Joshua Maxwell is a multidisciplinary theatre artist, arts administrator, and author with more than twenty years of experience on stage and behind the scenes.

Josh’s love of performance began at age four, singing with his grandfather’s Southern Gospel quartet. His early years in church dramas and pageants led to community and educational theatre, where he discovered a passion for acting and design. As a performer, he has taken on roles as varied as Princeton in Avenue Q, Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet, and half the population of Tuna, Texas in an award-winning production of Red, White and Tuna.

As a director and designer, Josh has helmed productions including Chicago, Mame, The Lion King Jr., Little Shop of Horrors, The Wizard of Oz, and many more. His creative design work spans set, lighting, sound, projection, and special effects. Administratively, he has served in multiple capacities in theatre and events management, including seven years as Managing/Artistic Director for Paris Community Theatre in Paris, Texas.

In addition to theatre, Josh is the author of four books, including the recently released A Practical Guide to Lighting Design. He has recorded three albums and continues to perform as a vocalist and musician. His work with schools, theatres, and community organizations reflects his belief that the arts can inspire, challenge, and bring people together.

Josh’s creative work also includes developing original projects that merge theatre, comedy, and social reflection. In 2021 he introduced Reverend Jay McPherson, a satirical preacher inspired by the evangelists and faith healers of his youth. The character struck a chord online, with multiple viral videos and millions of views, blending sharp humor with messages of inclusion and hope. Reverend Jay has since been featured on various live stages across North Texas, including Dallas Comedy Club, The Fort Worth Fringe Festival, and the Dallas Indie Comedy Festival. Josh is also at work on The Astounding Josh and His Collection of the Absurdly Possible, a family-friendly variety show that combines puppetry, music, and magic to celebrate imagination and creativity.

At the heart of it all, Josh is driven by a single passion: to create meaningful experiences that connect, entertain, and inspire.