Alumni Interview: Josh Meredith

Who: Josh Meredith
Years at Weathervane: 2011-current
Position: Actor

What was Weathervane like before?

I firmly believe that the magic of Weathervane never changes. Though I haven’t been back on the campus in quite some time, I remember each time I would step foot onto the grounds for a new summer season, a magical comforting feeling would overwhelm me. It always felt like home.

How has the Weathervane campus changed?

I haven’t been back since the addition of the Matthew Trombetta Artistic Wing. My summers took place during the fundraising stages, so I was so excited to see it finally came to fruition. I hope to make it back one day soon to see all of the hard work and dreaming that went into it in person!

What do you do now?

I’ve taken a brief step away from my theatre career, as an exciting opportunity to help give back to the world in a different way fell into my lap. I now serve as the Executive Assistant for Born This Way Foundation, founded by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta. We work with young people to build a kinder and braver world by making kindness cool, validating the emotions of young people, and eliminating the stigma around mental health!

What work do you put out during quarantine?

With more free time than usual, I’ve had more time to lean into my passion for music and theatre. My partner (who is an excellent pianist and singer) and I have been singing and creating videos nonstop.

How have you been coping in quarantine?

It’s been hard in New York City, in what seems to be the epicenter of chaos. But my work at Born This Way Foundation is focused on building a kinder, braver world, as well as helping folks connect to the mental health resources they need – so that mission keeps me focused on getting through this hard time.  Personally, I’ve been coping by making sure I keep a regular schedule on weekdays, including waking up at the same time every morning and having a routine. I also try to exercise, meditate, and do one creative activity at least once per day. It’s been incredibly helpful to maintain balance.

What is a favorite memory from WPH?

Aside from the shows I performed in while at Weathervane (which are still some of my favorite memories on stage to date), my favorite memories are the ones that brought each company together – the first Whit’s of the summer, getting the giggles on strike nights, impromptu dance parties at cast housing, the excitement of hearing the orchestra for the first time at Sitzprobe, opening night parties at Taco Dan’s, really all the hard work and bonding that make that signature #SummerMagic. One particular bonding experience I remember was when a terrible storm rolled through during the summer of 2012. The electricity went out in both the theatre and cast housing, right in the middle of a rehearsal for The Mousetrap and it stayed off for nearly a week, but we continued living and rehearsing as normal during that time. We made it work, and that’s part of the beauty of summer stock!

What shows were you a part of in your time at WPH?

I’m honored to have been in 13 productions at Weathervane Playhouse (between 2011–2014). My favorites include my first ever productions, Little Shop of Horrors and Big River (2011), my second season’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Leading Ladies (2012), and Weathervane’s winter production of Les Miserables (2013). My all-time favorite though, in which I got to play my dream role of the Emcee, was Cabaret (2014).

What are some other theatrical attributes you’d like to speak about?

Working in summer stock is truly no joke. From the stamina I built while rehearsing and performing 6+ shows back-to-back to the many skills I developed during my seasons. My first season was after my sophomore year of college, and I truly believe Weathervane helped to kick start my theatrical career. After moving to New York City, I returned to Weathervane for several seasons, but also performed at many other summer stock theatres as well as for Disney Cruise Line as a Mainstage Performer.