Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Alvarez.
Hi Josh, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey in theater began during high school when I appeared as Danny Zuko in a production of Grease. Performing quickly became an escape for me as I experienced family death, divorce, and homelessness. It wasn’t until my senior year, when I portrayed Gomez Addams in The Addams Family, that I realized my true passion for performing.
Though I started later than most, I was determined to catch up and pursue a professional career in the arts. Every day in college, my schedule was packed. I would wake up at 3am, hit the gym from 4am to 5am, then take a bus to college, where I would study and attend classes for the rest of the day. After school, I would perform in shows during the evening, often returning home around midnight. I must admit I didn’t get much sleep during those three years, and I wouldn’t recommend this hectic lifestyle to anyone. However, my dedication and commitment to creating the best version of myself and my art kept me going.
Since graduating, my career has skyrocketed. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to tour with Cirque Du Soleil as a principal dancer and principal vocalist. Some of my other notable achievements include playing Smokey in Damn Yankees at Musical Theatre West, being part of the ensemble and understudying the role of Joe in 9-5 at Musical Theatre West, joining the ensemble in Tarzan at Moonlight Amphitheater, and taking on the role of Leading Player in Pippin at the Regional Theatre of the Palouse. Additionally, I portrayed Lun Tha and understudied the role of the King in The King & I with Plan B Entertainment in Alaska, played Cesar in Saturday Night Fever at Candlelight Pavilion, and took on the role of Ren in Footloose at the Taylor Performing Arts Center. As we speak, I am currently in rehearsals for The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, where I serve as an understudy for George Salazar and Ryan Vona in the roles of Oscar and Juan at La Jolla Playhouse.
Aside from theater, I’ve also had the pleasure of working on other exciting projects. I recently participated as a principal actor in the upcoming pilot show, The Disney Files, for Disney+ and as a dancer for the movie Babylon.
I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way, and I attribute my success to both God and my supportive family. Their unwavering support has pushed me to strive for greatness. I still continue to train and better myself every day. On the side, I have a company called Triple Threat Social Media Marketing LLC, where I help theater performers and theaters reach their social media potential. Find me on social media @officialjoshalvarez.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was homeless as a kid and that expedited my childhood and forced me to grow up quicker. In exchange for that, my work ethic was stronger, but it took me a while to learn how to connect with people and develop relationships. I also started my training later than most kids. A good majority in this industry start at age three, where I started around 15 and did not get serious until 18. But I worked hard and stayed consistent even on the days I didn’t feel like it. I’m grateful and I have no regrets. Everything happens for a reason and I believe God has bigger plans for me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a musical theater performer. I sing, dance, and act for a living. I am proud to be a BIPOC performer. I am proud of the growth. I remember starting out at community theaters working for free, then going to paid theaters, then regional theaters, then national tours, now workshopping new musicals that could potentially go to Broadway. Someone who came from my background would usually give up and I am proud to have not because there have been so many close moments of failure. I also come from immigrant parents and grandparents and the fact that I get to do this for a living is truly a blessing and the American Dream.
How do you think about happiness?
It sounds cliché, but I am grateful to have a place to live, food on my table and a family that loves me. Because there have been points where I had few of these things. Doing what I love is truly a blessing. Happiness has its ups and downs. This industry is not consistent and the skill to disassociate my self-worth with the amount of work I am doing currently is still a process. I am learning to be content, forgive, and love myself.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Headshot @jesseashtonphotography Damn Yankees @musicaltheatrewest
