“10 Things” is a regular feature in which the Sioux Falls Stage staff answers 10 burning questions with a local performing artist—this quarter we feature frequent local performer with the Good Night Theatre Collective, and soon-to-be Witch in Into the Woods, Jess Johannsen.

1. What is the single-most defining moment of your performing career?

The first moment that comes to mind is when I was in fifth grade and I got do my first contest solo. My teacher, Mrs. Larsen, had a book of Disney music and I picked “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” I remember being a bit addicted to the process of learning and performing a song I loved, and I’ve chased that feeling ever since!

2. Describe the moment you knew you wanted to be a performer.

I don’t know if I can describe an exact moment, but I knew from a pretty young age that I wanted to sing and be in front of people as much as possible. But, who am I kidding? it was probably the first time I watched The Little Mermaid.

**Johannsen performs “Don’t Feed the Plants” as Maxene in Good Night’s November 2021 production of *Little Shop of Horrors*.** (Credit: Rachel Winters)

3. What is your favorite non-theatre-related pastime?

It’s theater-adjacent, but I’m a big fan of movies. Awards season is like my second Christmas.

4. If casting parameters don’t exist, what’s your dream role in theater?

One of my personal “parameters” is my crippling fear of heights. That being said, I would absolutely love to be Elphaba in Wicked.

5. Highlight three of your proudest theatre résumé moments.

Rent at Sioux Empire Community Theatre
Little Shop of Horrors at Good Night Theatre Collective
Bye, Bye Birdie at Alcester-Hudson High School

6. Describe your most recent theatre experience.

Those who know me are very aware of my obsession with Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, so getting to sing a show of their music was a dream come true. (Little Shop) was also a deceivingly difficult show to put on (especially with all the joys living during an ongoing pandemic brings), but that cast and crew are what made it all possible. We came together, lifted each other up and knocked it out of the park. I’ll never forget how that first standing ovation on night one felt.

7. Whom do you consider your biggest acting influences?

I’m a big fan of funny ladies, so off the top of my head, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Emma Thompson and Carol Burnett. Of course Judy Garland. I have to give some credit to some Broadway divas, too, like Patti Lupone, Bernadette Peters, Idina Menzel, Lea Salonga, Jennifer Hudson and Ethel Merman. There are several others, but I’ll start there!

8. Deserted island game—pick three scripts to take with you.

Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare
Rent, Jonathan Larson
Into the Woods, James Lapine & Stephen Sondheim

9. What’s on your ideal post-show wrap-party menu?

Cocktails and a toddler-sized burrito. If you know, you know.

10. Give advice to fellow theatre artists in just five words.

Have fun. Trust yourself. Slay.

10 Things with Jess Johannsen