The 38th profile in the Cleveland Performing Arts Examiner ACTOR PROFILE series features BRIAN MARSHALL. This series (in interview form) is in process to “get to know” some of our own northeastern Ohio talent. Profiles will feature equity and non-equity actors, stage and screen actors, as well as young, old and in-between actors. These are your peers and your neighbors – please enjoy!
Full Name: Brian Marshall
Age: 29 with makeup, 32 without.
Years acting: Give or take 20!
Year in school: Currently finishing up a Masters in Arts Administration at The University of Akron.
“Day Job”: Managing Director of Mercury Summer Stock, Artistic Director of Caryl Crane Children’s Theatre, personal assistant (and keeper of the checkbook) to the award-winning director Pierre-Jacques Brault.
Resident city: Tremont, OH
Official acting training: I once took a clown class at Barnum and Bailey Circus College.
Kate Miller: Tell me about that class at Barnum and Bailey!
Brian Marshall: Barnum himself told me I was the worst clown since Rip Taylor. I cried… for about an hour.
KM: What’s your favorite place to hang out in Tremont?
BM: The Jefferson branch of the Cleveland Public Library.
KM: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
BM: Esther Williams.
KM: Why did you start acting?
BM: My probation officer suggested a creative outlet.
KM: Any other actors in your family?
BM: My brother Daniel Marshall (a fellow B-W graduate in musical theatre) is not only the world’s greatest actor but he is a fantastic playwright.
KM: Do you sing?
BM: Like a canary.
KM: Do you dance?
BM: Have you seen Black Swan? I am the grey one.
KM: Any particular venues where you work primarily?
BM: Mercury Summer Stock is my home away from home. I also adore working at Fine Arts Association in Willoughby (hint, hint) and am just discovering the joy of the Cassidy Theatre company.
KM: Why do you consider Mercury your home away from home?
BM: Its true love. You know how it is when something consumes your every waking moment? I can live and breathe Mercury Summer Stock 24 hours a day 7 days a week and never tire of it. It’s my passion. It makes me tick.
KM: How do you prep for an audition?
BM: Drink… and sing along with my Karen Carpenter mix-tape.
KM: What do you do to get through a rough tech week?
BM: Also drink and sing along with my Karen Carpenter mix-tape.
KM: Favorite role you’ve ever played?
BM: Huck Finn in Big River, no question. Followed only by playing Brian Marshall, every single day!
KM: What is your dream role?
BM: Mame, in my fantasy all-male-production of Mame. Because – why not!
KM: Who are your favorite actors and actresses?
BM: Locally Greg Violand and Kelvette Beacham. They constantly amaze me by not being afraid to try anything on stage and are both a joy to work with.
KM: What’s the hardest part about acting?
BM: Costume Fittings – oh, the cruelty!
KM: You’re currently a student – what do you plan to do with your Masters in Arts Admin?
BM: Take over the world!! (starting as Artistic Director of Caryl Crane Children’s Theatre – next show up Children’s Letters to God, February 25 – March 6, 2011).
KM: Hobbies?
BM: Who has the time!!
KM: Do you have any pets?
BM: A cat named Sondheim – my apologies. And a pet Fern.
KM: Paper or plastic?
BM: Neither, when we remember our canvas bags. Go Green!
KM: Democrat? Republican? Other?
BM: Tenor.
KM: What’s your favorite spot to eat in Cleveland?
BM: Sushi Rock (you’re welcome). Wednesday’s half-price sushi night.
KM: Are you a Gleek?
BM: Team Jacob all the way!
KM: What are you tips for surviving a cold Cleveland winter?
BM: Shut up and Drive!
KM: Finally Brian – Why do YOU think Cleveland rocks?
BM: No other city in our country has such a close-knit community of theatres and performing arts groups. It is truly an amazing community to live and work and be an artist.
– Check out Brian Marshall’s SLIDESHOW – Click here.
– More Cleveland-area ACTOR PROFILES – Click here.
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Do you have a Cleveland area performing arts related story or event? If so, contact Cleveland Performing Arts Examiner, KATE MILLER at [email protected] with your pitch.
