JoAnn F. Peterson

Multidisciplinary, Multidisciplinary Art, Performance, Performance Art, Theatre

When I'm told, "I forgot you were acting. I thought you really were...(insert name)", I know I've hit the mark in bringing that Amazing Woman of History to life! It's my passion!

About the Artist

JoAnn F. Peterson is an acclaimed film and stage actor who does first-person, living history portrayals which she calls “Amazing Women of History”.  Her well researched portrayals of Margaret “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” of Titanic fame, world-renowned opera singer Jenny Lind, tragic First Lady Mary Lincoln, child star and ambassador Shirley Temple Black, ground-breaking journalist and adventurer Nellie Bly, Founding Mother Abigail Adams, and first female Cabinet member Frances Perkins, have been performed at the U.S. Embassy in Prague, Victorian and Pennsylvania Chautauquas, Cooper Union in New York City, National Czech and Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids, for Shirley Temple Collectors by the Sea in Ventura, and at numerous schools, colleges, historical societies, Woman’s Clubs, museums, festivals, conventions, conferences, libraries and more.   As each amazing woman of history she portrays, JoAnn draws in the audience to interact, engage and share little known facts about how they experienced what was happening in the world during their lifetimes (Revolutionary War, the Great Depression, World Wars I and II, women’s suffrage, the Civil War, the Cold War, etc.), what made them tick, and their many contributions, struggles, accomplishments, and lasting impact.  History is brought to life with first-person portrayals followed by a time of Q&A first of the historical figure and then as JoAnn the researcher.  Learn more about her portrayals at www.joannpeterson.com.

JoAnn F. Peterson website JoAnn F. Peterson - Amazing Women of History Portrayals JoAnn F. Peterson website JoAnn F. Peterson - WV Humanities Council History Alive! JoAnn F. Peterson website JoAnn F. Peterson - IMDb

Artist's Statement

I call what I do "edutainment - educational entertainment."  You come away feeling you actually met that historical person and that they had fears, dreams, joys, and challenges just like we do.  You learn how they overcame some of life's circumstances, such as the assassination of a beloved husband (Mary Lincoln) and what it was like living through those times.  History comes alive and is not boring at all!   

Featured Work

Booking

Booking Price: $500-$1,000

Price depends on distance traveled, and if lodging is included, if needed. Price is negotiable and can be less than $500. I live in Western Maryland.
Contact me at 301-268-5116, joannfpeterson@gmail.com.

A lavaliere mic and speakers are preferred. I do have my own mic and sound system that I can bring or plug into your system.

Available Early January, and April - December throughout Maryland. Contact me to discuss particular dates.

Kyle Warmack, Program Officer, West Virginia Humanities Council, Charleston, WV. warmack@wvhumanities.org, 304-346-8500
Ricky Borba, Film Director, Nashville, TN. me@rickyborbafilms.com, 916-750-5042
Mark Stutzman, Artist, Director of Victorian Chautauqua, Mountain Lake Park, MD. mark@eloqui.com, 301-334-4086
Teresa Stenstrup, National Czech and Slovak Museum, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. tstenstrup@ncsml.org, 608-515-3669
Jana Sehnalkova, U.S. Embassy, Prague, Czech Republic. sehnalkovaj@state.gov, +420-602-833-313