Joy Vernon is a Smithfield native.  She holds a BA in music education from Virginia Wesleyan University and an MM in Choral Conducting from Temple University.  

Joy has performed as a vocalist with various ensembles and for various events in both Hampton Roads and Philadelphia.  Since 2022, she has had a blast conducting orchestra pits and teaching music as music director for shows like Matilda, Bridges of Madison County, and Mack & Mabel at Williamsburg Players and PCT. Last spring, she had the blessed opportunity to perform in the ensemble for The Wiz at the New Bedford Festival Theater in MA and perform as Charlane Woodard's character in Ain't Misbehavin'.  Just recently, she was co-director for a production of The Little Mermaid Jr with her students from Centerstage.  This is her first year as a Theatre Arts teacher at John Yeates Middle School!  Joy has gained a lot of experience through her time working with these various productions that she is glad to have the opportunity to pass on to her students.

After school, Joy teaches voice/piano lessons and musical theatre classes at Centerstage Academy in Yorktown, VA and sings on the worship team at her church.  She is currently enjoying her time as Sister Margaretta in preparation for The Sound of Music at Smithfield Little Theatre.