After being cast in more than 100 shows, directing several productions, and writing a few of his own original scripts, Jeremy Brailsford has decided to try something new with his talents. The Brailroad Company — a training ground for actors, directors, playwrights, technical crew members and more — is coming to Owensboro with the start of the new year.
Brailsford’s passion for acting was ignited in high school, then continued to grow during his time at the D’Alto Studio of Performing Arts in Evansville. The studio focused on singing, dancing, and acting. Brailsford wants his company to give Owensboro all that the D’Alto studio gave him and more.
“When the D’Alto studio closed their doors, so many people in Evansville were devastated. For me, I felt whole when I did things with them,” said Brailsford. “What I want to do is have the same kind of idea here in Owensboro, but expand it in such a way that we also focus on the tech or writing aspects of different shows.”
While Owensboro has a number of successful theatre groups, Brailsford feels that the training piece of the puzzle is still much less accessible in the community.
After 10 years of planning, he hopes his company can change this by taking students of all ages from “page to stage.” In essence, each student would choose what parts of the process they wish to focus on, then they could all come together to make something cohesive and “magical.”
“We will be learning how to write the script, how to perform the script, how to design the sets, that kind of thing. The way I see it, I would split sessions with the students into 3-month seasons, and at the end of the season we would do a showcase,” Brailsford said. “This way, local directors can come watch them perform and then they may be able to be cast by our local theatre companies.”
Having a showcase to look forward to as an end goal of each season is very important to Brailsford, as he feels this will allow for students to gain the most valuable knowledge and experience possible.
“A lot of companies don’t have an end goal, they just say ‘oh we’re just going to keep dancing and singing until you’re good,’” Brailsford said. “I like to think that we have something we’re striving for, because the whole point is to get you on stage or in one of our productions.”
Over time, Brailsford hopes for a few of his students to become teachers at the Brailroad company and impart their new knowledge on the next generation of aspiring actors, directors, and others. This way, the students would eventually take over and Brailsford could ensure that “the train never stops moving.”
To learn more about Brailsford and the lessons he will be offering, click here.
