Meet Joshua Thomas Bray

February 20, 2024

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joshua Thomas Bray. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Joshua Thomas, so great to have you on the platform and excited to have you share your wisdom with our community today. Communication skills often play a powerful role in our ability to be effective and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your communication skills.
My journey in theater, starting from a young age at the Josephine Theatre in San Antonio, was pivotal in shaping my ability to communicate effectively. Being involved in musicals like “Cats” and “Oklahoma” at just 6 or 7 years old, I was thrust into a world where clear and confident communication was key. The stage taught me not just how to speak, but how to engage an audience. I learned to project my voice, a skill that later proved invaluable in the military. Improvisation and speech delivery were tools I honed through theater, enabling me to communicate confidently in diverse situations. This background in performing arts ingrained in me a unique proficiency in conveying my thoughts and ideas effectively, regardless of the setting. I owe it all to the stage.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a writer and a person in love with imagination. Art has always allowed me to play, even writing. I love to play. I knew early on that art would allow me both the creative freedom and opportunity to earn a living that I enjoy.

As a writer, one significant achievement in my career is the poem “MISTER PARALYZE,” which was transformed into a captivating short film by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD, and on Jessica Alba for her YouTube channel and Halloween series AMSR You Scared of the Dark episode 1. To hear Jessica do the voice over, to see my poem come to life is a gift I’m still in awe of.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful elements have been resilience, creativity, and effective communication.

1. Resilience: The ability to adapt and persevere through challenges is vital. For those starting out, it’s important to understand that setbacks are not failures, but opportunities for growth.

2. Creativity: This isn’t just about artistic talent; it’s about thinking outside the box and approaching problems in novel ways. Nurturing creativity involves constantly seeking new experiences and perspectives.

3. Effective Communication: The skill to articulate ideas clearly and listen actively is crucial in any field. Improving this skill requires practice, feedback, and a willingness to learn from others.

My advice for those early in their journey is to actively cultivate these qualities through consistent practice, seeking mentorship, and embracing lifelong learning.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was introducing me to the world of art and encouraging the freedom to explore. This nurturing environment allowed me to express myself in various forms, further igniting my already vibrant imagination. Their support in my creative endeavors played a crucial role in shaping my artistic perspective and approach. Their encouragement for my exploration in the arts not only honed my skills but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for creative expression. This foundation of creative freedom and support was essential in developing my identity as an artist and thinker. Their belief in my potential fueled my drive to experiment and innovate, laying the groundwork for my future endeavors in the creative field.