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COMPANY MEMBER

Joan Merlo was last seen as Mother Bayard and Cousin Ermengarde in the 2024 TUTA production of The Long Christmas Dinner. Previously she appeared as Juliana Tesman in TUTA’s production of Hedda Gabler and as Marina in their acclaimed Uncle Vanya. Joan played Nell in Endgame at Red Tape Theatre and later understudied the same role, as well as Meg in The Birthday Party at Steppenwolf Theatre. Some favorite stage moments came in Birth where she successfully reenacted the births of at least four babies onstage. She has worked with Collaboraction, Stage Left Theatre and in an original production of The Word For directed by Scott Weinstein. Joan trained at the Actors Center, IO, Second City, and continues to study Shakespeare with Susan Hart.

TUTA acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, The Light A City Fund, and the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation.