Meet Joshua Nelson | Filmmaker and Acting Teacher

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

Hi Joshua, why did you pursue a creative career?
I was and have always been an extremely shy person, ever since I was very young. And then I saw a film called “And Justice For All” with Al Pacino. I was no more than 10 years old but something happened when I watched it…I thought- that was amazing and that is what I want to do with my life. I want to be on a screen creating magic like that…so, I had to learn how to overcome that quiet, introverted personality and find a way to become other people. It took a few years but I was fortunate enough to attend the High School Of Performing Arts where I was surrounded by extremely talented people and very encouraging teachers so through that, I was able to pursue a career in acting. Which led to my becoming a filmmaker…which led to me opening my own acting school.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I opened LaGuardia Acting Studio in New Jersey several years ago. To be honest, I never had any intention of teaching…never even considered it, but when you have a family, you need to think beyond yourself. I had no training as a teacher but more than enough real-world experience in acting. My training was all theatre-based- Stanislavski And Lee Strasberg based…but my true training was in the real world, primarily doing film and tv. I always tell my students- you learn acting in class but you learn how to BE an actor/actress in the real world. My school is more film/TV based training and there isn’t a lot of that in New Jersey. Also, I train them in acting AND the acting business. There is far too little of that out there…I work with many agents, managers and casting directors in both NY and LA so I am bringing my students all the truth of what this business actually is. The first thing I tell all my students is that I have been in this business for over 25 years and I am still learning all the time. Our school is VERY real-world based…I strive to make my students as natural and real as possible and to get them as good as I can but I also teach them just how this business works, the good, the bad and the ugly. We also make several films, both shorts and features as I believe nothing teaches actors how to get comfortable in front of the camera like being in front of the camera.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ugh- I am SO boring…my life is my kids and I don’t drink so I am NOT the person to do that…but I guess I would do Times Square in Manhattan, a Broadway Show, dinner on a restaurant row….typical NY tourist stuff. Even as a local, I still enjoy the touristy stuff myself. If it was in Jersey- wow, that’s worse…I guess, bagels and pizza…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely-Anthony Abeson and Marat Yusim, the two men that taught me what acting was all about. While they were very different people with very different methods, I was blessed to work with both and absorb all I could from each, brilliant man. Also, my grandmother- who helped me find my very first monologue and initiated my journey into show business. Finally, Al Pacino- who’s work alone gave me all the inspiration I have ever needed to become a professional actor.

Website: laguardiaacting.com