FPCT Spotlight - February 24, 2011

Bradly Widener

 

What drew you to the role of Greg?

Brad:  To be honest, I auditioned for this role without knowing much of anything about this play. As soon as I started my cold read, however, I felt this connection to Greg. He and I share a lot of characteristics, and I've been in some situations (though maybe less intense) that mirror the ones presented inreasons. 

 

What has been fun about doing this show?

Brad:  The whole process!!! This is my first community theatre production in Baltimore, and I've been so lucky to have a supportive cast, director, stage manager, and crew to support me. 

 

What has been challenging about this role?

Brad: LaBute dialogue has been intense to memorize. Besides being the largest role I've ever had, the simple, one word answers and complete non-sequiturs are insanely difficult to memorize and sometimes, even to justify. Also, because Greg is such an "everyman," there were a lot of personal choices to make about my character's disposition. 

 

How are you like or unlike Greg?

Brad:  Greg has qualities that every man should be able to identify with, so in that respect, I hope everyone sees a little of themselves in Greg. Greg reverts to sarcasm when he's uncomfortable, and that's a personal trait I share. 

 

What has it been like to work on such a contemporary piece?

Brad:  Working on LaBute has been fantastic. It's a show that forces you to simply speak like real, everyday people (that curse a lot). LaBute's writing just flows, incredibly, even when it's meant to be awkward. Personally, I just came off of a show at UMBC called Las Meninas which is set in the court of Louis XIV (complete with white wigs, heavy makeup, men in heels...the works) so reasons has been a breath of fresh, purely modern theatre.

 

What is the craziest thing you've had to do on stage?

Brad:  Well, during my freshman year of college, I was in an original production for a 24 hour play-festival where I was chosen to play a pre-teen lesbian who was obsessed with the Twilight series; By far, the most ridiculous and liberating onstage experience I've had to date. 

 

What else do you do when you aren't acting?

Brad:  When I'm not onstage, I'm attending to my other classwork at UMBC and just trying to make my way through college with my friends. I also love going down to the Harbor with my boyfriend, Bryan, and grabbing Starbucks and seeing a good movie at Harbor East. 

 

Who is your acting inspiration?

Brad:  One of my absolute favorite actors and inspirational figures is Meryl Streep. She's an absolutely phenomenal actor and brings such ease to the craft. She always has so much boiling under the surface that she uses with such precision and dexterity in her acting.

 

What is your dream role?

Brad:  Oh boy...well, if I could break it down, in the category of musical theatre, I'd have to say Mark from RENT. Right now, for a drama, I'd love to play Hal from Proof.

 

What is on the horizon?

Brad:  This summer, I'll be assuming the role of Director of Theatre at Tyler Hill Camp in upstate Pennsylvania, which I'm thrilled about. After that, I have another year until I earn my BFA in Acting from UMBC, and then, hopefully, I'll be relocating to NYC. Hopefully, someday I'll be lucky enough to work with the amazing people from this production once more. 

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