The 77th Tony Awards earlier this month gathered American Theatre’s best for a night of recognition. One of those recognized, James Bolosh, was a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, making him EMU’s first Tony winner.
James Bolosh, a co-producer on "Stereophonic" graduated from the EMU Theatre Department.
Bolosh was a co-producer on “Stereophonic,” a play that follows a band in the 70s trying to make it big. Over the course of his career, Bolosh has worked at TV networks and with artists across the country, and the authenticity of “Stereophonic” is what drew him to the show.
“When I watched it, I was like oh my god, this is exactly what happens in the studio,” Bolosh said.
Originally from Livonia, Bolosh attended EMU and immediately became a part of the Theatre Department. He starred in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” his freshman year, something he said was a big deal.
“I was very lucky,” Bolosh said. “That never happens.”
Bolosh soon began dipping his toes into directing and from there his career took off.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without Eastern Michigan University. My experience at Eastern really helped shape who I am today.”
Bolosh looks back fondly on his time at EMU, where he also was a theatre critic for The Eastern Echo.
“I really wanted to become a better writer and I really wanted to take my knowledge of the theatre and what I learned and apply that on a bigger scale,” Bolosh said.
Looking forward, Bolosh doesn’t know what the future holds, but he is grateful for where he is and has no intentions of slowing down.
“If you want it, you gotta go out and get it,” Bolosh said.
“Stereophonic” earned 13 Tony nominations and 5 wins and will be playing on Broadway until January 2025.
