Head down to German Village in Columbus from Memorial Day through Labor Day and you’ll find the works of William Shakespeare and Agatha Christie brought to life at a classical yet vibrant amphitheater in Schiller Park by the Actors’ Theatre of Columbus.

It’s here that Beth Josephsen ‘06, an alumna of Ohio State and the first female artistic director for the Actors’ Theatre since founder Pat Ellson, hones her craft. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in theatre, Josephsen performed for the Actors’ Theatre and later served as education director before stepping into her current role, where she oversees all aspects of the troupe, including casting. 

“I'm trying to, as artistic director, show that anybody can come out of any era, and we don't have to typecast based on looks,” she said. “I’m trying to look outside of stereotypes, making sure the cast can be more diverse, that they're not just skinny white people, which I realize I am. I realized the privilege I've had, and I would like that extended to other people.”

Josephsen now creates these opportunities for those in the world of theatre, opening up the lush park stage to people from all backgrounds.

This upcoming season will feature the first all-female and nonbinary cast of Shakespeare, and the troupe’s performance of “Othello,” directed by David J. Glover, will be the group’s first production of the show with a director of color. Josephsen will also direct Christie’s “And Then There Were None,” the first Christie production by the Actors’ Theatre.

“As I look back, it's not what I would have thought my life was going to look like at all, but I am grateful for the people who've helped shape it and for the opportunities that have been given,” Josephsen said. “I want to make those for other people.”

Josephsen started participating in theatre as a kid and knew she wanted to pursue it professionally in high school. She later enrolled at Ohio State, impressed by the offerings in the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts. “When I was 19 and I had written and produced a play, I decided I was going to do this,” she said. “And it would be easier if I had a degree and some connections and could study this more.”

She studied abroad in Cuba despite the trade embargo and visited the Marshall Islands for an internship program, working with local storytellers to turn oral traditions into written plays. She also made important connections during her time at Ohio State with faculty and fellow students, citing the influence of Dr. Joy Reilly, her advisor at the time, as well as longtime faculty member Jeanine Thompson.

Like many aspiring stage performers, her journey led her to New York. There she completed an internship alongside Bonnie Milligan ’06, a fellow alumna who has since appeared on Broadway and won a Tony Award in 2023 for her performance in “Kimberly Akimbo.”

“While we were there, she was like, 'Oh my gosh, I want to be here in New York. Don't you want to be here?” Josephsen said. “My brain was like, 'No, I don't. New York is not where I want to end up.' I didn't ever feel pressured to do the same thing as somebody else.

“What I wanted to do was not wait tables, which I never have. Instead, I did a lot of office work, which is eight to five, but then I could be in the theater at night. That means I can act and direct in shows in the evenings and still have my bills paid. I was not interested in trying to be a starving artist, but I also didn't want to have to feel like I ever had to compromise on the work that I was doing.”

After graduation, Josephsen continued pursuing her passion while doing contract work for the Greater Columbus Arts Council, developing afterschool programs centered around theatre and the arts. But once a position opened in the Department of Theatre, Film and Media Arts, Josephsen leaped at the chance to return to Ohio State as a staff member.

“I was mentoring and advising young students that would come in, many of whom I'm still in contact with now as they've become professionals,” she said. “That was great until it got to the point where I was like, 'All right, I'm ready to just do this on my own, ' but I've always felt super supported, particularly by my department, who encouraged me to constantly audition for things, try things, write things.”

Josephsen attributes many of her experiences – including her extensive travel, performances and career milestones – to simply being open to new opportunities and not letting rejection get in the way of pursuing your goals.

“Don't give up just because it doesn't work out right away. If you have a goal or a dream – yeah, I've done some weird jobs along the way – but I'm still always working toward doing theatre,” she said. “It's really helpful to tell other people what you're interested in, using those contacts. You don't have to do it on your own.”

And for students looking to get involved? It’s as simple as a walk in Schiller Park.

“We get college students who reach out to us and they're like, 'Hey, do you have any positions?' Yes, actually, we do have some positions that are available, or we have auditions coming up,” she said. “Come and audition and if you don't get it this time, just keep working on developing your skills. Keep working on your goals. Don't give up.”