Three decades, one dome Joseph Sevillo on legacy, leadership and the Rainbow Stage Wall of Fame

	Standing under the dome, Joseph reflects on his 1997 professional debut in South Pacific, the same venue where he first met his mentor and vocal coach, Joy Lazo.

by Oscar Pantaleon Jr.

Joseph Sevillo just stepped into a new spotlight under Kildonan Park’s beloved outdoor dome. The celebrated musical theatre artist was inducted onto the Rainbow Stage Wall of Fame on August 13.

The recognition cements a legacy forged over three decades, from a teenage apprentice to a foundational figure in Manitoba’s performing arts scene. As Rainbow Stage’s artistic director Carson Natrass recalls, “Since first joining the company at age 13, Joseph has grown from a young performer to director, choreographer, mentor, and our first Creator/Artist in Residence.”

Artistic compass

Despite the expanding roster of titles, Joseph remains anchored in his origins. And among these titles, performer is closest to his heart. “I was able to learn, grow, and expand my repertoire of skills,” he says.

One role fundamentally shifted how Joseph sees his own craft. Playing Angel in Rent was that turning point. “It gave me a sense of confidence that I can achieve great things and be who I truly am,” he shares. The role taught him that true fulfillment comes from giving unconditionally and uplifting others.

Those qualities became his artistic compass. They carried him directly into creating Ma-Buhay! Filipinos Singing for Their Lives, a landmark production that gave over a dozen Filipinx artists their professional Rainbow Stage debut and launched hundreds more through mentorship and the show’s development stages.

Sage advice

During his 30 years in musical theatre, Joseph learned an enduring lesson: always follow your own truth. “Trusting your own experience, creativity, and instinct, and working with people with your best interest at heart will lead to your victory,” he asserts.

Along with successes, however, came failures. “Failing, receiving failure with reflection and different action, and forgiveness for oneself and others have taught me the most about leadership and creative stewardship,” he says humbly.

Joseph passes these pieces of sage advice on to the next generation. His students at the Rise Musical Theatre Company, which he founded, receive refreshingly pragmatic advice, stripped of the romanticism often attached to the arts. “Always save for a rainy day and diversify your skillset. It’s the only way to create a stable and sustainable career.”

 Wall of fame

Now, Joseph has been formally recognized in Winnipeg’s cultural landscape. His induction onto the Rainbow Stage Wall of Fame is an occasion that echoes his mentor and vocal coach Joy Lazo’s historic distinction in 2024. “Across more than a dozen seasons, Joseph’s artistry, leadership, and creation of Ma-Buhay! have left an indelible mark on Rainbow Stage,” Carson notes.

Reflecting on what the recognition means, Joseph traces his arc back to the very beginning. “Rainbow Stage was the place where I made my professional debut. Since then, I have been part of over 20 productions. The company has been one of the most prolific and supportive theatre organizations in helping me develop as an artist and a leader in the community.”

Universal connection

As Joseph steps into a new chapter, he is excited to continue developing Ma-Buhay! A New Musical. “I would like to reach more people, release the album, and create more new works,” says Joseph. Further down the road, Joseph envisions a life rich in teaching, touring, learning, and connecting with Canadian leaders. He would also like to explore other media such as film and music.

Beyond personal milestones, Joseph aspires to contribute to how musical theatre approaches Filipino Canadian storytelling. “I would like to share stories that are authentic to the Filipinx diaspora but also show how universal our connection is to our fellow humans,” he reveals. “My drive is motivated for our community to be seen, understood, and highlighted for all the beauty and diversity that we bring to this world,” he adds.

From a 13-year-old neophyte to a Wall of Fame inductee mentoring the next wave of artists, Joseph is building a bridge into the future of Winnipeg’s musical theatre scene. And as long as he’s following his own truth, forgiving his missteps, and championing his community, the curtain hasn’t even risen on the best of his work yet.

Joseph plays the role of Carlos in Legally Blonde. The show is on a two-week run at the Kildonan Park dome. Visit www.rainbowstage.ca for tickets.