Bryan Douglas
Today we highlight Pegasus newcomer Bryan Douglas, currently playing Brother Paul as an understudy in Death is a Bad Habit! Read all about this talented Renaissance man!
How long have you been involved in theatre?
I started as a freshman in high school, running sound at my church. I had such a great experience that I decided to take a technical theatre class as a sophomore. My high school experience was terrific, with the possible exception of the time I almost beat up Neal Patrick Harris during a run of The Fiddler on the Roof (by Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick, and Jerry Bock). In my defense, he was obnoxious and entitled and had it coming. [Editor’s note: I’m sure NPH has grown into a lovely man.]
How long have you been involved with Pegasus Theatre?
As an admiring audience member, I’ve been involved for four years. I was absolutely stunned from the beginning, not only by the special effects but by the witty genius of the scripts. I kept bringing more and more people each year, including a large school group this year. This is the first year I’ve been involved as a cast member and I love it!
Any favorite moments so far with Pegasus that stand out for you?
It’s hard to pinpoint specific moments. I think the most special moment for me so far was when my students came to see the play. They had never seen me perform before, other than snippets of characters in class. Seeing me on stage for two hours blew their mind a bit.
Tell us something interesting about your experience, perhaps something you especially like about the performances?
I don’t want to give away too much, but any time you get to die on stage, it’s a good day! I’ve also especially enjoyed playing a character who is the polar opposite of my personality. It’s been a blast!
What do you do when you aren’t working with Pegasus?
My day job is as a teacher of language arts and theatre at an area private school. (I also taught Latin for a while, but we shall never speak of it again.) In addition to teaching, I perform, do technical direction, and design sets, lights, and sound with various theatres in the area.
Looking back at all your experiences, who would you say has influenced you the most in your theatrical career?
I’d say my high school drama teacher and my college drama teacher. I grew very close to my college teacher and ended up naming my son after her (middle name). She taught me about theatre traditions, about the sacredness of theatre spaces. And she believed in me so much that she put down the collateral on a loan that enabled me to attend an acting apprentice summer program at Vassar. Oddly enough, my college degree was in psychology, with a minor in acting. But I found a way to tie the two together: My senior paper was on cognitive psychology and how it explained why actors forgot their lines.
What comes next for you?
I’m currently working on several shows. I’m the Technical Director for a production of Company by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth at Brick Road Theatre. I’m also the Resident Lighting Designer for Stolen Shakespeare Guild and am designing lights for their upcoming festival. On stage, I’ll be in an original production of Temple Spirit by Susan Felder, presented by Echo Theater Company in April.
See Bryan as “Brother Paul” in Death is a Bad Habit! running through January 24, 2016 at the Eisemann Center in Richardson. To purchase tickets, call 972-744-4650 or visit www.eisemanncenter.com