Joshua Turchin seems to be doing it all. While most teenagers are figuring out what they want to do with their life, Joshua has had a clear idea of his path since he was six years old. I had a chance to interview Joshua on his career and upcoming planned shows at Below 54.
What drew you into acting and the theater in particular?
I grew up surrounded by musical theatre. My family and I would usually go to New York every summer to see shows, and when I was around 6, I saw the show “Once”. I walked out of the theater, and I knew instantly that this is what I wanted to do.
What is your process for breaking down a character or a song?
When I break down a character to write about it, I have to really look at their major want. I have to ask myself why this specific character should have a song here. Is there a better way of communicating to the audience what the character wants? Is the emotion high enough for a song to be justified? Once I have that mapped out, I have to see what I could tell in the song that would provide more information about the character and their life.
What do you look for in a Broadway script?
One of the major things I look for in a Broadway script (and when writing in general) is consistency. Characters have to make choices that both make sense for them in character and are in tune with the in-universe rules. Sometimes, for the plot, shows can break pre-existing rules to provide a twist or show-stopping moment. However, everything that is done has to make sense with the character.
Tell us about your newest project at Below 54.
At 54 Below, I’m producing a show with Katherine Lynn-Rose called “TikTok Takes Broadway”! We have an incredible cast of TikTok composers, performers, and writers who are going to be performing some of their original music, in addition to special games and more! It will be on July 25th at 9:30!
You do it all– write music, perform, director, produce. How do you balance it all?
I think one of the ways I can balance it all is by blending everything into each other, in the sense that I combine everything I want to do.
What is your advice for keeping a healthy work/life balance?
Some really good advice for keeping a healthy work/life balance would be to give yourself a break sometimes and pace yourself. If you are just constantly producing content, it can lead to burnout and a loss of motivation.
Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you.
I can play almost any song by ear after listening to it.
What are your goals for 2023?
My main goal for 2023 is to keep writing music!
Any upcoming projects you can share?
I’m going to be producing two shows at 54 Below! One of them is “TikTok Takes Broadway” with Katherine Lynn-Rose, and the other is “Musicalizing” with Julia Macchio! I really can’t wait for these shows and stay tuned for more information about them!
Where can we follow you on social media?
You can follow me everywhere at @JoshuaTurchin
