Sadly for us, Justin Baldridge returned to his home state of California in 2020 (at the height of the NYC COVID19 lockdown) to take a teaching position at Santa Barbara High School. Two years later, in June 2022, he became the Theater Teacher at Van Nuys High School and has been there since.
Previously, Justin Baldridge moved to New York City from California in 2016 to pursue his directorial career, with a plan to eventually start his own theater company.
Prior to coming to NYC, he taught for 10 years and directed/musical directed more than 20 shows. During this time, he inspired and nurtured the creative spirit of his students and cast through the art of acting. Through his efforts, his program at Redondo Union High School received nominations from the Jerry Herman Awards for acting and technical theatre and as well as awards at the Drama Teacher Association of Southern California’s Annual Festival. In addition, he taught private acting lessons for individuals and small groups.
Justin has also been a guest workshop presenter at the Florida State Thespian Conference teaching Laban movement and Shakespeare to high school students from all over Florida.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theater and English from California State University, Fullerton and studied at Roosevelt University, Chicago earning his MA in Theatre Directing.
He was musical director for Polaris Productions from 2017 to 2020 and music directed Polaris’ Fiddler on the Roof Jr., Les Miserables, Once on This Island Jr., The Addams Family and Thoroughly Modern Millie. He also music directed our Legally Blonde until March 2020, when it was postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic, two weeks before opening night.