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JJ Willis

@jj.willis

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shuffle up and deal #september by @jj.willis

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17 days ago

Knock knock, it’s Xander Vandiver!

Xander has got a deal for you! You’ll be more than a buyer - you’ll be an owner! Here’s your shot at the ground floor of an incredible business opportunity. “Beast Side” energy products will improve your life so much, you won’t be able to resist recruiting your family and friends! And why wouldn’t you share your new passion with your loved ones? So do we have a deal?

Played by @jj.willis

“Later is Now,” part of @theatrecrudeokc
Performed Sept. 19-26
Venue: Perpetual Motion Dance by @jj.willis

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a month ago

making the most of it #august by @jj.willis

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2 months ago

none of this went according to plan #july by @jj.willis

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3 months ago

work hard party hard #june by @jj.willis

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4 months ago

life is goo #may by @jj.willis

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5 months ago

“You know how it goes, you love even though one day it’s going to end.”

This isn’t a film post, but bear with me. After all, before film, theatre was my life for eight years. I’ve spent more time as a thespian than I have as a filmmaker.

My final show was Godspell, in May of 2021. For the last five years, I haven’t auditioned for a staged production. I haven’t acted in front of a live audience. I haven’t frantically scribbled blocking directions in the margins of a script while trying to keep one ear open so I can hear my next note. And that’s okay! I found a new passion, one that I still believe to be my strongest calling. I missed theatre, of course, but I figured that chapter of my life was over.

Then, in March, I saw the casting call for Co.Arts’ staged reading of “Bleach.” I don’t know what exactly came over me, but something told me it was time to try again. I didn’t have any expectations of booking it, but I wanted to take a swing at reconnecting with something that used to mean everything to me. I was happy just to audition.

I found out I’d been cast on March 27th. World Theatre Day.

What followed was one of the most welcoming, stimulating, and fulfilling creative experiences of my life. I grew obsessed with the material. Rehearsal became a highlight of every week. I arrived early, and I stayed late, just to have a little more time with my castmates and production crew.

I felt at-home, all over again.

My long-time director, whom I now call a friend, always says, “theatre is life.” And he’s right. This experience reminded me how much love, and passion, and curiosity, and determination, and power, and integrity exists within this art form. It’s truth. It’s purpose. It’s life.

Before, I didn’t know if I’d ever be back. Now, I don’t know if I’ll ever really leave. “Bleach” gave that to me. Co.Arts gave that to me. Annelise, and Elise, and Isabella, and Caylor, and Anna gave that to me. Abigail, and Ryleigh, and Michelle, and Jack, and Aly gave that to me. And I’m eternally grateful.

I’m sad that my time with “Bleach” has ended. But I always knew it was going to end. I loved anyway. We love anyway.

Until next time.

Onwards and upwards. by @jj.willis

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5 months ago

keep it movin’ #april by @jj.willis

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6 months ago

☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️

Ready for summer? We are too.

☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️🕶️☀️

Get your tickets for BLEACH by Annelise Best.

‼️ ON: May 8-10, 8PM
☕️ AT: Gray Owl Coffee, 223 E Gray St, Norman OK
🎟️ TICKETS: In our bio

📸 Photography by THE @cargalcamera taken in Gray Owl Coffee by @jj.willis

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6 months ago

lucky me #march by @jj.willis

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7 months ago

hoo boy #february by @jj.willis

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8 months ago

trying something new #january by @jj.willis

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9 months ago