Full Name:
Joshua “J.Fresh” McGowan
Major/Year:
B.A. Acting
Favorite class in Theatre & Dance and why:
My favorite class in TD would have to be production lab. As silly as it sounds, I love every minute of it. I love being a part of something that is important. Production lab allows one to be an active ingredient in a proven formula.
Favorite thing about Austin:
Austin is a lot different from Dallas. It is nice, friendly, and allows you to explore what life has to offer. I enjoy the scenery the most. The houses on the Westside of Austin are fabulous. Sometimes I just pass by to look and dream of what it's like to live in one of those mansions. Yeah and I can't forget about 6th Street of course. Good times.
Favorite place to study:
When I first got to UT, I lived in the Perry Castaneda Library. Nowadays, I enjoy my peaceful time in the lobby of the Payne Theatre. The scenery with the fountains and the MLK statue is superb. I'm able to concentrate with very few distractions. I also saw the albino squirrel there!
Brief biography (including projects, awards, accomplishments):
I was born in Dallas, TX from the mean streets of Oak Cliff. I am blessed to have such wonderful parents, Richard Armstrong and Mary Moss. I'm the second oldest of eight brothers and sisters. I have a three year–old son, Sean Patrick McGowan, or some say "Lil Fresh" who lives with me here in Austin. As I looked back on life, I didn't realize how active and involved I was. I played just about every sport in high school, even swimming. I had intentions of becoming a basketball star. As a high school senior, I thought to myself, "What would I do in college?" Then, I got cast for Othello as "Iago." I had not a clue or knowledge about the play. It started out as just lines from Ol' Shakespeare. My professor, Von–Gretchen Shepherd, sister of Apollo Legend's Kiki Shepherd, introduced me into another world. That world was theatre. From there I really became engaged to Theatre and wanted to make it my life. I did a few productions in high school that led me to where I'm at now.
- The Ebony Nutcracker: Special Guest from High School Dance Team
- Dreamz Remix: Special Guest from High School Play, Theatre of Black Arts and Letters, Dallas, TX
- Oatmeal Cookies with Hannah M. Robinson
- Internship: Dallas Children's Theatre Production Department, Dallas, TX
When I got to UT, I quickly began to try and get involved as much as possible. I originally wasn't a member of the department until Fall 2007. Prior to getting admitted into the Theater Department, I participated with Radio, Television, and Film students in filming and getting practice/experience work with cameras. I played part in 6 short films:
- Love scene from Save the Last Dance with Annie Chi
- Black Texas and The First Militant Minister with Daniel Veliz
- The Affair with Chasity Colomb
- You're Fired! with Aaron Lee
- I Want to See My Skirt with Cauleen Smith
Current projects/research/interests:
I have a few short films under my belt but I was recently featured in an Indi Film, Aaj Kal as one of the dancers which was a lot of fun and an awesome learning experience. Also, I not only act but I do model. I had the opportunity rip the runway in Fall 2007 for a fashion show in Austin for The American Heart Association entitled, The Fall Fashion Affair. Also in Fall 2007, I landed a role in one of the main stage shows Ashes, Ashes, written by Eve Tulbert and directed by Dustin Wills, as part of the chorus. In case you missed this Fall's production of Our Lady of 121st Street, you missed a good one. Yeah I was in that one. I played 'Flip.' I'm so blessed to be doing a lot of great things and I plan to continue to chase those dreams of becoming a well–respected actor like Texas's own Jamie Foxx and a super model like Tyson Bedford.
