Jo Ann Mendelson moved to Los Angeles in 2004 with no idea she’d one day be a professional actor. Her parents insisted she pursue a Bachelors degree, so she followed her older brother to sunny Southern California to get a degree in her favorite hobby, acting. During her senior year at Loyola Marymount University, Jo Ann took a class called “Career Development for the Actor” with noted Talent Manager Steve Rodriguez of McGowan Management. For the first time, it occurred to this small town, Northern California girl that yes, people really do act for a living! At the age of 21, Jo Ann finally knew what she wanted to be when she grew up.

Since then Jo Ann has trained in many techniques and disciplines, most notably in Stage Combat. Jo Ann holds Level II Actor Combatant certifications in six disciplines: unarmed, broadsword, single rapier, rapier and dagger, small sword, and quarter staff. She has been a Certified Associate Instructor of Stage Combat with Dueling Arts International since 2012 and has fight directed dozens of productions for both stage and screen.

Interested in challenging herself artistically and furthering her training, Jo Ann returned to academic life in 2015 She currently attends California State University, Los Angeles  pursuing her Masters in Fine Arts in Performance for Television, Film, and Theatre.  Jo Ann’s current studies will be complete in the Spring of 2018, when she looks forward to returning to the life of a working actor.