Brayden Lawrence

Brayden Lawrence is the first high school student to appear in Beyond the Bio. Brayden has the skills of someone twice his age and is always a standout in his performances that I have seen at Outcry Youth Theatre. Brayden’s acting prowess is best expressed by his director and mentor Becca Johnson-Spinos. She states “Brayden is truly second to none – one of the most brilliant performers and ingenious artistic collaborators that I have worked with in all my years as a director. The sheer power of Brayden’s presence onstage is astonishing, and he gives captivatingly courageous performances, utilizing every fiber of his heart, soul, and body. Brayden is a true artist – stunningly imaginative and creative, with a deep understanding of text, character, and storytelling. Brayden leaves his indelible mark on every stage he enters; he is a multi-talented actor, a true performing force of nature. Brayden is equally at home with comedy or drama, excelling at both realistic portrayals and outlandish characters. Brayden is a visionary and fearless collaborator and has built his skills over many years devising choreography and telling stories with a group. Brayden is fiercely articulate and has an innate and thoughtful understanding of difficult text, especially poetry. Brayden is the strongest physical performer I have ever known – with a preternatural gift of feeling his body in space. He is a graceful and elegant dancer, flexible, strong, and committed to creating each character fresh from head to toe. He is my muse and the artistic inspiration for my work, and so much of the theatre I have created over the last few years would not have been possible without his distinct brand of magic.” Take a few moments to learn more about this gifted young man.

When was your first time on stage?

 My first time ever onstage was in a sixth-grade theatre club play called The Mall. It was a bunch of comedic scenes that take place in a mall.

 When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

 From the moment I was young, I always knew that I wanted to act. I would stand in front of the TV as a kid and act out all of the scenes from my favorite movies all the time. However, the moment I knew that I wanted to be an actor for the rest of my life was when I first performed in Outcry Youth Theatre’s production of Assassins (Guiteau). It was the first moment I’d ever felt that I was completely lost in the moments onstage.

Who is your greatest mentor?

 My greatest mentor and friend is my director, Becca Johnson-Spinos. She was the first person to truly believe in me and trusted my process. She molded me completely into the person I am today, and I am extremely grateful to her for the many opportunities she’s given me and her incredible mind.

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

 My favorite role to date was when I played Buddy in The Diviners. It was a role I researched heavily and wanted to do my best to truthfully portray. I feel that my best performance was given in this role and the challenge was an overall great experience.

Do you have a dream role? 

 I have many… Some I would love to shout out though is Prior in Angels in America, Ariel in The Tempest, and Nick in Dark Play or Stories for Boys

 What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?  

My favorite actor I’ve ever worked with is my best friend, Alexa Stratton. From the moment I met her she has inspired me to push me to do my very best. Acting with Alexa is like acting with a true professional; she is absolutely brilliant. I would also love however to act alongside my favorite actress, Florence Pugh. I am astounded with every performance she gives. She is a true genius and inspiration.

What performances have you seen that impressed you? 

 I feel like I have seen so many, but I would love to highlight the performance given by Gillian Anderson as Blanche in the National Theatre’s A Streetcar Named Desire.

 What are your career goals?

 I would love to be a live theatre actor. It is my one dream that I am currently on the path towards. I love live theatre and think that everything about it is beautiful and trusting.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? 

 Unfortunately, all my special skills are highlighted every three months to audiences in the productions I do. So, keeping that in mind, the only thing I could think of that people might be surprised about for me is that I am a vegetarian. I’ve been veggie for about a year now in trying to reduce my carbon footprint and bettering the environment as best I can.