January 17, 2024

Joshua Smith (BM ’27) is a freshman at MSM from Hinesville, Georgia, who recently performed live on NBC’s TODAY Show as part of an ensemble of MSM Musical Theatre students.

Joshua, a Musical Theatre major, speaks with us about that experience, why he chose to study at MSM, and his advice to those auditioning for musical theatre at MSM.

Learn more about MSM’s Musical Theatre program: 

A bit about Joshua

Joshua Eugene Smith grew up in Georgia just outside of Savannah. His favorite musicals are Ragtime and Dream Girls, and his favorite movie is Cat on A Hot Tin Roof. His interests and hobbies go beyond musical theatre and hanging out with his friends – he loves roller-skating, knitting, crocheting, and reading!

How has freshman year been so far? What’s been your most memorable experience?

Joshua: Freshman year has been great! The faculty here are wonderful. They genuinely care about your growth, not only as a performer, but as a human being – I noticed that from the very beginning, even in the audition process.

My most memorable experience… there are so many. But since I must choose, I’ll say performing on the TODAY Show. Thanks to our excellent MT Ensemble Voice teacher, Richard Baskin Jr., we had the opportunity to perform with Cheryl Porter, Hoda Kotb, and Jenna Bush Hager. We sang their hit holiday single, A Carefree Christmas with Hoda & Jenna, live from the plaza outside the TODAY Show studio.

Why did you choose to study Musical Theatre at MSM?

Joshua: I’ll answer this in two parts. Firstly, I chose musical theatre above all because I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. I love telling great stories and sharing these experiences with my colleagues. Secondly, I chose Manhattan School of Music because it was the best fit for me. Not only are we in New York, but the faculty really want us to succeed. I think we are one of the only schools that doesn’t have a cutthroat or toxic environment, while we push and encourage each other to be great.