Profile

Thank you to the many people who have been blog contributors to, and readers of ArtsBlog over the years. ArtsBlog has long been a space where we uplifted stories from the field that demonstrated how the arts strengthen our communities socially, educationally, and economically; where trends and issues and controversies were called out; and advocacy tools were provided to help you make the case for more arts funding and favorable arts policies.

As part of Americans for the Arts’ recent Strategic Realignment Process, we were asked to evaluate our storytelling communications platforms and evolve the way we share content. As a result, we launched the Designing Our Destiny portal to explore new ways of telling stories and sharing information, one that is consistent with our longtime practice of, “No numbers without a story, and no stories without a number.”

As we put our energy into developing this platform and reevaluate our communications strategies, we have put ArtsBlog on hold. That is, you can read past blog posts, but we are not posting new ones. You can look to the Designing Our Destiny portal and our news items feed on the Americans for the Arts website for stories you would have seen in ArtsBlog in the past.

ArtsBlog will remain online through this year as we determine the best way to archive this valuable resource and the knowledge you’ve shared here.

As ever, we are grateful for your participation in ArtsBlog and thank you for your work in advancing the arts. It is important, and you are important for doing it.

Elbert “EJ” Joseph

Elbert Joseph, known as EJ, is a Hard of Hearing actor who is fluent in both American Sign Language as well as spoken English.

EJ started acting when he was thirteen and his passion turned into a career. He received professional theatrical training at the Boston Arts Academy and has worked with several award-winning theaters in the Boston area including American Repertory Theater, Huntington Theatre, and Wheelock Family Theatre. EJ is a professional actor who is funny, good hearted, smart and passionate. He dreams of transforming lives and inspiring the world through his craft. EJ believes success is found in collaboration, desire for personal growth and the constant pursuit of new opportunities.

In 2002-2003, EJ was nominated by the Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Louis in The Trumpet of the Swan at Wheelock Family Theatre and Special Recognition for his performance as Yeffim in Uncle Vanya at American Repertory Theater. In 2012, EJ was part of the IRNE recognition of Best Ensemble for The Arabian Nights at Central Square Theater. In 2016, EJ was honored by the IRNE’s with a Special Recognition for his performance as Tuc in Suzan Zeder’s Ware Trilogy: Mother Hicks, The Taste of Sunrise and The Edge of Peace, performed over a three-month period and produced on three separate stages by Emerson Stage, Wheelock Family Theatre, and Central Square Theatre.