BIO | Josh Charleton
Josh grew up in the sleepy, western mountains of Maine where he was encouraged to do music at an early age. Having his first solo at 7 years old, Josh went on to have many roles in elementary school and beyond, developing a lifelong love for the theater. While in school, Josh learned how to play saxophone and eventually doubled on flute and clarinet. After High School, Josh started taking private voice lessons with Malcolm Smith and Margaret Yauger, who were principal actors at the Opernhaus Düsseldorf, which advanced his career in the arts. He realized he had an affinity for singing classical music and so began his studies at the University of Southern Maine finishing with a degree in vocal performance. Under the tutelage of Ed Reichert and Judith James, Josh flourished under the program and won both of his divisions for Maine NATS and Boston NATS, vocal competitions sponsored by voice teachers. He was also part of the honors recital at USM for 2012.
Josh has had many notable roles over the years in both community and regional theater as well as with OperaMaine formerly known as PortOpera. He has taken on challenging roles such as the Baker in “Into the Woods,” George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical,” Jimmy in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Kolenkhov in “You Can’t Take it With You,” The Ghost of Christmas Present in Michael Tobin’s adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” and many others. Josh also is a reed doubler and has played for many local community theaters including Biddeford City Theater, Windham Center Stage, Schoolhouse Arts Center, The Burlington Players, and Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Association.
A recent development in Josh’s life has been the composition of original music. His new project entitled “Pedestal” depicts a man’s journey with finding himself while going through relationships, heartbreak, and discovering hope. Look for the whole album in the music section of this website!
