INTERVIEW WITH JOSH PITERMAN

DanceLife was lucky enough to catch up with Josh Piterman recently to talk about his career to date and also what he has coming up.
Josh trained at The University of Ballarat Arts Academy in Australia, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) in 2006.  Whilst at the Arts Academy Josh performed in Kiss Me Kate, Into the Woods, The Rocky Horror show with the cast of Neighbours, Sweet Charity, Simply Frank, The Delusional Mind of A Self Confessed Ladies Man, Tonight: A Tribute to Leonard Bernstein, The White Rose and A Chorus Line. Most recently Josh played Tony in the 2010/2011 production of West Side Story to critical acclaim. In 2010 Josh performed alongside Geoffrey Rush in The Drowsy Chaperone with the Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC), where he understudied and performed the role of George. Josh has always had a passion for classical singing and almost immediately after graduating from the Arts Academy, he starred in the sell out pop-opera cabaret Divino at the critically acclaimed Butterfly Club in Melbourne. Josh then went on to perform the role of “The Registrar” in Madama Butterfly whilst touring with the Melbourne Opera Company. In early 2007 Josh moved to Japan where he was the lead singer in the Tokyo Disney Jazz revue Big Band Beat. Josh then joined the international pop-opera sensation, The Ten Tenors. During this time he performed in numerous theatres, concert halls, opera houses and arenas across Europe, Asia, Africa, USA, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia as well as singing on various television shows across the globe. He was also fortunate enough to film a DVD  “Amigos Para Sempre“ with the Spanish RTV Orchestra in Madrid. In Australia, Josh has performed on The Kerri-Anne Show, Sunrise, Saturday Disney, Back Yard Blitz, A Current Affair, Today Tonight and Ready Steady Cook. He also performed the National Anthem at 2008 Melbourne Cup. Last year, Josh appeared in Seriously Something! at Melbourne’s Chapel off Chapel and as the lead singer for M2 productions at Crown Casino.  He also played the role of Gutierrez in the workshop of An Officer and a Gentlemen for The Gordon/Frost Organisation.

1.      You studied at the Ballarat University Arts Academy. What advice would you give someone who is enrolling into a course for 2012. How did you approach full time study?
My only real advice would be to study hard, engross yourself in the work and have the time of your life. Drama school is a beautifully safe environment where actors get to take incredible risks. It’s also a place to make lifelong friends! I think i worked pretty hard at the things I was passionate about; I certainly formed great relationships with many people at the University and still carry those friendships with me today.
2. West Side Story was the latest production you were a part of. How was your experience working with Director and Choreographer Joey McKeenly?
It was a positive learning experience for me to work with such an acclaimed Director/Choreographer such as Joey. It taught me a lot about myself as a person and my strengths and weaknesses as a performer. I’ll no doubt use those lessons in the future.
3.      You were recently a part of the charity event Twisted Broadway. How did you get involved in this event?
Unfortunately I wasn’t, as I was returning from a trip to the states and got delayed 48hrs and missed the show. Bummer!! Regardless, the event was highly successful and The Benge Group have firmly established themselves as an up and coming Production Company for the future.  The level of talent that performed on the night was second to none, just to get all those people in one room together is astonishing, but to then sell it out and raise so much money for such a worth wile cause (‘Equity fight AIDS’) is phenomenal. Apparently the event will be travelling interstate next year which is brilliant!
4.      It’s important as a performer that you keep yourself mentally and physically fit. What tips do you have for staying fit?
Eat well! 80% of how you look is what you put in. It also helps how you feel. Having said that don’t be afraid to spoil yourself once in a while (that also makes you feel good) Mix up your exercise routine. It’s always good for your body and mind to try new things. Laugh a lot!! Have good friends. Keep positive about the future, smile at the past and enjoy the now.
5.      You’re next role is as The Caliph in Kismet then Michael Carrington in Grease 2 for Stage Art. Tell us what audiences can expect from these productions?
It’s a beautiful role in a stunning old show, with a lush and rich score and a really fun musical comedy style plot. There aren’t many musicals like it. Definitely one for the whole family. Just a feel good show with some of musical theatres most famous numbers. I have a few weeks off after Kismet before I go into rehearsals for Grease 2, which is just going to be heaps of fun. Audiences can expect much hilarity for starters. From all reports, the direction of this production is going to be very comical and there are plenty of great fun songs to get stuck in your head. The cast is full of youthful energy and exuberance. They are all extremely talented performers who really love the piece. I can’t wait to share in all the fun and excitement with everyone. It’s also the first time I have been able to be in a show with my wife Hayley, so I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with her.
Grease 2 starts on 12 Oct -22 Oct. Head to the website for more details!
www.grease2onstage.com