Here's the story morning glory...
PJ and his mom, Jill-- Photo:
PJ Schweizer is an upbeat sunshine boy who grew up in Doylestown, PA about an hour away from Philadelphia. At a very early age he had an over-developed imagination sparking the creation of, not just an imaginary friend, but an imaginary universe. Video games and plastic toys were for lesser mortals, as PJ armed himself with a large cooking spoon that became whatever he needed it to be, whether that was a sword, a magic wand, or even a horse.
In other words, that large cooking spoon was his first prop. Performing may be PJ's profession of choice but it is also something that has always been a part of him. At the age of three he could tell the entire story of The Wizard of Oz, complete with sound effects and voices.
At the age of eight, he was bit by the theatre bug when he did his first show, Snow White, with the Children’s Theatre Arts Center. He went on to take advantage of every performance/performance education opportunity available to him. From the American Youth and Children’s Choir, to the Bucks County Playhouse, to the University of the Arts Pre-College Musical Theatre Intensive.
His interest in the performing arts lead him to The Catholic University of America's Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, where he received a BM in Musical Theatre and intense musical, acting, and dance training. During his time at CUA, PJ got a chance to study a abroad at the London Dramatic Academy in the UK. Here he got to focus on classical acting including stage combat and historical dance.
PJ graduated from CUA in May of 2009 and has been working as a performer across the country ever since. He has originated the leading role in a First National Tour for Two Beans Productions. He has been onstage with all of your Sesame Street friends at Sesame Place Theme Park, where he is now Show Production Supervisor in the Entertainment Department. In 2011, PJ reached yet another milestone becoming a member of the Actors Equity Association!
In other words, that large cooking spoon was his first prop. Performing may be PJ's profession of choice but it is also something that has always been a part of him. At the age of three he could tell the entire story of The Wizard of Oz, complete with sound effects and voices.
At the age of eight, he was bit by the theatre bug when he did his first show, Snow White, with the Children’s Theatre Arts Center. He went on to take advantage of every performance/performance education opportunity available to him. From the American Youth and Children’s Choir, to the Bucks County Playhouse, to the University of the Arts Pre-College Musical Theatre Intensive.
His interest in the performing arts lead him to The Catholic University of America's Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, where he received a BM in Musical Theatre and intense musical, acting, and dance training. During his time at CUA, PJ got a chance to study a abroad at the London Dramatic Academy in the UK. Here he got to focus on classical acting including stage combat and historical dance.
PJ graduated from CUA in May of 2009 and has been working as a performer across the country ever since. He has originated the leading role in a First National Tour for Two Beans Productions. He has been onstage with all of your Sesame Street friends at Sesame Place Theme Park, where he is now Show Production Supervisor in the Entertainment Department. In 2011, PJ reached yet another milestone becoming a member of the Actors Equity Association!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
With younger siblings (L to R) Kendra, Rhett, Taryn, Courtney
Q: What does "PJ" stand for?
A: PJ stands for Paul Joesph. Paul is my first name. Joseph is my middle name. I’ve been PJ as long as I have been Paul Joseph. My dad's name is also Paul so to avoid confusion my family sought to give me a nickname. The nurses in the hospital saw my initials and promptly suggested that they call me "PJ." That name has stuck with me ever since. Now, PLEASE don’t call me Paul. I have nothing against the name. It's lovely! It just doesn't feel like me. I'm PJ!
Q: Do people ever call you “Peej?”
A: Sure do! All the time!
Q: Have you ever played Peter Pan?
A: You betcha! I’ve played the role multiple times. The most notable production was in June of 2011 when I did the US premeire of a new musical version of Peter Pan by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (writers of HONK! and Broadway's MARY POPPINS). Visit the PHOTOS page to see pictures of the show! Visit the MEDIA page to see video clips from the show!
Q: Do you have any siblings?
A: I have five terrific siblings! Courtney (25), Taryn (22), Haley (21), Rhett (18), and Kendra (17). They are so much cooler than me! I love each and every one more than I can say.
Q: What’s the rest of your family like?
A: First of all, I have the best mom in the entire world, Jill. I’ve never met anyone more self-less and caring than her. She’s the best! I have a great Dad, Paul, an awesome step-mom, Lori, and I’ve been lucky enough to know all four of my grandparents into my adult life. I couldn’t be more thankful. My extended family is also very important to me. I have a plethora of cousins that I have grown-up with and they feel like brothers and sisters to me. Basically, my family rocks!
Q: Would you please pass the butter?
A: Of course! Here you are.
A: PJ stands for Paul Joesph. Paul is my first name. Joseph is my middle name. I’ve been PJ as long as I have been Paul Joseph. My dad's name is also Paul so to avoid confusion my family sought to give me a nickname. The nurses in the hospital saw my initials and promptly suggested that they call me "PJ." That name has stuck with me ever since. Now, PLEASE don’t call me Paul. I have nothing against the name. It's lovely! It just doesn't feel like me. I'm PJ!
Q: Do people ever call you “Peej?”
A: Sure do! All the time!
Q: Have you ever played Peter Pan?
A: You betcha! I’ve played the role multiple times. The most notable production was in June of 2011 when I did the US premeire of a new musical version of Peter Pan by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (writers of HONK! and Broadway's MARY POPPINS). Visit the PHOTOS page to see pictures of the show! Visit the MEDIA page to see video clips from the show!
Q: Do you have any siblings?
A: I have five terrific siblings! Courtney (25), Taryn (22), Haley (21), Rhett (18), and Kendra (17). They are so much cooler than me! I love each and every one more than I can say.
Q: What’s the rest of your family like?
A: First of all, I have the best mom in the entire world, Jill. I’ve never met anyone more self-less and caring than her. She’s the best! I have a great Dad, Paul, an awesome step-mom, Lori, and I’ve been lucky enough to know all four of my grandparents into my adult life. I couldn’t be more thankful. My extended family is also very important to me. I have a plethora of cousins that I have grown-up with and they feel like brothers and sisters to me. Basically, my family rocks!
Q: Would you please pass the butter?
A: Of course! Here you are.
