A new stage
Brandon Bruce’s journey in theater began with a classic twist of fate — he got to fill in for the star of the show, who became ill the day before the performance. Bruce was in the second grade, and the coveted role was Christopher Columbus in his school’s play.
“I wanted the part so badly that I already had his lines and music committed to memory,” Bruce said. “I became more seriously interested in theater when I began performing in high school, but I like to think of this early experience as the true beginning: I didn’t get what I wanted at first, but I remained committed despite the initial setback.”
Bruce’s commitment led to a career as a professional stage actor and director. He holds a BFA in acting from Kent State University and an MFA in directing from the University of Iowa. As a performer, some of his favorite roles include Dogberry in “Much Ado About Nothing,” the White Rabbit in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and the title roles in “Macbeth” and “Hamlet.”
As a director, he’s led Chicago’s BackStage Theatre and Strawdog Theatre, Indiana’s Shawnee Theatre and the theatrical programming at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Now, his path brings him to the Magic City, where he serves as artistic director of Birmingham Children’s Theatre.
“BCT has an amazing reputation in the theater community, and I’m thrilled to be a part of its story,” he said. “I’m excited to work with its extraordinarily talented artists, devoted and committed staff and the visionary executive director, Scarlotte Deupree Kilgore. When I first walked into the theater at the BJCC, I was floored. My first words to Ms. Kilgore upon seeing the space were, ‘I feel like a kid in a candy store.’ So much is possible at BCT that I often feel overwhelmed by those possibilities.”
Though Bruce had no previous connections to Birmingham, he said he’s impressed by the city and its rich cultural landscape, and said it only took him a few hours to fall in love with his new home.
He said he’s looking forward to checking out the local theater scene as well as iconic city attractions such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Botanical Gardens, McWane Science Center, Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Barons baseball team.
Bruce’s previous directorial work included productions for adults as well as productions for children.
“A good amount of the work I directed for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation was aimed at young audiences,” he said. “Everything I oversaw there was steeped in education.”
When Bruce compares directing theater for younger audiences versus older ones, he said the main distinction is a sense of responsibility.
“In children’s theater, many of the audience members are seeing their very first play,” he said. “As artistic director, it is my responsibility to make the absolute best theater I can possibly make. It is my responsibility to make the story clear yet intellectually stimulating, a thrilling experience that provokes thought. The young people coming into our theater are the future of my art form. It is my job to make sure it continues to thrive.”
As Bruce enters his new role, he said his chief goal is to create world-class, inclusive programming for the children and families of Birmingham and beyond.
He said he believes every child, regardless of background, should see himself or herself represented in strong, positive role models onstage.
“While children will always come first in our building, I hope that Birmingham’s adults (those with and without children) will check out BCT. Pixar’s films are enjoyed by children and adults alike. There’s no reason why BCT can’t do the same,” Bruce said.
Birmingham Children’s Theatre’s production of “African Tales” runs through Oct. 21.
“This play immerses its audience into the rich storytelling traditions of West Africa,” Bruce said. “It presents both a traditional African tale and a European tale — but with an African twist. It is highly interactive, filled with music and dance. It’s a wonderfully charming piece, one that captured my heart immediately.”