Bringing Stories to Life on Stage
TheaterJoy was born from founder Latoria “Tori” Pergerson’s belief that every young person deserves to be seen, encouraged, and challenged. After more than 15 years of teaching and directing youth theater, she created TheaterJoy to bring meaningful theater training and intentional community together - a place where young people can develop their talents, discover their voices, and experience the joy of creating with others.
Who We Serve
Our introductory workshops welcome young people ages 10-14 with a range of theater experience. Whether your child eagerly steps into the spotlight or is still finding the courage to try, TheaterJoy offers opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow.
What Happens in a Session?
Through acting exercises, improv games, movement, and ensemble activities, students explore characters, express ideas, and create together. Guided instruction helps them build theater skills, while group reflection allows space to celebrate discoveries and recognize their progress.
Our goal is for each young artist to leave feeling more connected, more confident, and inspired to keep growing.
Connection
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Voice
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Impact
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Connection · Voice · Impact ·
Meet Tori.
An educator’s heart. A director’s vision.
Latoria “Tori” Pergerson brings more than 20 years of music education experience, including piano and voice instruction, and over 15 years of directing youth theater. Her professional training includes youth musical theater instruction through iTheatrics. She also served as musical director for Georgetown University’s spring 2022 production of Violet.
Tori created TheaterJoy to give young people a place to develop their talents, discover their voices, and experience the joy of creating together. Her approach pairs warmth with high expectations—inviting students to stretch their imaginations, take creative risks, and feel proud of their progress.
Through acting, improv, movement, and ensemble work, she helps students strengthen their performance skills while learning to listen, collaborate, and support one another. There is room for laughter, purposeful practice, and the courage to try again.
Her hope is that every young artist leaves feeling more confident in their voice, connected to others, and excited about what they can become.
“Every young person deserves someone who believes in them.”
Our Team
Latoria “Tori” Pergerson
Founder & Teaching Artist, TheaterJoy
Lydia Pergerson, Vocal & Ensemble Assistant
Growing up in the world of music and theater, Lydia discovered her love of the stage and a source of joy and self-expression. Theater has remained a constant passion throughout her life, and she is excited to share that passion with others. As a Vocal & Ensemble Assistant, Lydia looks forward to helping participants discover their unique talents and build confidence in bringing creativity to the stage.
Candace Spencer, Creative Movement Assistant
Candace has spent nearly twenty years dancing, with a background in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and West African styles, and she's thrilled to bring her experience to TheaterJoy. She's passionate about helping every young performer feel seen, encouraged, and challenged. What draws her most to musical theater is its power as an inclusive storytelling medium, one that welcomes everyone and brings together two of her greatest loves: music and dance.
Let’s connect!
Send us a quick note—let’s explore how we can create something amazing together.