It’s been a busy summer for Roxy MtJoy. Within months of becoming the new artistic director at Little Lake Theatre in North Strabane, MtJoy has directed for the mainstage and the company’s Looking Glass Theatre for young audiences. She’s now in the midst of rehearsals for “Last Gasâ€? that runs July 9 through 25 on the mainstage. Becoming Little Lake’s new artistic director is a double homecoming for MtJoy. “The first show I ever saw was ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Little Lake,â€? says MtJoy, who was a director, producer and long-form improv performer in Virginia, California and New York before returning here to accept the job at Little Lake. Born and raised in Waynesburg, she earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Va., and a master’s in theater from the Sarah Lawrence College in New York. She also trained at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles and New York City. “I was raised around a lot of family. I have a million cousins, and I missed that,â€? she says. She wanted her daughter, Clara, to have that same experience. So, when she learned from a Facebook post that Little Lake was looking for successors to Sunny Disney and Rob Fitchett’s positions, she wrote a personal letter to Disney. “I felt she would want someone who saw the job as a caretaker, not a stepping stone,â€? she says. She also believes theater should be an affordable part of everyone’s life. “It shouldn’t be a special once-a-year treat,â€? she says. MtJoy and her husband, attorney Patrick McRee, have bought a house in Mt. Lebanon, and MtJoy has already commissioned a new play for next season. The star who would play me in the movie version of my life: Lauren Graham (from “The Gilmore Girlsâ€?). I have a goofy sense of humor and wear my heart on my sleeve, so she’s perfect. Plus, I like to imagine that my hair looks like hers. The piece of memorabilia from my childhood I wish I still had: A complete set of Nancy Drew hardcover books. I’m a nostalgic nerd. The superpower I wish I had in real life: I want to fly. Favorite season: Autumn. Warm scarves, colorful leaves, pumpkin-pie spice everything. The song I want played at my funeral: “Please Don’t Bury Meâ€? by John Prine Show I have or want to binge watch: I don’t really get to binge watch anymore, because I have a toddler, but feasting on “Friday Night Lightsâ€? was amazing. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose! My favorite cable channel: We just bought a house, so I am a little HGTV nuts. Movie I could watch every time it appears on cable: “Rudy.â€? I’ve seen it at least 100 times. When I was in labor with my daughter, I had my husband give me the same pep talk Charles S. Dutton delivers near the end of the movie … and then start a slow clap. My favorite TV or movie villain: Ursula from “The Little Mermaid.â€? We both love red lipstick and wish we could sing. One word my mother would use to describe me: Confident (I asked her.) Top thing on my bucket list: Visit every continent. Four down, three to go! The best play I’ve ever seen: Outside of Little Lake, it was “The Book of Everythingâ€? at the New Victory Theater in New York City. Favorite guilty pleasure: Pedicures. Cheaper and prettier than therapy, and that’s just science. If I could go back, I’d tell my teenage self: Time spent trying to be like other people is time wasted. Pick one: Pirates, Penguins, Steelers or other: This is like “Sophie’s Choice.â€? And, in this case, Sophie is going with the Steelers. My most embarrassing junk food: Peeps dipped in peanut butter. Don’t judge. The most dangerous thing I’ve ever done: I went skydiving when I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with my MFA. In five years, I’d like to: Nap I wish I had more time to: Travel. I’ve lived all over the country, which means my friends are scattered everywhere. My favorite thing about Pittsburgh: The people. I’ve lived in Virginia, Sonoma County, Los Angeles and New York City. They all have their charms, but nothing compares to the warmth and character of people from this region. Three people I’d love to have dinner with: Will Disney (founder of Little Lake Theatre), Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Bill Nye the Science Guy When I was 10, I wanted to be: A doctor; 10-year-old me was a lot more practical than 33-year-old me. In high school, I was: A misunderstood nerd. Basically, I was a John Hughes film waiting to happen. I’m deathly afraid of: Space. I don’t understand why everyone is so jazzed about it. You can’t breathe in space, people! My personal motto: Be kind but strong. Favorite Pittsburgh-area landmark: PNC Park. Is there a better way to show off the city? Bonus points if it is a Zambelli fireworks night. My most treasured fashion accessory: A silver art-deco Tiffany locket with my daughter’s picture inside. It was my first Mother’s Day gift. My most memorable fashion mistake: Tie: In third grade, I had permed bangs, and in college, I had pleather pants. My favorite Pittsburgh athlete: Neil Walker. He is my baseball boyfriend. If I could live my life as someone else, it would be: Just for one day, I want to be Sutton Foster. Or Mick Jagger. Either one. Happiness is: My daughter’s laugh, a magical play, thunderstorms. I got a little of all three today! Overused phrase I hate most: “Give it 110 percent.â€? You can’t do that. You can only give 100 percent. Stop saying otherwise. Stay in school, kids. People would be surprised to know that I: Don’t love Shakespeare. No offense to the Bard, I just don’t connect on an emotional level. The last book I read: I am currently reading “Bring Up the Bodiesâ€? by Hilary Mantel. I am a huge bookworm and I always need to have a book ready. Email Newsletters TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.