Joseph's earliest memories of his life's journey were forged in the picturesque town of Norwalk, Connecticut, a locale that provided a serene backdrop for his formative years. As he grew and developed, his family's relocation to the charming rural town of Redding, situated a mere hour's train ride from the bustling metropolis of New York, would prove to be a pivotal moment in his life. It was amidst this idyllic setting that Joe's fascination with the world of theatre first began to take shape, an interest that would eventually blossom into a lifelong passion.
In the vastly contrasting environment of Redding, where a scarcity of inhabitants harmoniously coexisted with an abundance of wildlife, a striking dichotomy arose, serving as a poignant backdrop to the life of Joe. As the eldest of three siblings, Joe assumed the responsibility of babysitter and "cruise director" for his younger brother and sister, fostering his performance skills through the art of imaginative play and storytelling.
Joseph Redding's childhood was marked by a unique blend of rustic simplicity and intellectual stimulation, fostering a wide range of extracurricular interests. From the tender age of four, he developed a passion for ice hockey, persisting in his enthusiasm for the sport until his freshman year of college. Concurrently, he also found solace in the great outdoors, indulging in leisurely hikes and refreshing swims. His inaugural foray into the workforce, which he maintained until commencing his higher education, was a stint with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). During this tenure, he acquired a diverse array of skills, including proficiency in carpentry, auto mechanics, forestry, and the operation of heavy machinery.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Joe had the opportunity to attend Joel Barlow High School, an institution where he was immersed in a social environment surrounded by peers whose parents had the means to indulge in lavish lifestyles, characterized by the ownership of high-performance vehicles, spacious residences, and costly playthings.
Joseph's unconventional early beginnings, shaped by his rugged upbringing, did little to diminish his innate passion for the performing arts. In fact, his involvement in his school's choirs and musicals served as a catalyst for his artistic expression. His initial forays onto the stage, which may have been unorthodox, saw him take on the roles of Judah in the iconic musical "Joseph and the Amazing..." and Agwe in the enchanting "Once On This Island." These formative experiences, coupled with his deep affection for classic R&B and Jazz, played a pivotal role in the development of his distinctive voice, ultimately setting him apart from his peers in his field.
As the milestone of college enrollment approached, Joe found himself standing at a crossroads, grappling with a crucial decision: to continue his career with the state government or to embark on a novel trajectory. This juncture presented a significant fork in the road, with Joe's heart and mind weighing the pros and cons of each option.
Joe embarked on an ambitious academic journey by submitting applications to a total of twelve prestigious institutions, notwithstanding the fact that he lacked formal training in the field. Nevertheless, his determination and potential were not fully recognized by all, as he only received acceptance letters from two of the colleges he had applied to.
After completing his academic pursuits, Joe relocated to the vibrant metropolis of Manhattan, where he has since been actively engaged in a diverse array of captivating theatrical endeavors. Among his most notable achievements are his contributions to the national tour of the iconic musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", his work on the enchanting production of "Into the Woods", his involvement in the critically acclaimed "Ragtime" at the esteemed Barrington Stage Company, and his Off-Broadway debut in the high-energy comedy "Shake & Bake".
