Justine Moser is the education program coordinator for Performing Arts Center.
What do you like about your job?
It is a great blend of my passions for theater and education. As a former teacher, I love that I get to focus on providing access to theater and arts education to students in Central Illinois. A large part of my job is managing our school matinee series, Staley Class Acts. All shows in the Staley Class Acts series connect to preK-12 grade Illinois State Learning Standards. I really enjoy the challenge of finding the right shows that will be both educational and engaging for students.
Many students who come to Staley Class Acts are seeing a play in a real theater for the very first time. It’s an honor to be a part of a student’s first trip to the theater, and an even greater honor when you see those students return to Staley Class Acts as self-proclaimed theater-going pros. Our goal is to use theater as a tool to show students how they can relate to the world around them. Going to theater productions helps open minds and creates individuals who value others, the arts, and their community. I love that I can be a part of that.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I am a mom to two kids under four so most of my time outside of work is spent with them. This involves tons of snacks, occasional dance parties and a year-round fascination with all things Halloween. It’s a blast — usually. When I do have time to myself at home, I like to bake, read, make bracelets and watch bad movies with my husband.
Outside of the home, I really love thrifting and hiking. I also try to be involved in the local theater and improv community. Through Capitol City Improv, I have taught youth improv classes for Hoogland Education, been in several shows and serve on the board. In this season of life, improv is the perfect creative outlet as there is no script and it engages a much-needed sense of play and spontaneity. The extra bonus is that being in an improv show isn’t as time-consuming as being in a play, and it is just as fun!
What did you like to do growing up?
I was a very imaginative kid, so I spent a lot of time dressing up and playing make-believe. As I learned to write and read, I started writing my own stories and reading as much as I could. I was drawn to any activity that got me actively doing something creative: dance, choir, band, speech, creative writing and acting. Acting seems to be the one that stuck.
One of my favorite early theater memories, was when I was in fifth grade and the entire class worked together to stage a full-length production of The Pirates of Penzance. Thanks to an awesome music teacher, everyone in my class threw themselves into it and had so much fun. At that point, I already knew that theater was an important part of my life. Yet, what I really remember is how the play brought our class together as a unified group. It was through this experience that I truly saw how theater has this magical ability to bring people together to create something fresh and new. It’s an amazing feeling.
What’s your guilty pleasure snack?
I love cheese! Some of my favorites are goat cheese, gouda, fontina, aged cheddar, Havarti and gruyere. In my book, cheese can be both a snack and a meal. Cheese is really a good all-around food that can always brighten my day, even if it is just by itself. Add some crusty bread and fruit and it’s a delightful experience.
Getting to Know You is recurring feature in the Chancellor's Newsletter to highlight our many talented UIS employees.