We are thrilled to be connecting with Joshua D. Reed again. Joshua D. is an Actor, Creative Director and Poet and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Joshua below.
Hi Joshua D., thank you so much for sitting down with us again. For folks who might have missed our initial interview, can you start by briefly introducing yourself?
My name is Joshua D. Reed, I’m an Actor, Poet, Creative Director, Model and also work as a Financial Loan Advisor. I was born and raised here in Dallas, Tx and have been a part of the artistic community since a young age. I graduated High School from Life Charter and did most of my growing up in Cedar Hill, Tx. I am in the beginning stages of working towards a full-time career in Entertainment and making my mark on this industry. I am currently seeking representation and or management to help guide me to the next level. I have assisted in the direction of a few music videos of some Indie Artists, and can be seen in independent short films, indie feature films, and student films. Those platforms include Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, VUDU, YouTube, Reelz Channel, Fox News Specials and more. I have a true passion for the arts and try and make myself available whenever I’m needed to be of service in making other visions come to life as well.
Who is someone that inspires you and why?
One of my biggest inspirations as an actor is Will Smith. Ever since I was little, I have studied and taken notes from his career. The way he has navigated the entertainment industry is a bit mind blowing. From the range in the roles and stories he tells through his performances, to the inspiring knowledge he has passed along the way in his career. He is someone who has motivated people to be nothing but the best versions of themselves. Encouraging self-discipline and resilience. Something I aspire to also accomplish throughout my career. I want to lead by example and encourage people to live and operate to their best potential, doing so in love and truth.
What are some of your long term or short term goals you are striving to accomplish over the next year or more?
Within the next year or less my goal is to take the leap of faith and transition to Los Angeles, get my feet planted and continue in molding my foundation for the career path I see before me. The position I am in right now in life has created an unforeseen opportunity that I intend to continue to take full advantage of. My hopes are to find solid representation and or management to help guide my career. My physical mental and emotional health is very important, and I have taken steps towards a new journey in all areas to better myself. One of those goals being to be in better fitness health adding on a few pounds over the next few months, which for me is a lot easier said than done.
I also started reading a book recently, Self Management for Actors by Bonnie Gillespie, which has been quite inspiring. I have been dissecting each chapter, taking notes and creating my own plan for how I will implement the information learned to take hold of my career. My goal is to have it complete by the end of the year. I am also an advocate for mental health and have started my own personal journey in therapy to help better myself and operate at my fullest potential. Sometimes you just have to talk through some things with someone who will have an un biased opinion, and will help discover things you may be over looking that could be holding you back from that next level, and so far I have seen the positive results of doing so.
If you could go back in time and have a conversation with your younger self, what would you tell them about the world to come, and why?
If I had the opportunity to speak to my younger self, the first thing I would mention is to be comfortable with being true to myself. Don’t allow other people’s opinions of who they think I should be cloud my judgement in who I am growing to be. Also, to be patient with myself, realizing that I am running a marathon not a sprint. I tend to have a habit of trying to rush through things in fear of thinking I’m running out of time, but truth is the beauty is in the journey, and I’m continuing to learn that even now. I would also tell that big eared kid to continue leading with his heart but keep the balance of also going with his first mind, stay prayed up and grounded and never stop fighting.
What projects are you working on currently and how can the general public become aware of those projects and how to keep up with them?
Currently I am working on a project titled “Stage Mom”. Created by Jose “Hollywood” Ramos. Written by Detric Phive Jr. and directed by 7x Emmy Award winner Bobby Yan. It will take us on the journey of a high society mother played by Sharena Walker, who will do whatever it takes to give her daughter the “spotlight”. While becoming overly aggressive in doing so. The synopsis of this story is that after being a stay at home mother and giving up on her own dreams, to cater to her daughters. She finds herself at a crossroad of determining where the line is drawn. Raising the question of “How far is too far?”
Her determination of seeing her child thrive slowly turns into an obsessive and compulsive addiction to turn her daughter played by Zyasia Page, into a star. Evelyn stops at nothing to ensure the results are met to her liking and approval, even when it can risk lives. We get to see if she goes too far in order to attain “Fame” and “Recognition”.
This project is about 45% to its completion and with the right amount of funding it can and will be made possible. I have the honor of portraying her instructor/coach throughout her world wind, thriller unfolding story. It’s truly been an amazing experience working on it so far. Can’t wait until we are able to share it with the world. You can follow the Instagram page @stagemomshortfilm to stay updated with funding campaign’s, cast and crew, release dates and more!
What are ways that you give back to your community and if not now, how do you plan for your business to impact the communities around you concerning giving back?
One of the ways I strive to impact the communities around me through my artistry is being able bring inspiration to people for them to freely be themselves. To be unapologetically authentic and true to being genuine to who they are. Part of what I feel like job to give back is by being an advocate and ambassador for people to be given that chance. Being someone who stands for equality and opportunity.
Another way I hope and plan to have the opportunity to serve my community is by giving always giving to those less fortunate, I have always had the desire that soon as I had an opportunity to impact those communities who are in need of something, I’d do so. It was a part of the foundation I grew up on, and something my family did often. I have enjoyed being able over the years when given the chance.
If you had the opportunity to be influential in any other industry, how would you like to impact that industry?
One thing I could potentially see myself doing is being a Theatre Teacher. I would love to leave an impact on students who are interested in the fine arts. I believe growing up with a teacher as a parent I’ve always also had a love for children and their development regarding their love for the arts. I believe I could have a big influence on their creative direction and journey.
During my high school years and at church I was the drama leader in our youth department, I would meet with a few friends and youth of our church and put together skits and presentations each week. Although we were all roughly the same age, I saw the influence I had even then. One of my biggest take aways was how I was even more inspired by the interest others had, and how it continued to motivate me in my own creative journey and developing career.
Thank you so much again for sharing all of this with us. Before we go, can you share with our readers how they can connect with you, learn more or show support?
I try and stay as active as I possibly can on social media. That is the easiest way to interact with me personally. As far as professionally I have all acting profiles linked and available for viewing, my email and any other links are included in my bio on Instagram. Any upcoming projects or events I’m apart of, I usually post or talk about on my socials. There is a campaign coming up for the latest project/short film “Stage Mom” that I will make sure and post very soon! I’m available for professional and creative collaborations and open to finding ways to continue filling this world with inspiring art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7811867/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaDReed21
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/joshua-reed-7911b2189
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosueReed
- Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/Joshuadreed
Image Credits:
Ashley Doyle with Shooting Journeys Aaron Carolina with Headshots By AC
