Who is Josh Mulcahy?
Hi, I’m Josh Mulcahy. I grew up a performer in every sense of the word I loved dancing singing and acting. Growing up, I trained as a student of the Australian Youth Theatre (AYT) and Young Australian Broadway Chorus (YABC) with Stage School Australia as well as a range of dance schools and amateur theatre companies across Melbourne. Once I finished school I went on to teach for SSA and at the beginning of this year, after a 26 year history with the company, I was appointed as the new artistic director.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I don’t think my ‘do differently’ answer is that left of field? If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing currently I would love to be in the primary school classroom. So much so that, since the pandemic I have been studying a bachelor of education.
Who inspires you and why?
My key inspiration would be the kids that we get to work with. I look back on my time as a student of the company I now lead and think how incredible it was in the opportunities I was afforded and the experiences I got to have. Every time I see one of our students do something similar that inspires me to create more of those opportunities and more of those experiences
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Participating in the arts makes all the difference in the world. It’s no secret and there is a lot of literature about how impactful the arts are for children and getting to be at the forefront of getting kids to experience the arts, both in the rehearsal room and what it’s like to be in the art and the making process but also to be in the audience and experience that art of performance in Theatre, that makes all the difference in the world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I don’t think I have a favourite holiday destination but in all the holiday destinations I go, I love to walk. I love to experience what it’s like to walk around the city, town, country that I’m in and see what’s the same and what’s different to how we experience life. So I guess my favourite holiday destination is a local coffee shop – no matter where I am.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Anywhere on the East End of the Melbourne CBD. Ideally I’d be taking them to see a theatre show or a footy game, but I think there’s so many cool restaurants and bars and little laneways to discover in that part of town.
What are you currently reading?
Generally, I’m a huge Australian crime thriller reader or biography reader. That’s what is normally on my bedside table. Although at the moment, I’m knee deep in the Madagascar Jr script – ready for our opening and rehearsals.
What are you currently listening to?
The most eclectic playlist of genres and artists that I can find – from musical theatre to ska, funk to Aussie alternative pop. But again currently the soundtrack of Madagascar Jr knowing I need to be prepared in for upcoming rehearsals.
Happiness is?
Happiness is good friends, good memories, good times. Prioritising these throughout everything.
What does the future hold for you?
I’ve recently become a parent so I don’t know what the future holds in 10 minutes time, let alone long-term. However, I know from a stage school point of view there are some really exciting plans and projects in the works and I cannot wait to see our kids bring them to fruition and welcome audiences to them very soon.
Josh is the Director of Madagascar JR – which will be presented by Stage School Australia at The Cripps Centre, St Kilda, from 7 – 10 July 2026.
Image: Josh Mulcahy (supplied)