By Holli LeMarr
Staff Writer
Competition shouldn’t exist. We are all here to learn, to share and enjoy the gifts God has individually bestowed upon us.
Joi Carr, a visiting professor of English literature, film studies and composition, believes these statements whole-heartedly.
“It really frees you up to enjoy other people’s gifts when you view it as sharing instead of comparing,” Carr said.
She should know. She has an abundance of gifts that she shares on a daily basis.
Carr could be classified as a singer, actress, songwriter, producer, playwright and educator. She has been a vital part of Seaver’s Multicultural Theater Project, directing four out of the five productions since its initiation in spring 2000. The Multicultural Project is a production group concerned with diversity issues.
“We try to explore marginalized pieces and give voice to them from our perspectives,” Carr said. “For example, our second production, ‘Harlem Renaissance Culture,’ was a collection of personal narratives from people who lived during the Harlem Renaissance.”
Carr encourages all Seaver students to audition for the next production. The group performs once every fall and spring, creating and rehearsing a show within a four-week period.
“It is an intensive rehearsal schedule,” Carr said. “However, grades don’t usually suffer during this time. I encourage the students to bring their homework to rehearsals and complete it during the times they are not needed on stage.”
She has written several of the productions with feedback from the cast members. Carr created her favorite production at Seaver, “Who Do You Think I Am?” by weaving the cast’s personal narratives into her fictional plot.
“I loved this production because we really delved into very personal issues that the students had actually experienced,” Carr said. “There was very little distance between the actors and the characters they portrayed.”
Carr began acting professionally at age 14. She has guest starred in television sitcoms such as “Amen,” “227” and “The Bronx Zoo.” She also starred in productions of “Guys and Dolls,” “Olly, Olly Oxen Free” and “Heatwave.”
Carr began singing at age 4 in her mother’s fashion shows and has never lost her passion for it. She worked as a professional session singer for various popular and rock artists for 17 years. In the last seven years, Carr has recorded four a cappella gospel CDs independently released by Chara Music.
“Music speaks to the core of the human spirit,” Carr said in a personal statement. “Gospel music is a special gift of communicating and sharing … it is a concrete expression of my relationship with God.”
She has been approached by major recording labels, but has refused their insistence that she add instrumental music to her lyrics. “A cappella is what I do,” Carr said.
According to Carr, her voice has been compared to Minnie Riperton, Mariah Carey and Sandi Patti. However, she believes the biggest vocal influences on her career are Phoebe Snow, Carolyn King, Billy Holiday and Mahalia Jackson.
She says God is responsible for where she is today. She did not grow up dreaming of becoming a star or a performer. Doors opened for her and she walked through them.
“It may seem a little simplistic, but God has created these kinds of spaces for me to share gifts he has given to me.” Carr said. “I consider these artistic talents acts of worship.”
When Carr is not directing, performing, writing or teaching, she gives private voice lessons to people in the community. Carr is also working on a doctorate in English literature and film studies. Upon completion she wants to have children and “continue to minister to people through song and teaching.”
February 14, 2002
