finally felt ready.
Since this time Joyce has been in countless productions throughout Utah. Along with the Valley Center Playhouse, she has performed for the American Fork Arts Council, with the Grove Theater, with the Scera, and worked with the traveling theater company Hunt Mystery Theater Group for ten years. She has done film, TV, and voice work as well. Some of her favorite roles to play were Miss Skillion in See How they Run, Sylvia in Eternally Peggy (Best Actress Award in 2004), and Nellie in Jake's Corner (Best Actress Award in 2007).
Joyce also says it was very satisfying to play Nellie in Jake's Corner, who starts out very grouchy and critical but is able to come alive and fulfill her potential. She has won many awards at the Valley Center Playhouse for her outstanding performances and selfless service including the LeRoy Wilcox Award, the Super Service Award, and several for Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Costumes. Some of the other plays she has been involved in are The Mikado, The Importance of Being Earnest, Tony and Tina's Wedding, Rumors, You Can't Take it With You and More Mystery on the Moors.
She is a Singer: Joyce has a beautiful and powerful Mezzo-Soprano voice that she has used in the numerous musicals she has participated in, choirs, solo performances, and as she composes her music. Joyce Gunther joined a very competitive Baptist Children's Choir at the early age of nine and has continued working with her talent ever since. Ward choirs and Stake choirs have been a priority for much of her time and she has used her skills often. She sings for FHE groups, ward parties, some Orem Women's Club meetings and retirement homes. A few years ago she was also singing with a local jazz band for about eight months.
She is a Playwright, Lyricist and Composer: Writing is a natural part of Joyce's life. It helps her work through the challenges of life in a healthy and productive way. In 1995 she began writing her first musical Undecidedly Yours and with some encouragement from Jody Renstrom, a playwright herself, she continued forming her writing into plays and musicals.
In 1996 it premiered at the Valley Center Playhouse and Joyce has since written three more musicals: Ice Queen (2002), Two Tales from China (2003), and Cinderella's Waltz Right Inn that will open at the VCP in May of 2008. Her show Loveship Winaprize was purchased and performed in 2007 by the Hunt Mysteries Dinner Theater group. Even now she is working on a new musical set in the early 1900's tentatively titled Wild Ride at the State Fair.
She plans to spend more time on her writing and music in the near future, but she loves to follow the desires of her heart, "and who knows what it will say next year or in 10 years?" Joyce recently performed in the show Who Killed Aunt Caroline? which she enjoyed very much. "It's nice to be involved in a show that is so fun and witty and Lynn Bauman is a hoot as Caroline."
-Joyce Gunther
"She is Amazing; she really is! She made my jacket for the first act even though she didn't need to and it took her a lot of time."
-Katie Hoggard
February 24, 2008