Acting
EXPERIENCE
Film
Since 2003
Joel's first acting role was in 2003's The Bell Witch Haunting. Since then, he's performed in dozens of films. Browse all or scroll down for some of his most acclaimed film work.
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Theatre
Since 1998
Joel performed in his first play in elementary school and hasn't stopped since. Browse all of his theatrical work or scroll down to check out some of the highlights.
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FILM
Latest Film Clips
Recent Film Highlights
Butt Quack
A repulsive adult entertainment procurement specialist arrives at the doorstep of a washed-up actress to browse her supposedly enticing collection of purchasable adult films. Little does he know that the actress is interested in more than money and his very life may be at risk.
Vial
After delaying a drug test with his parole officer, a relapsed addict must set out to find clean urine at the risk of losing custody of his son.
Surplus Terminal
In an escape-dependent society, a compassionate dream-mercenary, or Strafer, considers subjecting a friend to an excruciating extraction process to evade her destitution, disconnection, and despair.
The Offer
After a well-off entrepreneur hires a local bartender to spy on and flirt with his girlfriend, the bartender begins to develop feelings for her. "The Offer" is a film about jealousy, flirtation, and the lengths we go to uphold out beliefs.
The Harvester
A nomadic prospector discovers a massive deposit of rare substance and must fight to keep his find.
Browse All of Joel's Film Acting Work
Beautiful
Beautiful How do people fall in and out of love? This short, shot in LA in 2024, examines the beginning, middle, and end of a relationship, told from the perspective of the woman who lived through it. Joel plays
Bell Witch Haunting
Bell Witch Haunting The cause of the Bell family’s torment nearly 200 years ago, as well as today’s unexplained manifestations, remains a mystery. Numerous versions and theories that purportedly explain the cause of the disturbances abound and vary from person
Blue
Blue In the not-too-distant, dystopian future, the state controls all. During the now-extreme winters, citizens are mandated to shelter until Spring, not permitted to leave their homes for any reason, their only supplies coming from state actors known as, “Caretakers.”
THEATRE
Joel’s theatrical career began in elementary school. As a teenager, he won several district and state competitions in dramatic performance with the National Forensics League, in addition to qualifying for and competing in a national competition. Later in New York City, he studied Meisner at the Matthew corozine Studio and Advanced Scene Study at the Terry Schreiber Studio.
Theatre Highlights
Brilliant Traces
Brilliant Traces is a riveting two-character play written by Cindy Lou Johnson that delves into the complexities of human connection and the search for belonging. Set in a remote cabin in the Alaskan wilderness, it follows the unexpected encounter between Henry Harry, a reclusive hermit, and Rosannah DeLuce, a runaway bride seeking refuge. As they confront their inner demons and past traumas, their unlikely bond deepens, unraveling layers of vulnerability and resilience. With raw emotion and poignant dialogue, the play explores themes of isolation, forgiveness, and the transformative power of human connection amidst life’s chaotic unpredictability.
This production was directed by Dunya Karam and it marked the second collaboration between Dunya and Joel. The production was mounted in March, 2018 at the Playroom Theatre just off of Time’s Square in NYC.
Edward II
“Edward II” by Christopher Marlowe is a tragic historical drama that explores the downfall of King Edward II of England. The play portrays Edward’s tumultuous reign, focusing on his controversial relationship with his favorite, Piers Gaveston, and subsequent conflicts with the nobility, particularly his ambitious queen, Isabella, and her ally, Roger Mortimer. Marlowe depicts the struggle for power, loyalty, and revenge amidst political intrigue and personal betrayal. As Edward’s authority weakens, he faces imprisonment, rebellion, and ultimately, a tragic fate, highlighting themes of hubris, sexuality, and the consequences of challenging societal norms in medieval England.
In Mercury Glass‘s production at Teatro Latea in NYC, Joel played the Archbishop of Canterbury, one of the play’s primary antagonist’s.
