Meet Joshua Andrew Smith | Actor & Screenwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Andrew Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua Andrew, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Although, I was born Georgia, I grew up in the midwest. I spent my early childhood in the Cincinnati area where I was introduced to a judgement free environment. During this stage I learned to treat people with the proper respect and, more than likely, you will get the same respect. In 2005, I moved to the Chicago area. During my time in Chicago, I realized that I wanted to be in the spotlight in someway. My high school classmates always told me that they could envision seeing me on television. After high school, I earned my undergraduate degree at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. I earned my undergraduate degree in Mass Communications with a minor in Theatre. At this stage of my life is where I was introduced to acting. I began participating in 48 hour short film projects. My college classmates always gave compliments about my acting. At this moment, I began to realize that I wanted pursue a career as an actor. After earning my undergraduate degree, I moved down to Miami and earned my Masters in Fine Arts at the New York Film Academy at South Beach. After school, I decided to begin my acting career in Atlanta.

Throughout my upbringing, I played sports(Basketball & Baseball for the most part). I was always one of/the most talented athletes on my team. I bring this up because these two factors proved to be, both, a blessing and a curse. Even-though I worked hard on my craft, I feel as if I could have worked harder to perfect it. As a result, I look back at my athletic career with a whole lot of “what ifs”. This has impacted me to this day because I, made, a personal commitment to continue to find ways to work on my craft so I can fulfill my potential as an actor. Everyday I try to do something that involves acting. Whether it’s preparing for auditions, watching movies, reading about different acting methods, and etc., I don’t want to look back with any regrets like I did with my athletic career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As far as the journey, I am proud of the fact that I have/am currently maintaining motivation to, constantly, work on my craft. Considering my, previous, limited experience in front of the camera, there have been numerous times where I felt like an outsider to my fellow classmates and actors/actresses. My mental struggles and social anxiety led to depression and dark times. There were times where I felt that I had to work twice as hard just to keep track with my fellow actors/actresses.I was blessed to work with a therapist at the school and we worked on my mental state and mindset in pursing my acting career.

My mental hurdles during my time in school helped create a thicker skin when it comes to my career. During my time in Atlanta, I’ve been rejected by numerous productions and agencies. I’ve been laughed at by casting directors during in person auditions.That hasn’t stopped me from applying for roles every day. This relentlessly approach has resulted in multiple bookings in independent shorts and feature films.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First off, I love Miami. I feel as if Miami represents a perfect depiction of who I am as a person. Miami has a persona of being a vibrant city. People just live there and enjoy the sunshine and the nightlife. Although, that might be true in some aspects, I believe that theirs, a underrated aspect of grittiness that applies to people of live down there. People work their butts off and they get rewarded for it by having a good time down in the city.

Having said that, I pride myself of being a very simplistic guy at times. Although, I love spots such as Wynwood and Biscayne Bay, my favorite spot is relaxing on the shores off South Beach at night. I love hearing the ocean waters while laying off shore. It takes me to a calm and peaceful mental state. It relieves the stress. That’s my spot; very simple, but very valuable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and Foremost, I need to give credit to my parents(Bernard & Barbara) and my sister(Tayla). They have been always supportive since I decided to pursue this career. They also gave me some though love when necessary. Second, I have to give credit to my fellow classmates who have encouraged and believed in my talent in ability. My classmates at the New York Film Academy helped challenge me and motivated me to reach my potential. My classmates at NYFA were: Hadley Green, William Orchard, Antonella Aniasi, & Camille Serrano Marrero. Third, I want to give credit to my acting instructors who pushed me while working on my craft. Some of these instructors are: Mark Mocahbee, Paul Tei, Neil Butterfield, Patrice DeGraff Arenas, & Kathleen Hogan. Finally, I have to give credit to my bestfriend and girlfriend, Marrissa Cole. She has been in my corner from day 1. Encouraging me and helping me work on my craft.

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Image Credits
Katie Driscoll Photography Rachel Jeraffi Photography