"The Robe tradition symbolizes two very important ideas for me: the first is that it celebrates the importance and the hard work of the ensemble. Very often the ensemble is not recognized for the day-to-day amazing dancing, singing and acting that they do, without which a show would in no way be complete. The second is that it is a way to appreciate that a particular actor/ensemble player has continued to work and make a living in the business! That is no small feat. So thank you for that recognition. I felt very honored and humbled to be among the extraordinary list of men and women who have gone before me. Many I know, and many, of course, I don't, but we are all part of an incredible family of devoted, hard-working creatives!"
Name: Joanna Glushak
Hometown: Born and raised in Manhattan, on the Upper West Side
First Broadway Credit: I was Bernadette Peters’ standby on the original Sunday In The Park With George
Professional Training: I started out as a ballerina (Harkness, ABT) and changed directions at 16 when I landed the lead in a PBS TV series called Watch Your Mouth, at which time I decided to go to NYU for acting. I studied at Circle in The Square with Nikos Psacharopoulos
I then went back to Yale School of Drama after a long career and graduated in 1999.
I’ve studied voice with many teachers in NYC, and I continue to study at varying times to keep up my acting, singing and dancing skills.
Year Joined Equity: I believe I joined equity in 1977 or thereabouts.
How I Got My Equity Card: At the time you could pay into Equity to get your card if you were a member of another union and I was a member of AFTRA and SAG, so I paid for the card.
Number of Broadway Chorus Contract Credits: I've done ten Broadway shows and 6 of them have been chorus contracts.
Fun Fact: I like helping Juanita Ramirez with her charity. She's on YouTube.
Joanna Glushak does the ceremonial three laps around the stage. Photo by Walter McBride.
Joanna Glushak does the ceremonial three laps around the stage. Photo by Walter McBride.
View the full gallery of photos
Watch the video of the ceremony