Hey Joshua, So excited to be chatting with you! Where did your love of acting come from?
I used to love watching movies when I was little, they kept me company and I would always rewind my favorite scenes and watched them over and over. I decided that is what I really wanted to do, I wanted to entertain people like the movies entertained me.
Do you have any rituals before filming a show?
No not really. Every project is different so I just prepare as best I can before getting there and then see what the director wants to do with each scene and see how all the actors work together.
Are there any acting projects in the works you can tell us about?
I was supposed to be in the spring play at my high school, we had started rehearsing just before schools were shut down. I think we will now do the play in fall. I do have a small part in a feature film that is coming out around Christmas this year. It is called “The Truth About Santa Claus” and I think it is going to be very funny.
What are your friends and parents’ thoughts on your career in acting?
My parents and my friends are very supportive of me. My friends and teachers get so excited when they see me in something, it is fun to hear their reactions.
My parents are always ready to take me to auditions or film locations, help me tape auditions at home or run lines with me.
What goals have you set out for yourself in your career?
I would like to find an agent soon and in the next few years I would love to be on a TV show or a movie. Being part of a big project even in a supporting role would be amazing. There is always more to learn so I plan to keep taking classes.
Overall, how has this whole acting career experience been for you so far?
I love it! It has helped me be less shy and helped me with memorizing things for school. I have made a lot of friends too which is great. It is awesome to have a supportive community.
What was your reaction like when you learned you won the Young Artist Award for best teen actor in a short film?
It was such an exciting night even before I found out I had won. I love LA and being there for the Young Artist Awards was so much fun. I got to present an award at the ceremony 2 years in a row and I really enjoy doing that. Then the time came for my category and when they announced my name I couldn’t believe it. It was such a rush of excitement. I went up to the stage to get the award and I had a prepared thank you speech, you know just in case, well I was so excited that I forgot I had it with me. I think I remembered to thank all the appropriate people though. I had such a great time filming “A Thursday Drive” that winning for the movie made it all that much better.
What did that huge accomplishment do for your career?
It is a great addition to my IMDb and my resume!!
I just started high school in September so I was focusing on getting through my freshman year more than auditioning these past few months. Now that the school year is almost over, I hope that once we are out of quarantine I can start auditioning again and that having won this award will help me out in getting some good auditions.
What’s your favorite part about being an actor?
I love getting to play different characters and being on stage and on film. I also enjoy learning from each director I get a chance to work with.
Do you have any advice for anyone trying to make it as an actor?
Take a lot of classes with many different teachers, you learn something different from each one that can help you. Also ask a lot of questions from other actors and their parents to learn how they are doing things.
Start working on student films or as a background actor. That is where you can see the commitment it takes and how everything works on a set. If it’s your dream, don’t give up.
Do you have any other talents other than acting?
I am trying to teach myself how to juggle.
Do you have any last things you want to tell your fans?
Please follow me on social media at JoshuaJPackard and thank you for reading my interview!
Thanks for taking the time to do this interview!
