Joshua Elijah Reese is a native of Pittsburgh. Originally from the East Side of town, he grew up in the Garfield Heights projects before gang violence drove his family to move to the city’s North Side. As a child, Joshua enjoyed performing with his elementary and middle school choirs; but as a high school student at Perry Traditional Academy, he longed to play sports - namely, basketball (now his second love.) Disappointed after being cut during tryouts, he took a suggestion from his English teacher and decided to audition for the high school musical. He was cast, and he has not looked back since.