Here's the story morning glory...
PJ and his mom, Jill
PJ Schweizer is an upbeat sunshine guy 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
PJ and his husband, Michael
Q: What does "PJ" stand for?
A: PJ stands for Paul Joseph. 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. PJ is my preferred name. I have nothing against the name Paul. It's lovely! It just doesn't feel like me.
Q: Do people ever call you “Peej?”
A: Sure do! All the time!
Q: What are your pronouns?
A: He/him. Thank you!
Q: Married?
A: In 2022, I married the love of my life, Michael Brown (pictured above). We've been together since 2012 and he is my rock, my dearest friend, and the best partner one could ever ask for.
Q: What’s 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. I have five amazing siblings, Courtney, Taryn, Haley, Rhett, and Kendra, and an adorable niece, Carter, (with another niece/nephew on the way). I also grew up with a close group of cousins. They are my closest friends and feel like siblings to me as well. My ln-laws, Mike and Karen, as well as my sister-in-law, Kelsey are incredible as well. Basically, my family rocks!
Q: Would you please pass the butter?
A: Of course! Here you are.
A: PJ stands for Paul Joseph. 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. PJ is my preferred name. I have nothing against the name Paul. It's lovely! It just doesn't feel like me.
Q: Do people ever call you “Peej?”
A: Sure do! All the time!
Q: What are your pronouns?
A: He/him. Thank you!
Q: Married?
A: In 2022, I married the love of my life, Michael Brown (pictured above). We've been together since 2012 and he is my rock, my dearest friend, and the best partner one could ever ask for.
Q: What’s 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. I have five amazing siblings, Courtney, Taryn, Haley, Rhett, and Kendra, and an adorable niece, Carter, (with another niece/nephew on the way). I also grew up with a close group of cousins. They are my closest friends and feel like siblings to me as well. My ln-laws, Mike and Karen, as well as my sister-in-law, Kelsey are incredible as well. Basically, my family rocks!
Q: Would you please pass the butter?
A: Of course! Here you are.
