Hey friend! Welcome to my website. ☻
I’m Joss, and it is a pleasure to virutally meet you!
So here’s the dirt on me (because that’s why you’re here, right?): I’m a small-town, Midwest gal who somehow has turned herself into a New York based actor. And when I say small town, I mean it. Gravel roads, lots of cornfields, drive your tractor to school day…you get the gist. But even though I can now walk at the speed of light down a NYC sidewalk, I still have a lot of Midwest spirit to give.
I earned my BFA in Musical Theatre from the Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance (say that three times fast), and have been running on elbow grease, panic, and optimism ever since!
↓↓ Rad Facts About Me ↓↓
If you couldn’t already tell by my header, Insagram bio, or my entire TikTok, I really like milkshakes. A lot.
I’m a proud dog person, but cats are welcomed.
I once had a slight addiction to Mt. Dew Kickstarts, but after the move to NYC, I've upgraded to Red Bull. No one tell my doctor.
If you were to play me any Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus song, chances are I know every single lyric.
My main motto— be kind! Life’s too short to be a jerk.
“What Are You Up To Lately?”
This Gorgeous Game
Fall 2024
I was so thrilled to lead the staged reading of the new musical This Gorgeous Game, based on the novel by Donna Freitas. The story follows Olivia, who wins a writing competition created by her favorite author, Mark Brendan. One of the prizes for winning is private one-on-one writing sessions with Mark. Over time, these sessions become a lot more dark and intrusive, leaving Olivia wondering how she can escape. You can read more about the project and listen to demos from the piece below:
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Summer 2024
It was so wonderful to be back at the Hippodrome this past summer! Due to some Covid cases within the cast and crew, along with the arts funding being cut by DeSantis in the state of Florida, our bee had to end early. You can donate to the Hippodrome Theatre by following the link below:
NEXT TO NORMAL
WINTER 2024
I felt overwhelmingly grateful to have had the chance to revist the character of Natalie in NEXT TO NORMAL. Having a second chance to get to know her was the greatest gift! This production of NEXT TO NORMAL was produced by Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville, FL.
“Hot Off The Press!”
“Post intermission it was “The I Love You Song” which found viewers in bated breath until the song’s emotional end. Here Josslyn Shaw, who plays Olive, prompted an audience member to exclaim “damn.” ”
“Shaw’s Ariel is also assertive, determined, independent, and emotional, when necessary, but always likable. You root for this character as Shaw plays her with a zest for life. Shaw wraps her soaring soprano voice around the lyrics to such well-known songs as “Part of Your World.” As she clearly and expressively sings the number, Shaw’s timing and emphasis are spot on. Shaw succeeds admirably in all facets.”
“Josslyn Shaw’s brilliant soprano is a masterclass in musical theater performance. From the whisper-hush talk-singing, to the massive climax of the song where she proclaims that she’s ready to stand with a soaring belt, just nearly escaping the grotto. Josslyn Shaw’s delivery of the iconic track is a rare performance that compels you to the momentous emotions that the song demands, all with Shaw’s angelic Disney Princess tone. Even the reprise has all the gravitas that could draw one to tears with each word of Ashman’s delivered with gorgeous intensity. ”
“Josslyn Shaw has a striking solo, “The Perfect Ten,” as the presence of a past gymnastic superstar. ”
Psssst! Listen to “Perfect Ten” here or on any streaming platform of your choosing! → → →