A recent graduate of Dalhousie’s acting program, Josh Cruddas is making his mark in the world of theatre. With roles in Titanic: The Aftermath, the TV series Call Me Fitz and the highly anticipated movie, Copperhead, released this spring, Cruddas is getting his fair share of experience in the acting world. His passion for acting began at 14 when he got his first paid role as Kurt in The Sound of Music at the Neptune Theatre. He was hooked, but no surprise since his family has always been into theatre.
“My mom was in charge of a youth group and I’d do plays within those groups, which helped me get started,” he says.
Out of the many works that Cruddas has been a part of Copperhead is his favourite so far. Directed by Ronald Maxwell and filmed in New Brunswick, Copperhead is about a family’s struggle to stay together during the American Civil War. Cruddas plays Jimmy, an orphaned son, and describes the audition process.
“I actually auditioned for the role over Skype with my director. Afterward my agent told me not to cut my hair, as I was being considered.” He mentions that on the set of his movie his fellow actors became like family, who all placed themselves within the context of the Civil War.
“It was a really immersive experience. Everyone there was from all over the world,” he says. While Cruddas is done most of the work on the film, he is still working on voice-overs in post-production.
The film helped Cruddas gain more confidence in acting. “Working with people who I admire even before meeting them was a great thing. I also gained faith through working on this film that I could really make a go at this.”
After graduating from Dal’s four-year acting program, Cruddas was able to gain the skills and preparation he needed to enter the world of acting.
“Both my schooling and overall experience at Dal prepared me for this movie and helped me to embark on this wonderful journey.” Many of Cruddas’ fellow acting friends from school have gone off to do big things, and he still keeps in contact with them and his friends in the third year class.
The world of theatre is extremely competitive, but success is possible. For those aspiring to become actors Cruddas says to not get discouraged.
“If you’re in it because you love the work and the art of theatre, you will find your way.”
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