Meet the Coach: Jennifer Grahnquist
Jennifer Grahnquist was practically born into musical theater: her parents met in high school while performing in Carousel. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she grew up on show tunes, started ballet at four, and performed in every high school and college musical she could. She went on to dance professionally with the Colorado Ballet and other companies across the country, and today she performs in musicals and has called Colorado home for almost 10 years.
At Roustabout, Jennifer teaches ballet, theater, jazz, and acting. We sat down with her to talk about how she got her start, teaching students from age three to 90, her proudest moments as a high school theater teacher, and what she's working on next.
How Did You First Get Into the Performing Arts?
My parents actually met in high school in the musical Carousel, so I got into the performing arts at a very young age. I grew up listening to show tunes and taking ballet from the time I was four, and I did all my high school and college musicals.
I danced professionally with the Colorado Ballet and other companies across the country, and now I do a bunch of musicals.
What Made You Want to Get Into Teaching?
Ever since I was about 12, I've loved working with little kids. At my ballet studio, I started assisting the preschool ballet classes, and eventually I got my own ballet class. I've been teaching ballet and theater ever since.
Why Did You Want to Teach at Roustabout?
My friend Mark [Radcliffe, Roustabout's founder] was opening this awesome studio, and I wanted to teach there!
Who Do You Teach?
I've taught ages three through about 90. I can't remember exactly how old one of the ladies in my adult ballet class was, but they get up there and they keep dancing, and it's awesome.
What's One of Your Proudest Moments With Your Students?
I'm going to cry! I teach high school theater, and my seniors graduate every year. Before they graduate, they make me so proud, because they are awesome and grow so much over the four years that I get to work with them.
I'm a proud mama theater teacher.
What Advice Would You Give Someone Nervous About Taking Their First Class With You?
Don't be nervous, because you don't need any experience. I will meet you wherever you are, we will build from there, and it's going to be awesome.
What Makes the Community at Roustabout Special to You?
Everybody is really welcoming. Everybody has such amazing and different skills and talents, and they're so open to learning from each other.
If You Weren't Teaching, What Would You Be Doing?
I would probably be rehearsing or performing, or reading, or swing dancing, or playing with my dogs.
How Do You Prepare Before Class or Rehearsal?
I usually give myself 30 minutes, and I have a consistent stretch and warm-up routine that I do beforehand.
What's Your Least Favorite Conditioning Activity?
The aerial straps classes I've been taking here at Roustabout, because I'm always super sore afterward, but I know it's good for me.
What's Your Next Project?
I'm assistant directing My Fair Lady at Performance Now Theatre Company, which is running the last three weekends of June at the Lakewood Cultural Center.
Editor's note: This interview was recorded in May 2026. Jennifer is referring to the June 2026 production of My Fair Lady*.*
