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Joe Anania

Joe’s acting and directing credits include work on the “Sopranos”, “Law and Order” as well as films, national commercials and theater.

At the historic Cherry Grove Community House and Theater. Joe directed “Next” by Terrence McNally in 2016, acted and directed two One-Act Plays, “The Bear” by Anton Chekhov, “Penguin Blues” by Ethan Phillips in 2018.

He debut his One-Man Show “Split Decision” in 2019. He also performed it in New York City at the RIANT-Theatre Strawberry Festival in February 2020. Nominated as one of the top three performances.

Joe has a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Hunter College. He studied acting and directing at the Stella Adler Conservatory. He also studied with William Hickey at HB Studio. Joe was trained as an acting teacher in the Sanford Meisner Technique by Philip Gushee who was one of the founding members of the Neighborhood Playhouse. He also has taught acting technique and scene study at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. Joe has been a story teller for a number of years, studied with Adam Wade at the Magnet Theater. (Great Teacher). You can catch Joe at the “Moth“ telling his stories.

“Happy Gay Birthday Big Boy” is one man’s story about coming out of the closet that speaks to anyone who has ever struggled to find themselves.

Growing up in the tough Italian neighborhood of East Harlem in the 60’s, exploring queer culture of New York City in the 70’s and dealing with family drama through it all; Joe Anania’s tribute to his journey of finding his true identity is a wild ride of confusion, pathos, and humor.