DRT Artistic Director& Playwright

Jennifer Justice (M.F.A., Directing, Boston University, M.Div, Harvard Divinity School)

“You inspire children to live into their best selves – giving them confidence and a voice.” July 2019, DRT Family

 "Your creativity, encouragement, professionalism and passion for the theatre has meant a great deal (to our family.)" Kim Gay Alton, Spring 2015

In August 2010, Jennifer Justice founded Durham Family Theatre (now DRT.) An actress, director, storyteller, author, and educator, Jenny’s professional credits include The New Shakespeare Company of San Francisco & The Ends & Means Committee, Boston, MA.  

Ms. Jenny worked professionally in Boston, Mass. for 26-years before returning to the south in 2006. In Boston she served on the founding boards of The (International) Women In Theatre Festival and The Three Apples Storytelling Festival. With Storytellers in Concert, she performed in and produced story theatre concerts for adults in Cambridge, Mass. and was named a "Master Storyteller" by the Boston Globe. She has been featured at The National Storytelling Festival, The National Storytelling Conference, The Vermont Storytelling Festival and Pete Seeger’s Hudson River Revival. For 10 years, Jenny toured New England schools as a teaching artist for Young Audiences of Massachusetts. She was an adjunct faculty member for Lesley University for more than 8 years, training teachers to use the arts in curriculum development. In 2006, Jenny received an Arts Can Teach grant from the WANG Center for the Performing Arts in Boston & worked as a Teaching Artist for The Huntington Theatre, Boston.  She continues to teach workshops, coach individuals, and perform as an actress and storyteller. 

drt program director & teacher

Taylor Dorsey-Flowers (B.S. in Health Sciences, Hampton University, M.

Taylor Dorsey-Flowers is a Health Educator, Youth Advocate, and native of Durham, North Carolina. She is a graduate of Hampton University with a B.S. in Health Sciences with a concentration in community health promotion.  In 2022 Ms. Taylor earned her …

Taylor has worked with children in a plethora of different capacities including, working as a summer camp counselor at Durham Regional Theatre and Justice Theatre Projects. Additionally, she has taught numerous dance classes and workshops in Virginia and North Carolina. Taylor is especially excited to serve the Durham community as the Senior Youth Director for the YMCAs in Durham, NC. 

Taylor has a long-standing love and commitment to learning, performing, and teaching performing arts. She has performed with several dance companies in North Carolina including, Harambee Collective, African American Dance Ensemble, and Collage Dance Company, where she served as the dance captain for several years.

In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Durham Regional Theatre, she also serves as the Young Adult Volunteer Coordinator for Hope For Hair, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women undergoing cancer treatment. Her passion for serving her community and pouring into the lives of young girls led her to co-found a mentor organization along with her best friend called GROWTH NC. 

Taylor's commitment to improving the lives of others is in-line with the African Philosophy, Ubuntu, "I am because we are." 

DRT music DIRECTOR, VOice studio faculty

Joy Harrell-Goff  (B.A., music, NC Central University; MA, music, University of Northern Iowa)

UPAN Founder and Executive Director and Executive Director of BUMP the Triangle, Joy Harrell-Goff is a native of Asheville, NC. Growing up, she was always involved in various community service projects and performances as a result of her musical and dramatic talents. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in music from NC Central University, a Master of Arts in Music from the University of Northern Iowa, a certificate in musical theater and integrated studies from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, NYC, and is certified in music education K-12.

A passionate music educator and performer, Joy has a wide range of experience spanning from communications and media to musical theater. She has appeared on radio, television, and concert stages in the United States, France, and Switzerland as both soloist and collaborative artist. Her repertoire extends from classical art songs and opera to musical theater, jazz, gospel, and R&B. She believes that all artistic expression is a gift from God that has the power to heal and serve all creation. She has made it her purpose to use her creative artistic talents to serve others.

Joy’s diverse experiences as a performer and her passion for the pursuit of the most effective educational practices have culminated in a unique and eclectic approach to teaching musicians and performing artists. Years of working through different musical styles and with students seeking to develop in various genres and disciplines has resulted in what she calls the One Voice For All Theory. She defines this theory as the honest voice within a person that communicates freely both solo and in any ensemble assortment regardless of style.

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