Margarette Joyner, a self-described nomad born in New Brunswick, N.J., began her artistic journey after a three-year stint in the U.S. Marine Corps. During this time, she honed her skills by designing costumes for theater and dance, acting, writing, directing plays, singing, and winning poetry contests. She even opened for Cicely Tyson. Joyner also founded The Tree of Life Theatre Co. and Nandi Creations, all while working full-time as a secretary.

Her acting career includes leading roles in notable productions such as The Colored Museum, Zooman and the Sign, Amen Corner, Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, Big River, God’s Trombones, and Wine in the Wilderness. She also designed costumes for shows like Purlie Victorious, Santa Goes to Oz, and Ain’t Misbehavin’ for the ‘M’ Ensemble, Miami’s oldest Black theater company.

After being accepted to the University of South Alabama, Joyner earned her BFA with an emphasis in acting. While there, she performed in Illusions, Cabaret, and A Raisin in the Sun. She distinguished herself by placing 4th out of over 600 acting students at the American College Kennedy Center Theatre Festival in Washington D.C., and was awarded a scholarship to Dad’s Garage in Atlanta, making her the only undergraduate to achieve this recognition.
Following graduation, Joyner joined Virginia Union University, an HBCU in Richmond, VA, where she established an Artist-in-Residence Program by creating The Heritage Ensemble Theatre.