GPHS theatre teacher Julia Cuppy is an incredible educator, but she is so much more. She gives students a chance to grow and thrive in her classes. She allows students to trust and support both each other and her. She is a kind, caring, intelligent teacher. Grants Pass High School is lucky to have her. 

Cuppy has helped students find themselves and their paths in this world, and amazingly enough, she does it all with a smile on her face. Students who go through her class grow as both students and as humans. When some of her previous students were asked about their favorite qualities of Cuppy, they said her honesty, her willingness to be completely truthful with other people, and the fact that Cuppy has always tried to flip situations into a positive light and find a bright side, even if she doesn’t really see it herself. She supports her students with positivity and light, even on rainy days. Her classes have a wide range of students, and she is able to get each and every one of them to try and to learn, even if they are hesitant. From Cuppy's teaching, students have learned how to be more considerate and compassionate and learn to understand others' perspectives, even on hard topics. Cuppy has taught students to understand others' perspectives and really listen, as well as understand that we may not agree or both be happy with a decision but, at the end of the day, we are still an ensemble, and we have to roll with the punches.

Cuppy has built a rich professional career in regional theatre, performing in a wide range of new plays, musicals, and classic roles. Her work has included projects with La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, Collaborative Theatre Project, Rogue Music Theatre, and multiple fringe festivals. Through these experiences, she earned membership in the Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union for professional actors and stage managers. Of all the roles she has played, the most rewarding was the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. The character’s blend of humor, vulnerability, and complexity reminded her how storytelling can capture the contradictions of real human life. Performing Stephen Sondheim’s intricate score was both a challenge and a joy, pushing her to grow as an artist. Her favorite production, however, was Rogue Music Theatre’s Singin’ in the Rain in 2011, where she had the rare opportunity to perform opposite her husband. Reflecting on that experience, she said: “It was pure joy to fall in love with my husband each night, collaborate with so many, to this day, theatre friends, and celebrate one of my all-time favorite musicals.” 

When asked what she has learned from being an actor, Cuppy shared: “Acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” That philosophy has shaped her approach to both performance and life. Acting taught her to empathize deeply with her characters, to step into their perspectives, and to carry that same empathy into her relationships offstage. She believes that, even if someone is not actively performing, they do not stop being an actor; the training and mindset remain. Though her personal journey has required her to step back from acting professionally, she continues to use her training every day. Whether navigating difficult conversations or managing anxious feelings, she draws on techniques like “relaxed readiness,” skills that have only strengthened through her years of performance. For Cuppy, acting is not just a profession; it is a lifelong practice that continues to shape how she moves through the world.

GPHS is truly fortunate to have Julia Cuppy. She shows up for every one of her students, offering kindness, compassion, and unwavering support. Through her teaching, she reminds us that acting isn’t just something that happens on stage; it is a form of expression we all use in our everyday lives, whether we realize it or not.