Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Reed.
Hi Joshua , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
A little more than 12 years ago I was working on the tech (Lighting and sound) side of a musical for a local middle school. During the process I realized that the local kids only had one maybe two opportunities to perform per year versus year round sports and I didn’t think that was fair for kids interested in the performing arts. So, a decision was made to open Drama Geek Studios. Initially we were centered on classes over performances but that changed as interest shifted from a class environment to an on the stage desire. In our ninth year we were blessed with the opportunity to buy our own space and in February of 2023 we closed on our permanent performance venue, The Historic Crescent Theater. There is a great history within the theater building having opened its doors initially in 1917! In the three years since we’ve been in residence at The Historic Crescent Theater we have performed 22 productions. Our first staged performance as Drama Geek Studios took place the December of 2014 with the play It’s a Wonderful Life, adapted for the stage by James W. Rodgers. Based on the film by Frank Capra. After that show, we hit the ground running! Here we are 12 years later and currently in production on shows #77 and # 78. In our short 12 years we have performed in church halls, school auditoriums, and had the honor of being the theater in-residence for several years at the local community college. Now, we have a theater to call home and perform any and all types of shows that we feel are relevant to the times as well as shows that we are interested in even if they are not at the forefront of peoples minds.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road along the way has been smooth and rocky individually and simultaneously. A struggle we encountered early on was performance space and the cost of renting. We survive on our ticket sales and most venues are set up for large rentals with big budgets, compared to a non-profit theater group. Covid did not help the arts either and we were fortunate to come out the other side stronger.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the owner/artistic director I research and choose which shows we will perform in our season as well as many other things that go along with a production. I would have to say my specialties are directing and lighting design. Being the director, the lighting design becomes an additional way to tell the story and evoke emotion beyond what the performers are doing. It helps solidify the process into one cohesive message. If I am known for anything I think it would be my show choices and lighting design. I am most proud of doing shows other groups stay away from and then attempt once they’ve seen we succeeded. Being an innovator comes with loads of challenges and risks but when we succeed and move people, thats worth the battles we’ve fought.There are a few things that set us apart from from other groups. A major thing is that I am the final decision maker. Even though we have an advisory board at DGS, the final choices are mine. Other groups rely on votes which can lead to tension and resentment among its members. Since this is an endeavor that was funded by my own pocket, there’s an understanding of why I make the final decision. Another thing that sets us apart is we are open and welcoming to all from day one. There is no build up or pretense to be involved with us. You can be brand new and still get a lead. You can be brand new and you are welcomed as if you’ve been involved with us for years.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love comedy podcasts. Specifically those hosted by comedians. Dan Soder, Andrew Santino, Bert Kreischer, and Your Moms House are pods that I listen to weekly. As for books a few favorites are A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, 1984 by George Orwell, and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Lately I’ve been reading essays and books by Albert Hofmann and Aldous huxley.
Pricing:
- $20-$25.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dramageekstudios.com
- Instagram: @dramageekstudios
- Facebook: Drama Geek Studios
