Joshua Flores

If you missed Joshua Flores as Angel in GPAC’s RENT, you missed one of the most heartfelt, genuine, and unforgettable performances of the year. Joshua’s authenticity on stage captivates the audience, effortlessly bringing both laughter and tears. He also has a stunning voice and is an incredible dancer. Offstage, Joshua is everything you’d imagine—sincere, kind, loving, and the type of person you’d instantly want as a friend. Joshua may be at the start of his career, but he already has the skills that promise great success in the performing arts. Take a moment to learn about this amazing and talented young man.

When was your first time on stage?

Bear with me as I look back at my core memories for this one! The very first time I was on stage I was about five years old. My childhood church held an annual Christmas Nativity Play, and I’m pretty sure my debut role was as one of the animals. I’m fairly certain I was one of the sheep. 

Now the first time that truly stands out to me was during my freshman year of high school. I was part of the cheer and dance programs and our fall showcase dance recital is what first lit that spark of excitement and love for the arts in me. I loved the reactions and applause from the audience and truthfully just being able to have that privilege of being able to be a part of something that made me feel special. That’s when I started exploring my path, trying to figure out my “calling” and dance is what stuck.

Full disclosure though, my professional stage debut didn’t happen until the beginning of this year, when I performed in Shrek the Musical with Upright Theatre Co. as a featured dancer in the ensemble.

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

Actually, I knew I wanted to be an actor when I saw my friends Shannon Davidson and Alli Perez perform in Bonnie & Clyde at Uptown Theatre in Grand Prairie. I was truly so inspired by them because I never imagined myself in the world of theatre. Especially musical theatre because I felt like I still had so much to learn and a long way to go. I am a firm believer in “it’s not about perfection, it’s about progression” but I’ve come to realize that while yes there is always room to grow, it’s never too late to start something new. Once I caught the theatre bug and people began to recognize my name, I knew there was so much more out there for me to experience and strive for. 

Who is your greatest mentor?

My father is one of those people. He passed when I was 16, but I am so blessed to have had such an awesome and cool dad for all of those 16 years. He came to this country with nothing and still managed to give me everything. That man worked tirelessly to make sure I had not only what I needed, but often what I wanted too (bless that poor man’s bank account). But what I loved most about my dad was his free and fun spirit. He taught me to never take life too seriously and reminded me that it’s more than okay to have fun! 

My coaches in high school also played a huge role in shaping me. Man, when I tell you I was disciplined, I mean it. I often like to say, “You don't have to be here, you get to be here” and it was these women who taught me that mindset. Amy Solorio, Amy Boyer & Erica Chambers. Mrs. Solorio and Mrs. Boyer were my dance coaches and Ms.Chambers was my cheer coach. They all had different yet unique personalities and styles to their coaching but one thing they all had in common was passion. They were tough and ran a very tight ship when they needed to but they taught me to never take any opportunity for granted. That if you start something strong, you finish what you started strong. 

When I think about who my greatest mentors are, I can’t point to just one person it’s the incredible women of Upright Theatre Co. who have guided, encouraged, and inspired me every step of the way. Natalie Burkhart, Noël Edmonson, Whitney Morris, Abigail Clark, Megan Guerra, and Gina Gwozdz Skirchak have each played a unique role in uplifting me and helping me grow into the performer I am today. Their leadership, support, and belief in me have shaped my journey, and I truly owe it all to them.

The one person I can always count on to keep me grounded and give me the best constructive criticism (always out of love) is my fiancé, Julian Rodriguez. Julian is the kind of person you want to know and be around, not just because he's incredibly talented, but because he truly knows what he’s talking about given the opportunity to have any conversation with him. He’s so knowledgeable and so passionate about the arts, I love picking his brain on things. To be fully transparent, I was just a shell of a person before I met him. When we started this theatre journey together, he never sugarcoated things. He told me the truth, exactly as it was. If I wanted it, I had to work for it. And if I think I’m good now then I need to go harder and keep working because I can only get better.

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

C’mon now, Ms. Angel Dumott Schunard! I mean don’t get me wrong, being a duloc dancer lives in my head rent free but Angel is just everything to me. I watched her on my tv as a little kid and I was so amazed to see that someone can be so beautiful and so proud in their own skin and not care what others think. When I found my passion for theatre, Angel was one of those roles I knew I wanted to go after and make happen. I truly do owe it to my RENT family for helping me find my own Angel. Javon Tcheco who played my Collins allowed me to experiment and have fun! Making the process so smooth and so rewarding. My understudy as well, Michael Valderas played Angel previously and he helped me pull my inner Angel out. Godspeed to Michael because when I finally did it was a party and more for everyone! 

Do you have a dream role?

I have a few actually that I would love to play!  Dr. Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Show, Ogie from Waitress, Seymour from Little Shop Of Horrors…. And One of the Merry Murderesses from Chicago! It’s gonna happen, I shall wait and clap until it’s my turn. 

What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?

Those who know me and I mean truly know me would probably answer for me and say Ariana Grande! A boy can always dream, but honestly any chance I can get with my Fiancé I will take any day. Julian and I have done all of our shows together this year (thankfully it was a good first year in theatre!) and I know the universe will push us to try new things and go for different productions. But If it’s not behind the table, I will always choose to share that stage with him.

 Anyone I’ve ever had the pleasure and opportunity of connecting with really is the main answer here, even if I know someone just mutually they already have all of my respect because DFW is filled with so much passion and authentic talent! Even if I’ve done a show with someone already I always hope we can do it again because time just goes by so fast! I mean when you get the privilege to meet and work with so many people with some awesome backgrounds you want to share that for a lifetime. From my Shrek Family, my Ghost Family, RENT family, Even the kiddos I’ve had the opportunity to teach in The Little Mermaid Jr. I always hope to get the chance to share a stage with those people. 

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

The first thing that comes to mind was getting to watch Mariah Lyttle as Celie in The Color Purple. I saw her at the AT&T Performing Arts Center when I was a junior in high school and it was one of the most memorable performances I had ever seen! From the vocals to the raw emotion and intensity she brought I instantly became a fan and had “I’m here” on repeat for a good minute.

What are your career goals?

My career goals center around performing and teaching dance, that’s where my passion truly lies. Beyond that, I want to build a life and career where I’m happy, healthy, and constantly learning. I believe growth never really stops, and I want to always challenge myself to keep improving as an artist as a person and as a partner. I also hope to inspire others along the way, whether that’s by sharing the joy of performance on stage or helping students discover their own confidence and creativity through dance. Ultimately, my goal is to use my craft not only to express myself but to create meaningful connections with others and leave a lasting positive impact.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

So a little fun fact if you will, I actually don’t know how to read music and I’ve never taken formal acting lessons! I also had what some might call a “late” start to dance at 15, and I didn’t begin doing musical theatre until I was 22. My secret? I go off of vibes! I take big leaps into the deep end without a life jacket, and I learn music completely by ear. I am the true definition of faking it till you make it. Don’t get me wrong I am a fast learner but it keeps the process exciting and it’s pushed me to trust myself and grow in ways I never expected