Brandon Scott Hughes
Actor, painter, Writer, and Artist
I'm working on one of Sam Shepard's later pieces, Simpatico. I identify with my characters struggle to let go of the past. I have so many favorite moments in this piece it is hard to choice one.
Where do you go to find inspiration?
I head to nature. Either Prospect or Central Park. Or I will head just outside the city for a hike. Always need some nature for balance. A good reminder that theres a bigger system at play than the one we humans have created.
In addition to this piece, what else are you working on?
I have a full-length play I have been writing in development.
I lost my brother 4 years ago. He was a high school football coach in our hometown. He was a phenomenal leader for the youth. I lost him 3 weeks into the lockdown.
My play dives into Brotherhood. Loss. Addiction. And the power of community.
At what age did you start your craft? What inspired you to do so? How do you continue to exercise and grow it?
I had always been an artist to some degree growing up. And we always had to do some school shows in the elementary years. In high school, I decided to do a Drama 1 class Freshman year. It was all bookwork. I liked the history of it all, so I signed up for the second-year class. This time we had to be on stage for our grade. I was the only male in the class. So I was cast as the lead. From that first moment walking on stage I fell in love. I knew I wanted to make a career out of it.
Being in NYC has made it easy to keep the dream alive. You can meet so many creatives in this city. I bounce ideas off my friends in the industry and keep making work for myself and others. I also audition regularly or as much as I can to continue to exercise and grow my craft.
Have you always been a fan of theater? What was your first show? What is your favorite show?
I have always loved watching people tell live stories. I remember seeing my first real show in 2nd Grade. It was an Italian Opera. I am not sure who thought it was a good idea to take 2nd Graders to an Opera but I am glad we went. I didn't need the subtitles for the story because I could tell how they were feeling just by their movements and booming voices. I watched in childhood amazement as these larger-than-life characters belted out their emotions. Their arias made me feel like I was right on stage with them.
Who is the audience for this show, and what would you like them to get out of it?
It's definitely an adult show. I think every character in this piece will resonate with at least one person in the audience. I honestly hope this show helps put to rest someone's past. I feel some of us hold on to the past even if we don't realize it. But what we are actually holding onto are just images; memories. That person, place, or thing that we want back so badly has changed. It's not the same as we are imagining. I hope the piece helps people let go and move on.
What do you find challenging about this show? How do you like pushing yourself?
Being on stage is my passion but it's been a minute. I had been getting more film opportunities the past few years. I think reacquainting myself to the stage rehearsal process has been a little challenging. But I am surrounded by a great team on this project. And that has made coming back home to the theater beautiful.
I am always looking for ways to push myself in all aspects of my life. I want to be uncomfortable because I know that is where growth happens.
What is your favorite moment or line from the play?
"Well, say for instance, you could put the past to death and start over. Right now. You look the you might be a candidate for that."
Who are your collaborators? What do you like about working with them?
Kirk and Christina run The Chain Theatre. I have known them for a while. They've been my family in this city. They have always brought their A game when it comes to performing. So it's a privilege to be sharing the stage with them once again.
DJ (David Zayas Jr.), my director and good friend, has such a clear and concise vision for this Shepard piece. Which has made the rehearsal process very smooth. I'm excited to see the future unfold for him as a director.
Pete, Elizabeth, and Monica are knocking it out of the park with their performances. I love sharing the stage with these talented jewels as well.
And Nichole and Gabby. These two Stage Managers are hands down making this big machine run. I don't know how they do it but they do. And they are amazing at keeping this ship on course.
What are you most proud of with this production? Or in your life?
I am proud of the camaraderie we have found and the bonds we have created with all of us in this production. In my own life, I am proud that I have continued to follow my passion. I will always be creating riveting and thought-provoking stories for stage and film.
Tell us more about yourself...where can we find you online?
I am a painter, writer, and artist as well. You can find all of my work at BrandonScottHughes.com.
