If there’s one thing Atlanta has been blessed with, it is talented artists. From actors to symphony performers, our city has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to performing arts professionals. So every month, we are personally introducing you to the hard-working people who make Atlanta performing arts the treasure it is.
This month, meet Jordan Keyon Moncrief. This multi-threat actor, singer, dancer, and teaching artist is currently the resident choreographer for Out Front Theatre Company, where his work on La Cage Aux Folles can be seen beginning October 24.
Favorite show of all time:
Dreamgirls! The music, the character arcs, THE VISIBILITY, the cultural impact, Michael Bennett and Michael Peters choreography… I mean, let’s talk about the 1982 Tony Awards! I also love the Bill Condon film!!
Current theatre obsession:
Moulin Rouge! It is one of my all-time favorite films, so I’ve been following it through workshops, previews and its Broadway debut. I love how the show has similar pop culture musical mashups, which is one of the things that made the film so innovative and relevant.
Favorite show of your career so far:
A Chorus Line at the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. Firstly, it is a dancer’s dream show, and I got to play Larry, which I loved. It was also significant to me because it was my return to musical theatre after being solely dance-focused in my career. So it will always be a special show to me.
Favorite thing about being part of the Atlanta arts community:
Exactly that: it’s a community. Some of my best friends, lifelong friends, have been made in the 20 years that I’ve been performing in Atlanta. Some of the most creative, inspiring, and kind artists. I’m very fortunate to be a part of this thriving community.
Theatre professional who inspires you the most?
I have some amazingly talented friends in Atlanta, doing amazing work that constantly inspires me. Not only do they inspire me, but I love their character on and off stage. Shoutout time! Matthew Busch and his talent as a director, Meaghan Paetkau and her vocal talent, George P. Roberts as a true triple threat performer, Kayce Grogan-Wallace and her unmatched gifts as a performer, Chani Maisonet, Allison Fisher, and Fenner Eaddy and their versatility, Cindy Mora Reiser and the magic I truly believe she create on stage choreographically, and Paul Conroy/Out Front Theatre Company and the platform they provide for inclusion and visibility.
What keeps you going amid auditions, rejection, and countless hours of hard work?
I am very selective about the projects that I choose, so I think my passion for the craft and feeling like I have a voice to contribute to the projects that I choose keeps me motivated and excited.
If you could do any job in the theatre other than yours, what would it be?
I would be happiest doing any job that marries the arts and philanthropic work. The arts will save the world!
When not performing/training, what do you like to do?
My husband and I love to travel, go to dinner with friends, and host gatherings at our home.
What do you have coming up next?
I’ll be working on “The Moncrief Project,” which is my way of saying that I’ll be spending time with my husband, Matt, enjoying our lives as newlyweds.
La Cage Aux Folles will play at Out Front Theatre October 24-November 9, 2019. Discounted tickets are $12.50 and can be purchased here.
Read Jordan’s full bio:
Jordan Keyon Moncrief is a teacher, choreographer and performer who resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Jordan is Resident Choreographer at Out Front Theatre Company, Assistant Events Coordinator for DanceFest Productions, Inc., Backstage Manager for Platinum National Dance Competition and works as an Exclusive Sales Representative for Eurotard Dancewear. He was previously on staff at DeKalb School of the Arts, a premier performing arts magnet school, and is the former associate artistic director of Dancentre South Company. As a master class teacher, he has been a favorite on the staff of SPARK Summer Dance Intensive, Joel Ruminer’s Dance Camps, Jazz On Tap and the Southern Association of Dance Masters. As a guest artist, he has performed with and choreographed for Dancentre South Company, Owensboro Dance Theatre, Sawnee Ballet Theatre and First Floor Tanz in Hagen, Germany. Most recently, Jordan performed in Hairspray with City Springs Theatre Company, Queen: Aretha at Aurora with Aurora Theatre, and Atlanta Lyric Theatre’s productions of Aida, A Chorus Line, Peter Pan and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. He has choreographed Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Stage Door Players, Fun Home at Out of Box Theatre and La Cage Aux Folles and The Rocky Horror Show at Out Front Theatre Company. He was a featured dancer on Lifetime‘s Drop Dead Diva and in the feature film, The Banker. Jordan was selected for Dance Canvas’ 2017 Choreographer Career Development Initiative and his choreographic work, “Ever Evolving”, premiered in Dance Canvas’ “Introducing the Next…” at The Ferst Center for the Arts. His work has also been showcased at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, recognized by Dance Spirit Magazine, and awarded “Best Choreography” by Platinum National Dance Competition and Panoply Festival of the Arts Choreography Competition.“Be kind. Choose joy.”IG: @jordankeyon
