Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Black.
Hi Joshua, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Being a youth in Performing Arts, I can say my desire came seeing other youths such as Ross Lynch pursue their dreams. In 2014 he was playing a teenager on one of my favorite shows, and I envied him. I had a strong desire to meet him, and that’s how this journey began. I thought wanting to meet Ross was my driving force, but once I started auditioning and performing then I realized that the desire was actually for the art itself.
When I told my mom, Jacklin Black, I wanted to be an actor, she was hesitant, but then she decided to help me pursue my dreams. She knew nothing about this industry, but she was determined to help open every door possible. Being a single mother, finances were tight, but she organized fundraisers, crowdfunding and did side jobs to raise money to take me to LA in 2015. At the time we thought that’s where we needed to go to get this career started but little did we know that journey would bring us back to Atlanta to launch my career. I was 8 years old, just wanting to meet this celebrity and build a relationship. Even though I have yet to meet Ross Lynch, I still think that meeting people and building relationships is the best part of the entertainment community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
OMG, no it hasn’t! No actor’s career has been a smooth road. LOL, if it were smooth, I would think something was wrong. Rejection, rejection, rejection… that is speed bumps we have to face. It’s not really hard to handle, but you have to learn to handle it because you don’t always get the job. I’m beyond grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to express myself in the creative arts to include those that ended in rejection. I feel it builds character. Another challenge is balancing work life, school life, and friendships. As a teenager in the business, I miss a lot of time with friends while prepping for auditions or working on set. I have to switch gears from kid to professional at the drop of a hat. Don’t get me wrong, my friends are very supportive, but sometimes the kid in me just wants to break free!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a youth actor and class clown. My specialty is making people laugh, but Ironically, I tend to do more work on the dramatic side rather than comedic. I’m most proud of getting this far at such a young age because a lot of people quit. Some even before they get started. I think what sets me apart from others is most people try to fit in, but I prefer to just be myself. Personality is key because there’s only one ME! You tend to find more genuine friends that way.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
You should always give credit to whom credit is due! My family deserves credit because they are my biggest supporters. My mom, Jacklin, and brothers Brandon, Jaylen and Caleb, are my biggest fans. My mom sacrifices time, finances, and her own business to ensure my career is managed properly. She worked hard to put together my team, which includes East Coast Talent, Crackerjack Management and Abelita PR. In addition to family, there’s an extended family that has been beneficial to my success and growth. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentorship of Brandon Thaxton with Acting Up ATL and Steve Alderfer with Studio 48. They have both coached and helped me hone my skills and continue to encourage me to be the best I can be, not just as an actor but as a man!
Contact Info:
- Email: blackbrothersent@gmail.com
- Website: https://jackieblack52.wixsite.com/joshuadblack
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshblackofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdevonblack
Image Credits
Megan Dougherty
