Theatre student and PSOA Arts Ambassador Josh Thone took to the Lincoln Center in New York City to compete in the American Pops Orchestra (APO) NextGen National Vocal Competition Finals. His performance was the culmination of a successful competition period with APO.
Thone’s weekend in New York
Out of 250 applicants, Thone was among only ten students selected to perform in the competition in January 2025. The performance took place at the Lincoln Center and was livestreamed to thousands watching online.
“It was very much a pinch me moment,” said Thone. “To realize that I was actually landing and on my way to perform in New York City was something that I didn’t really fathom when we first landed.”
As an arts ambassador, Thone has often shown his appreciation for the skills and abilities he has developed during his time at PSOA. This was apparent during his competition preparation.
He selected two differing numbers, the up-tempo “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and the ballad “You Made Me Love You.” Thone utilized experience from his PSOA education to ensure that he performed renditions that were authentic to the original numbers yet true to Thone’s showmanship.
“I was able to infuse what PSOA taught me, which is finding authenticity in existing works and fusing that with the American Pops,” said Thone.
The day prior to the finals, Thone took part in intensive rehearsals at the legendary Boulevard Carol Studios.
In addition to preparations with the APO band, Thone and his fellow finalists took masterclasses. Thone’s standout memory was working with Tony-nominated actress Kate Baldwin, who is a graduate of Shorewood High School, just outside of Milwaukee.
Thone described that, while Baldwin is not a UWM– alum, her ties to Milwaukee are a strong representation of the “unique tight-knit community” that is fostered throughout the greater Milwaukee arts scene.
Thone’s PSOA education
Performing in New York City, specifically at the Lincoln Center, is a career-changing moment for any artist, especially someone as young as Thone. While his musicality and personality took him to said stage, he is appreciative of the confidence and experience he has gained at UWM.
“Any of that insecurity that one may have on a New York City stage all just flew by just because it was truly an experience that I didn’t want to take for granted and PSOA set me up to truly have success,” said Thone.
According to Thone, PSOA’s approach to making students performance ready was a defining aspect of his success with APO.
“You’re not set up to be some cookie cutter Broadway-bot mentality,” said Thone. “You’re trained to embrace who you are… that’s what art is. It’s bringing your voice and your stories and storytelling to a new generation… That’s something PSOA taught me that definitely helped me on my performance day.”
Despite the surreal whirlwind in New York City, he quickly adjusted back to school life, with spring classes beginning only two days after his APO performance. As a full-time student, Thone did not feel burdened to return to his studies, instead viewing it as a positive continuation of the work and experience he had while in New York.
“Some would go back to school and be sad,” said Thone. “But PSOA sets up that professional environment where that authenticity, that uniqueness, and being able to celebrate that translated so well into my studies.”
Story by Jason McCullum ’25