Joelle Schade Steps to a Girl Power Beat in Legally Blonde

Joelle getting her kicks at rehearsal

Whether she’s jumping rope or demonstrating how to do the “Bend and Snap,” Joelle Schade brings energy and enthusiasm to all her roles as a member of the ensemble in Legally Blonde, the Musical.  Joelle’s commitment to her craft is apparent at rehearsal, as she is always thinking ahead to the next move or practicing a dance step.  You can just see the wheels spinning and know that she won’t be satisfied until she nails it, but her relentless pursuit of perfection makes everyone around her better.

As a company member, Joelle believes that “my role is to introduce depth to each scene in which I appear.  I particularly enjoy my ensemble role in Legally Blonde because of all of the amazing dance numbers. Any time I get to perform this many high energy dance routines, I'm there!”   Joelle commitment to dance is admirable given that she has had numerous foot and knee surgeries, but she admits that “the only real challenge for me has been Whipped into Shape – it's hard to re-learn how to jump rope as an adult!”  Her other roles in the show include Harvard Student, Hair Affair Cashier, and Court Stenographer.

  

Beyond the dancing, Joelle really enjoys being in Legally Blonde because, as she says, “I love the ‘girl power’ theme of the show.  I 100% support the message that women need to take control of their own destinies and not rely on a man to give them the life they desire. Don't get me wrong -- I love my husband Jeff but at the end of the day it's very empowering to know that I'm with him because I WANT to be and not because I HAVE to be.  It's a message I've tried to instill in my daughters even from their current young ages (Alexandra 8, and Nicolette 5).”

Despite being a sure-footed dancer, Joelle kind of stumbled into acting after completing her MBA from Wayne State in 2010.  As an incentive to get through the rigorous academic program, she promised herself that upon graduation, she'd do something “just because I love it.”  As she tells it, “I had no idea that community theater would be that outlet for me, but a well-timed wrong turn on 12 Mile had me staring at the marquee announcing Gypsy auditions at the Barn.  I have been hooked ever since!”   Joelle performs about one show a year and has also played Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray with the Park Players in Detroit and an ensemble role in The Producers at the Dearborn Players Guild. 

The Farmington Players' production of Legally Blonde, the Musical is sponsored by TruVista Wealth Advisors.  The show opens April 26 and runs through May 18. Tickets can be purchased online at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the box office at 248-553-2955.