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Projects/News
 

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Dance Nation by Clare Barron

Dance Teacher Pat

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Elf: The Musical 

North Carolina Theatre

December 9-17th, 2023

Santa/Mr. Greenway

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A New Brain*

Jennie T. Anderson Theatre

September 16-17th, 2023

Richard

*Nominated for a Broadway World Award (Best Ensemble)

33 1/3: A New Musical (World Premiere)

Dobama Theatre

Older Jules/Father

 

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jay Turvey
and Paul Sportelli
directed by Matthew Wright
musical direction by Matthew Dolan
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Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Okoboji Summer Theatre, 2023

Director/ Intimacy Direction

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Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella

University of Northern Iowa

Director/ Intimacy Direction

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You Can't Take it with You

University of Northern Iowa, 2020

Director/ Intimacy Direction

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Next to Normal *

Porthouse Theatre 

Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine

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*2019 Cleveland Critics Award

"Superior Achievement in a Musical Theatre Production"

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Last Stop on Market Street

East Carolina University, 2023

Associate Director

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Kinky Boots

Weathervane Theatre, 2021

Associate Director

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Dream With Me (Film)

University of Northern Iowa, 2020/21

Director, Conception

 

Conceived and directed by Jim Bray

Dream With ME is a film completely devised by students, utilizing components of Theatre of the Oppressed, Hip-Hop Theatre, Documentary Theatre and Spoken Word. Dream With ME aims to explore a generation's response to 2020 as well as how societal inequalities have impacted our community and student life.

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"Anything You Can Do, I Can Do...?"

University of Northern Iowa, 2019

An exploration of representation in American Musical Theatre

Conceived and Co-Directed by Jim Bray and Amy Osatinski

 

Jim Bray and Amy Osatinski were awarded a summer fellowship from The University of Northern Iowa to create this thought provoking and challenging Cabaret centered on race, inclusion, and exactly what we should consider when casting and exploring accurate representation in Musical Theatre.

I Rise

University of Northern Iowa, 2019

Director

Conceived and choreographed by Jim Bray and Caroline Henry

JIM BRAY

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

AEA, MFA ACTING

2022-2023 Stephens College Summer Performing Arts Intensive 

2022-2023 East Carolina University
Assistant Teaching Professor, Professional Acting

2018-2022 University Northern Iowa
Assistant Professor, Acting

2015-2018 Kent State University
MFA Candidate & Teacher of Record

At the heart of my acting training program is the belief that acting is an art form that requires intensive practice and exploration. I focus on the Sanford Meisner approach, which places the actor at the center of the scene and emphasizes emotional curiosity and truthfulness. Through extensive scenework, I challenge actors to stretch their abilities and create authentic performances that resonate with audiences. With a supportive and nurturing environment, my students build confidence and develop their skills, ultimately reaching their full potential.

At ECU, I specialized in using the Meisner approach to acting alongside the Michael Chekhov method to develop and elevate my students' depth in contemporary and stylized character work. My  classes cater to students’ varying levels of skill and experience, and I offered a range of courses from beginner to advanced. With extensive monologue and audition preparation, my classes are designed to promote growth and advancement within the industry. 

At UNI, I was instrumental in facilitating substantial curricular changes to the actor training program. This experience made me realize that the conventional methods of teaching acting were outdated and needed a serious revamp. I designed a culturally aware two-step Meisner approach to acting, which encompasses a deep understanding of the emotional lives of characters, and then combine it with Michael Chekhov’s approach to provide students with the tools they need to craft vivid characterizations on stage and screen. 

Over the years, I’ve studied with some of the most respected names in acting training, from Anne Bogart to Chris Bayes, to Maggie Flanigan and Larry Silverberg,  and MICHA (the National Michael Chekhov Association). Drawing from each of their methods, I’ve developed a holistic approach to actor training that allows my students to be fully present and confident on stage.  

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