🎭 RENT
🗓️  13 to 21 Jun 2025
📍 Shirley Burke Theatre
🎟️  aspecttheatre.org.au

Josh Direen’s path to musical theatre was not one he initially chose with enthusiasm. Growing up in Tasmania, Josh was nudged toward singing lessons by his mum, who told him he’d better give it a go or face the consequences. What started as reluctant compliance soon evolved into a deep love of performance. He joined a choir, began training more seriously, and eventually pursued a classical voice degree at the University of Tasmania. While he never fully connected with opera, he found his passion in musical theatre, leaning into repertoire that bridged his vocal skill with storytelling.

In this episode of the Showtime podcast, Josh sits down with Andrew G to reflect on his creative evolution, his role as Roger in Rent, and what it means to be part of Melbourne’s independent theatre community. He speaks with clarity and warmth about the values that matter most to him now; collaboration, community, and creative bravery.

Josh’s move from Tasmania to Melbourne was driven by a desire to be closer to more opportunities and to immerse himself in a broader arts culture. What he found was not just a city bustling with productions but a network of artists and creatives who genuinely look out for each other. He describes Melbourne’s independent theatre scene as a place where inclusivity and kindness are not just buzzwords but part of the fabric. Whether you are in the ensemble or leading a show, everyone is there because they love the work and believe in each other’s right to belong on stage.

His return to performing after a pandemic-induced break was fuelled by this sense of community. After questioning whether he would come back to theatre at all, it was the people. Artists, directors, producers who made him feel like there was still a place for him. That welcoming atmosphere extended offstage too. He shares a story about walking into a cast party for a show he was not even involved in and being embraced like an old friend. It is that openness, he says, that sets Melbourne’s scene apart.

Playing Roger in Rent has brought a new level of emotional engagement to Josh’s work. He sees Roger as a complex man wrestling with grief, guilt, love, and the fear of running out of time. That sense of urgency resonates with Josh personally, as he reflects on ageing and the shifting benchmarks of success that artists often grapple with. Rather than viewing time as a threat, he sees it now as an opportunity to deepen his craft and make meaningful choices.

The demands of the role require him to balance intense emotional delivery with vocal and physical stamina. He talks about the importance of technique, not just for singing, but for acting as well. While some performers might fully immerse themselves in method acting, Josh prefers to draw selectively from personal experience while relying on the energy and truth shared between cast members. He believes in building emotional moments together, supported by trust, rehearsal, and creative direction, rather than trying to relive personal trauma night after night.

Josh also credits intimacy coordinators for helping navigate scenes that demand vulnerability. Their presence creates a space where actors can feel safe and in control, allowing for authentic performances without compromising personal wellbeing. It is a shift in theatre culture that Josh wholeheartedly supports and hopes will become standard across all types of productions.

At the heart of the conversation is Josh’s definition of artistic bravery. To him, it means choosing to show up even when the outcome is uncertain. It means auditioning for roles you are not sure you are right for, saying yes to projects that scare you a little, and trusting that growth often happens in discomfort. This mindset has helped him embrace his own imperfections, let go of the need to impress, and find stillness in his performance.

The current production of Rent by Aspect Theatre offers a fresh and intimate take on the beloved musical. Josh describes it as raw, stripped back, and deeply human. The focus is on the relationships, the urgency of the moment, and the truth of each character’s experience. For Josh, stepping into Roger’s shoes has not only refined his performance chops but also helped him work through his own questions about life, loss, and identity.

What shines through in this interview is a sense of grounded confidence. Josh does not position himself as someone who has all the answers. Instead, he speaks with humility and curiosity about the ongoing nature of learning and evolving as an artist. His story is one of persistence and discovery – of staying in the room, saying yes to unexpected paths, and allowing each experience to shape the next.

Josh’s journey reminds us that musical theatre is not just about bright lights and big notes. It is about connection, courage, and community. Whether singing in a choir in Tasmania or leading a powerful production of Rent in Melbourne, his approach remains the same – honest, open, and rooted in love for the craft. For anyone navigating the often unpredictable world of the arts, his story is a timely reminder that there is no one way to get there. All that matters is showing up, being generous, and staying true to what moves you.