Full Name:
Joshua "J.Fresh" McGowan
Major/Year:
in Theatre and Dance 4th Yr. Senior
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.
Favorite place to study:
When I first got to UT, I lived in the PCL. 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 my lovely parents, Richard Armstrong and Mary Moss. I’m the second oldest of eight brothers and sisters. I have a two year-old son that lives with me here in Austin. As I looked back on life, I didn’t realize how active and involved I was. I played every sport there was 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 neither clue nor knowledge about the play. It started out as just lines. My professor, Von-Gretchen Shephard, sister of Apollo Legend Kiki Shephard, introduced me into another world. That world was theatre. From there I watched myself change like a caterpillar to a butterfly.
“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”: Character- Preacher Dir. By Hannah M. Robinson
Internship: Dallas Children’s Theatre Production Department, Dallas, TX
6 Short Films:
Love scene from “Save the Last Dance”, Dir. By Annie Chi, RTF Major
“Black Texas”, Dir. By Daniel Veliz RTF Major
“The First Militant Minister”, Dir. By Daniel Veliz
“The Affair”, Dir. By Chasity Colomb, RTF Major
“You’re Fired!”, Dir. By Aaron Lee, RTF Major
“I Want to See My Skirt”, Dir. By Cauleen Smith, RTF Professor
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 male dancers, which was a lot of fun and an awesome learning experience. Also, I modeled for a fashion show here in Austin for The American Heart Association entitled, “The Fall Fashion Affair”. Currently, I’m working harder than ever in the upcoming show THIS FALL, “Ashes, Ashes” written by Eve Tulbert and directed by Dustin Wills. 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 and a high fashion runway model.
