Alumni Voices: From Montclair Musical Theater Major to Blue’s Clues Host
Discover how Josh Dela Cruz, a 2011 Montclair State University graduate, transitioned from the stage to the screen, hosting Blue’s Clues & You! and making his mark on Broadway and children’s television.
Posted in: Alumni Success Stories, College News and Announcements, Department of Theatre and Dance News
One in an occasional series on Montclair State University alumni soaring high.
Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues & You! host Josh Dela Cruz, BFA ’11, recently returned to Montclair State University to participate in Homecoming activities, participating in President Johnathan Koppell’s Cooking with Koppell and sharing his journey with students at the School of Communications and Media. Reflecting on his time at Montclair, he shared, “It was filled with lots of love, good memories, and gratitude.”
Meet the Alum: Josh Dela Cruz, ’11
Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre, a highly selective, four-year, conservatory-derived professional training program designed to prepare students for professional success in musical theater.
Current Role: Host of Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues & You! since 2019. He has also appeared in Netflix’s FUBAR, Law & Order Toronto, and is developing a children’s literacy show.
Career Highlights:
- Starred in Blue’s Big City Adventure
- Part of the cast and an understudy in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway
- Roles in Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along and Here Lies Love
- Played opposite Lou Diamond Phillips in The King and I
- Role in CBS’ Bull
- Featured in People magazine with former Blue’s Clues hosts Steve Burns and Donovan Patton
Audition Spotlight: Auditioning for West Side Story. Carnegie Hall was doing an anniversary concert where they were casting Jets as people of color. I got to go to callbacks auditioning as a Jet, which was always a dream role for me. Ultimately, I didn’t get the job, but I could not be prouder of how I did, and that will always be a highlight of my career.
Star Power! Montclair State Alumni See Their Names in Lights
Why Montclair?
I chose Montclair after being floored by the professionalism of students and productions like Cabaret and Parade. Rob McClure, a Montclair alum, directed my high school musical, which eventually led me to a scholarship at Paper Mill Playhouse. That summer changed my life and solidified Montclair as my top choice.
“I love Montclair. It’s a great school, and the Musical Theatre program is turning out professionals who are succeeding in the business.”
What Was Your Montclair Experience Like?
I was fortunate enough to be in a production every semester, which built my confidence as an actor and prepared me for a career in theater. One of the most important lessons I learned was the value of play. Being onstage with older students and seasoned directors challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new roles and emotions. It was while performing in the musical Side Show that I realized the power you have is only given by the people you share the stage with, and I thought that was such a wonderful lesson to learn moving forward.
Post-Graduation Career Path
I did the King and I in Kansas City, Missouri, starring Lou Diamond Phillips and Rachel Bay Jones. It was also the first time that I’d ever been part of an all-Asian cast, which was pivotal for me in embracing my cultural identity.
Former Students Find Success on Broadway
How Has Your Degree Helped You?
My time at Montclair taught me how to learn. As we grow, we’re constantly adapting, and the ability to learn material, digest it and apply it is invaluable. I’ve carried that with me throughout my career.
Tell Us About Your Role on Blue’s Clues & You!
I get to be silly, and I get to reconnect with that sense of play without judging it. Over time, I learned to enjoy the process; it’s all about having fun and staying flexible. How do I do that instead of being a serious actor? Even “serious” actors are playing, right? So, finding that sense of play was huge.
Advice for Current Musical Theater Students
- Put in the work: Just assume that you don’t know what you’re good at yet, and you don’t have to be good at it to keep trying. Don’t write anything off because it’s not your thing.
- Discover your authentic self: Knowing who you are will set you apart in auditions. If you don’t know who you are, it’s going to be difficult to convince people that you can be an interpretation of a character.
- Know your role: Stay present, and always be prepared to contribute.
- Learn to fail: Surrender to the possibility that you’re going to fail but that’s not an excuse to half-ass it.
- Plan financially: Learn about credit and savings now. When I was starting out, I didn’t understand this. You need credit to get an apartment. Start thinking of savings as investment capital for yourself and for those risky projects.
What Do You Value Most About Montclair?
There are so many things but it starts and ends with my wife. I met her here, and the only reason I survived in New York City was because we were in it together. His wife Amanda Phillips ’11 currently stars in Jersey Boys and had a cameo in Blue’s Big City Adventure.
Engaged! College of the Arts Alumni Video Goes Viral
I’m a ______, tell me more…
Prospective Student / Parent: Learn more about the Musical Theatre program, plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!
Journalist: Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview about this topic.