I'm a stage performer currently based in New York City.
After receiving my Bachelors in Musical Theatre from Oklahoma City University, I've been lucky enough to work across the country with such companies as The Muny, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, TheaterWorks USA, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, and many more.
I'm super inspired by productions with a community impact, which drives my parallel passion of teaching theatre and Theatre for Young Audiences.
...and making people laugh is real fun too.
Hi there, I'm Janna!
A true Midwestern gal at heart,
I grew up eating crinkle cut fries from Culver's and tried to get everyone to call a water fountain a bubbler (it's the correct term...look it up!)
Though I'm far from my roots in St. Louis and Milwaukee, I still carry that homegrown spunk with me.
If you don't find me making bold choices onstage, I'm usually either outdoors on a hike, riding rollercoasters, watching the latest Emmy winning series, or eating a LOT of tortilla chips. (Seriously...I'm waiting for On the Border to sponsor me. It's an addiction.)
Fast Fun Facts!
I have the music taste of a 57-year-old man.
Shout out to Chicago, Styx, The Eagles, Kansas, The Beatles, and all your yacht rock faves! Click HERE for my rendition of "Desperado"!
1.
My favorite TV shows are Breaking Bad and Rupaul's Drag Race.
Quite the genre range...it's a testament to my (slight) addiction to television. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a great character arc!
2.
I play piano and various percussion instruments.
Okay, I played percussion in band for like two years in middle school...but if you put a xylophone or bass drum in front of me, I can pick it right back up!
3.
I have an extensive background in childcare and teaching.
I have over 12 years of experience working with kids over 3 years old! From choreographing musicals to teaching stage makeup to facilitating at an after school program, I somehow find the energy to lead a room of little ones. My favorite way to share performing arts with kids is through Theatre for Young Audiences, which I hope to continue to do more of in the future!
I've also spent time teaching technology to senior citizens, but that's another story...
4.
Photos by Shani Hadjian, Nick Kuchem and Jacob Wilkinson
What's new?
Meet me at the muny
August 2023
Checked off a BIG bucket list item and made my MUNY debut over the summer in the ensemble of Sister Act, directed and choreographed by Denis Jones!
Joining the convent
July 2023
I'm not Catholic, but I took a vow with the Little Sisters of Hoboken (except we were in the middle of Kansas). Nunsense with Great Plains Theatre was heavenly fun, especially getting to stretch my improv and puppetry skills!
I promise, I don't only play nuns...
Bugs, Bunnies,
Junie b., and me
2022-2023 School year
I was lucky enough to be on tour all school year long! I truly fell in love with Theatre for Young Audiences through my experiences with TheatreWorks USA (as Junie B. Jones) and The Repertory Theatre of STL's Imaginary Theatre Company (as Centipede/Aunt Sponge in James and the Giant Peach and Abilene/Others in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane).
It was SO special getting to bring characters I grew up with to life for thousands of kids across the country!
Getting Kinky!
July 2022
I checked off a huge dream role in Kinky Boots at one of my favorite houses ever, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma! I'd play Lauren again and again...anyone casting?
Some kind words from this gig:
"Janna Linae is quirky and enjoyable as factory worker Lauren. Her vocals during solo number 'The History of Wrong Guys' and girl-next-door characterization make her a standout favorite."
-Adrienne Proctor, Broadway World
"Linae shines as Charlie's tightly-wound employee-turned-love interest on her spotlight song 'The History of Wrong Guys'."
-Brandy McDonnell, The Oklahoman