Bio
Julio Petersen III is a multitalented performer, educator, and entrepreneur born and raised in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. His passion for the arts began early, singing as a lead vocalist in a local reggae/calypso band during high school and performing in original musicals alongside Broadway legends such as Tony Award winner Lillias White and composer/director Timothy Graphenreed.
After graduating in 2006, Julio briefly pursued a degree in Music Education at the University of the Virgin Islands before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He gained national attention by winning the 2008 Military Idol competition and was selected to perform in the prestigious Army Soldier Show in 2009 and 2012, touring internationally. During a deployment to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he led the base chapel’s Gospel Choir and earned an Associate Degree in Business.
Following his military service, Julio continued his artistic journey in Houston, Texas, founding JPete Theatre Company in 2014 and collaborating with local institutions such as The Ensemble Theatre and Texas Southern University. He completed a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with a minor in Theatre in 2017 and was later recognized as "Beginning Teacher of the Year" while serving as a Public School Theatre Educator.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Julio launched Mr. Pete’s Playhouse, a YouTube channel dedicated to educating and entertaining children through music and storytelling. The platform has since grown into a multimedia brand featured on Roku TV and Amazon Fire TV, with original music available across major streaming services. In addition to his work as a Theatre professional, he is also a DJ, Performer, and Author of the Adventures of Khari children’s book series, having published three books to date.
Julio Petersen III continues to inspire through his dedication to the performing arts, education, and youth empowerment.