Other Desert Cities
Other Desert Cities is a gripping family drama by Jon Robin Baitz. Set in Palm Springs, it revolves around the Wyeth family gathering for Christmas, where tensions escalate as secrets unravel. Brooke, a novelist, unveils her memoir manuscript, exposing painful family truths, particularly regarding her deceased brother’s involvement in a politically charged event. Her revelation sparks conflict with her conservative parents, Lyman and Polly, who fear the fallout of their past. As emotions escalate, the family grapples with loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of love amidst ideological differences, ultimately questioning the balance between truth and familial loyalty.
In this production, mounted by The Celebration Company in Urbana, IL, Joel played Trip Wyeth, the wandering son in the Wyeth family.
Pericles
Pericles by William Shakespeare is a timeless tale of adventure, love, and redemption. Set across vast seas and exotic lands, it follows the titular character, Pericles, as he embarks on a perilous journey to win the hand of a princess. Along the way, he encounters storms, pirates, and political intrigue, testing his courage and resolve. Amidst the turmoil, themes of family, loss, and reunion weave a rich tapestry of human experience. With its blend of drama, romance, and comedy, “Pericles” captivates audiences with its vivid characters, poetic language, and enduring exploration of the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
This production, mounted by the Fools & Kings Project, was a novel take on the Bard’s tale. Conceived as a 1970’s glam rock musical, this production featured dozens of songs, all performed with acoustic instruments. Joel played the narrator, “Gower” and was the musical and narrative driver of the play. He offered lead vocals and guitar accompaniment on 13 tracks in the show. Pericles was performed in 2019 in Central Park and Riverside Park in NYC.
Rossum’s Universal Robots (R.U.R.)
Rossum’s Universal Robots by Karel Čapek is a science fiction play that explores the consequences of creating artificial life. Set in a future where robots are mass-produced, the play delves into themes of technology, humanity, and autonomy, raising ethical questions about the implications of playing god with artificial intelligence.
In this production, mounted by Battle Damage Productions in lower-Manhattan, Joel played Dr. Gall, a scientist who works for the Rossum’s Universal Robots company. He represents the scientific community’s fascination with pushing the boundaries of creation and the ethical dilemmas that arise when science delves into the realm of creating artificial life. Dr. Gall’s character embodies the ambition and moral ambiguity inherent in scientific progress.
The Aurora Project
“The Aurora Project” is a captivating sci-fi drama following Constantine, a humanoid robot, and Nora, a genetically enhanced explorer, embarking on an eternal journey through the cosmos. When Nora contracts a fatal illness on a mysterious planet against Constantine’s wishes, he freezes them both in cryo-sleep to await a cure. The narrative unfolds across eons as they drift through space, waiting for humanity to advance and heal Nora. Themes of love, sacrifice, and the passage of time permeate this poignant exploration of mortality and hope in the face of the unknown, offering a compelling reflection on the human condition amidst the vastness of the universe.
In The Navigator’s premiere production, Joel played “The Designer” at The Access Theater in NYC. The Designer is the creator of the show’s protagonist and acts as the primary internal antagonist for Constantine.
The Petrified Forest
Pulitzer Prize winner Robert E. Sherwood’s rarely revived Depression-era drama The Petrified Forest at Berkshire Theatre Group’s Fitzpatrick Main Stage in Stockbridge, MA. Directed by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright of Proof, David Auburn.
Sherwood’s play, located in an out-of-the-way gas station and diner in Arizona, focuses on a group of dreamers who are suddenly overtaken by a gang of outlaws on the run. Joel played multiple roles in this play, including a lineman in the diner and an electrical worker who’s also passing through. Check out a video with the cast and Director about their roles in the production.
Uncle Vanya
“Uncle Vanya” by Anton Chekhov is a tragicomedy set in rural Russia, revolving around the lives of the titular character, Vanya, and his family. Vanya, along with his niece Sonya and stepmother Yelena, struggle with unfulfilled desires and disillusionment on their country estate. Their mundane existence is disrupted when Sonya’s father, Professor Serebryakov, and his young wife, Yelena, visit, bringing with them discontent and upheaval. Love triangles emerge, resentments surface, and dreams are shattered as the characters confront their regrets and yearnings. Chekhov’s masterpiece delves into themes of ennui, unrequited love, and the existential search for meaning in a provincial setting.
In this innovate production at NYC’s Alchemical Studios, Joel played the family patriarch “Professor Serebryakov.”