Let’s Get To Know The Faculty: Julie Petry

We’re interested in getting to know the faculty of the Division of Theatre and Dance a little better, so we asked them a few questions. Here’s what we learned from Professor Julie Petry who teachers performance courses in both Theatre and Dance.

What first got you interested in or involved in theatre/dance?

I was lucky to grow up with a Dance studio in the basement of our house.  Every chance I got I was going through the "dress-up box" my mom provided, putting on costumes and singing and dancing to all the records (musicals) she had: Anything Goes, Les Miserable, Xanadu and Fame were some of my favorites.....I knew every word to each of those albums by heart.  Sometimes I would dress up my brother, and get him to play characters, and I would direct him. 

What has been your favorite or most exciting or most memorable theatre/dance experience?

I was lucky and had many benchmark moments in my career that brought great excitement and rewards to me. I have been fortunate to work with over 20 different professional companies, multiple University programs, and received several grants along the way. I will never forget touring with Kenny Rogers in his original musical, receiving two regional Emmy nominations for my work in Children's entertainment, or teaching Ellen DeGeneres dance steps via telephone live on national TV.

What's one show you would love to work on?

I would some day like to perform in musicals again.  Playing Little Red in Into the Woods, and Tzeitel one more time in Fiddler remain on my bucket list.

Where would you love to work on theatre or dance?

I would love to direct/choreograph an off-Broadway musical in either LA or New York. Access to an amazing talent pool of true triple threats is what would make it exciting!

Who would you love to work with?

I would love to work with so many folks that this question is over-whelming.  However, I can say Susan Stroman is high on the list. I know I could learn a lot from her.

Julie Petry, Associate Professor of Theatre and Dance, is in her 7th year teaching at BU, and enjoys writing, directing, choreographing, teaching, traveling, and the healing arts. She continues to study her craft, bodywork, Reiki, and the never-ending field of human behavior as much as she can. She has a great love of animals, and supports the generation of quality food products and humane farming techniques.