Opening for Diana Ross at the Hollywood Bowl. Starring as Aaron Burr in “Hamilton.” Bringing Coalhouse Walker, Jr. to life in “Ragtime” at New York City Center. These are a few of the stories Joshua Henry, a three-time Tony Award nominee and Broadway star, shared with students during a recent visit to Department of Theatre Arts classes at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences.
During a conversation that spanned multiple classes on Feb. 25 and 26, Henry tailored his insights to students at different stages of their artistic development. For first-year students, he focused on providing foundational guidance for aspiring performers. Sophomores received lessons on building community, while for juniors and seniors, Henry delved into tips for creative longevity and creating a meaningful career path.
Central to Henry’s current work is “Grow With That,” a workshop he offers that provides a holistic approach to artistic development and focuses on mindful actions artists can take to live inspired lives. During his class visits, Henry shared personal stories and practices that have helped him grow, focusing on building community, creative longevity, and mental and spiritual health.
Drawing from his own journey, Henry offered invaluable wisdom. He emphasized patience and the importance of appreciating the process of growth and learning. He encouraged the students to surround themselves with people who genuinely support and inspire them, reminding them that creative success is a marathon, not a sprint.
In one of Henry’s talks, he shared his mantra with students: “My journey is not your journey, but it might be the thing that helps me grow.” He also asked students to sing for him and provided feedback on their technique and performance.
A proud graduate of the Frost School of Music who performed in many musical theater productions at the Jerry Herman Theatre while he was a student, Henry has carved a remarkable path through Broadway, film, television, and music. He has established himself as a powerhouse in the performing arts, with an impressive nine Broadway shows under his belt.
Henry’s musical theater performances have spanned some of the most celebrated stages. He portrayed Aaron Burr in “Hamilton,” opening both the Chicago production and the first U.S. tour, and delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. in “Ragtime” at New York City Center. His Tony-nominated roles include Billy Bigelow in “Carousel,” Haywood Patterson in “The Scottsboro Boys,” and Flick in “Violet.” He has also been nominated for a Grammy Award.
Henry’s artistic journey extends far beyond the Broadway stage. On screen, he has starred as Gaston in ABC’s “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” special and appeared in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Tick, Tick... Boom!” He has also performed in the Apple TV+ drama series “SEE” and the action film “American Renegades.”
As a recording artist, Henry has performed alongside legends like Diana Ross at the Hollywood Bowl and Common at The Kennedy Center. His album “GROW” is available on streaming platforms, showcasing his musical versatility.
Through his multifaceted career and “Grow With That” workshops, Joshua Henry continues to inspire and guide the next generation of performing artists at the University, demonstrating that true artistic success comes from continuous personal growth, community support, and unwavering passion.
