Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Brady.
Hi Austin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I come from a Romeo and Juliet family. My mom, tough as nails and the most loving warrior, grew up in a trailer park. My father, who grew up in a petite Christian Household, met my mom at a fast food restaurant called Hot and Now in 1992. That same year, my Dad asked my mom to marry him and they are still married to this day. My dad went into the Marine Corps which is why my family moved around the world. South Carolina to Japan, Japan to Florida, Florida to South Carolina, then finally South Carolina to Texas. No Matter where we went, my parents taught me to love everyone equally and to always look up to others for inspiration. I think this is why Theatre was natural for me to fall into. In 2020 I graduated from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi with a a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with an emphasis on acting and directing. However; this was right when Covid started and my entire class went into quarantine. I came back to Houston where there was no theatre to be had whatsoever. I did partake in Pronoia Theaters brilliant “Space Train” on zoom as well as the improv show, “Dinner Detective” while I was a server. Saving money and paying off the student loans, but it wasn’t until I auditioned for Creative Movement Practices “Gideon and the Blundersnorp” that I had my first taste of professional theatre on its feet outside of college. During this show, I was invited to audition for The Alley Theatres educational tour “Oskar’s Not So Simple Comeback”, a story about a little boy who was struggling to get back into school after Covid made him stay at home. He lost his ability to do all the things he used to be good at, I found this to be a pretty funny way of the world poking fun at myself and my journey. I booked Oskar in 2022 and later that year I auditioned for the Off Broadway show “Drunk Shakespeare” and was cast in a society of only 6 members at the time. Shortly after being cast at Drunk Shakespeare, I returned to The Alley to continue educational theatre and become a teaching artist for the ECE department. 4 years later I am now a senior teaching artist with the Alley Theatre and the team at Drunk Shakespeare Houston has grown to 12 members, opening 4 world premiers at our theatre alone. Outside of my acting and teaching, I’m also a freelance artist and playwright; acting, drawing, writing and auditioning for anything and everything that I can. Some become g a full time artist I have starred in shows at The Alley, A.D. Players, Mildred’s Umbrella, Mainstreet and many more. The Houston theatre scene is a brilliant community that I try to engage with as much as I can.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not smooth at all. Covid was of course difficult for everyone and I developed a case of nonpurging. I would go on long stretches of days or weeks with no food. I still struggle with that from time to time but it’s gotten easier. On top of that, theatre is theatre and it’s one of the most satisfying and mentally stressful jobs for anyone to have. I had to learn how to stick up for myself, especially when you work with people in the theatre scene who turn out to be cruel and display a level of conduct that that shouldn’t be allowed. One of my biggest struggles with Houston theatre has been family members and other artists looking down and scolding me for the types of theater I perform. It’s in those moments that I have to remind myself why I do what I do, and that’s to entertain. Nothing brings me more joy in this world than making an audience laugh, feel, or see something that theyll never forget. I think as long as you feel safe and secure with story you’re telling, with a team that supports you and helps you, no one should shame you for the art you create.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Houston Based Actor who is most known for my performances at Drunk Shakespeare with The Emerald Theatre. We’ve been a company for over 4 years and have opened 4 world premier shows since starting in 2022 (Drunk Dracula, Drunk Romeo and Juliet, Drunk Christmas Carol and most recently we just opened Drunk Pirates). Outside of Drunk Shakespeare I am also know for my work as a Teaching Artist for The Alley Theatre and I am currently on tour performing the world premiere of the Educational Shakespeare show “The Midnight Shakespeare Club” written by local Houston Playwright Brendan Bourque-Sheil. Outside of work though, I’m mainly proud of the community of Houston and I try my best to engage with them as much as possible. The Alley and Drunk Shakespeare are Two of some of the busiest theatre’s in Houston and despite my busy schedule I still try to engage with the community, supporting shows and involving myself in different groups around town. I’m also a freelance artist and founding Member of Playwrights of Houston, an open group that meets once a month just to talk and discuss ideas for plays we are writing or about to wright. As an actor, I think it’s important to have other creative outlets to fuel yourself to keep moving forward.
How do you think about luck?
Sometimes you just have to be fit for the part at the right time. While I was in college I studied lots of physical comedy and became a huge fan of clowning, movement and improv. I used these skills in most if not all the shows and productions I did in college. So when auditions for Drunk Shakespeare needed me to perform two monologues and a 2 minute talent showcase, I laid all my skills out on the table. Despite being 27 I have also managed to have a young look about me so I typically get cast or considered for younger characters. The Alley was having auditions for their Oskar tour and needed an actor who had energy and could appear 10 years old. So bingo. But I also know that hard-work puts you in front of the right people. I’m lucky to be surrounded by loads of supporters who recognize hard work and offer avenues for people to be seen and heard. Luck is one thing but you have to work hard to be in front of the right people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zealous.co/austinbrady/portfolio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__call_me_brady__
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Crz9HodUp/
- Other: http://brasstix.com/pmt/calendar.php?show=drunkhouston
