Many people receive invitations in the mail. But for Joseph Sheridan ’23, the life-changing invitation came from a fourth-year student in a massive, inflatable costume. It happened during Joseph’s first year at Miami University. He was already enthusiastic about the multiple programs he was pursuing: a major in Theatre, a major in Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship, a minor in Music Theatre, and a minor in Dance.
All of these would give him the well-rounded education he needed to bring creative works to life on the stage. And amidst his first batch of auditions, as he was resting in the lounge of Miami’s Center for Performing Arts, his friend emerged, wearing the blow-up suit:
Buried in a sphere of inflated polyester, the friend said, “Joseph, I want you to audition for my new comedy show.”
He couldn’t turn down such an eccentric offer. And as it turned out, the audition wouldn’t just land Joseph his first part in a Miami production — it would start his exciting journey with a revolutionary new theater collective.
The Possible Dream
The comedy show was produced by New Wave Theatre Company, an organization founded by an aspirational group of Miami students. Its mission was to produce new, student-written shows. From the very beginning, Joseph loved the dynamic atmosphere and unique opportunities that New Wave offered.
“It’s always been a real passion of mine to engage with the thing that makes people excited, people creating their own things,” he says. “There’s something so magical about seeing a playwright have their work read for the first time, and having actors play a part that has never been played before.”
It soon became clear to Joseph that he was exactly where he belonged, and he was eager to get more involved. That’s what led him into a leadership position.
Not On My Own
One of the reasons Joseph first chose Miami was because of its unique degree offerings. While he was originally planning to double major in Theatre and Business, the Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship program gave him the opportunity to take classes at Farmer School of Business, with a focus on entrepreneurship in the arts. And at New Wave Theatre Company, he would get to apply those creative management lessons firsthand.
After the founders graduated, he became president of the company. Under his leadership, they found new ways to grow. One of Joseph’s biggest decisions was to turn New Wave into a student organization, rather than keeping it independent. This strategic move proved massively beneficial to their outreach and funding efforts. As Joseph notes, the Associated Student Government at Miami is committed to seeing student organizations thrive, and he was able to leverage this support into more opportunities for RedHawks to create unique, original art.
Open Every Door
Now a professional actor, Joseph credits Miami with preparing him to step out into the professional world. But even though he’s graduated and doing incredible work, he’ll never leave New Wave Theatre Company completely behind. He still goes back to campus to see their new productions, grateful to be a lasting part of the New Wave legacy.
And, of course, he’ll always be a RedHawk, which comes with its own kind of inspiration: “You have the opportunity to dream big and do something awesome with your time at Miami,” he says, “no matter what that is, and no matter what you’re into.”
In short, the story of Joseph’s success starts with the passion, leadership, and creativity he brought to Miami. And now, it’s time for Act II.
