Projects/News
Elf: The Musical
North Carolina Theatre
December 9-17th, 2023
Santa/Mr. Greenway
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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
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
You Can't Take it with You
University of Northern Iowa, 2020
Director/ Intimacy Direction
"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.
A New Brain*
Jennie T. Anderson Theatre
September 16-17th, 2023
Richard
*Nominated for a Broadway World Award (Best Ensemble)
Next to Normal *
Porthouse Theatre
Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine
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*2019 Cleveland Critics Award
"Superior Achievement in a Musical Theatre Production"
Last Stop on Market Street
East Carolina University, 2023
Associate Director
Kinky Boots
Weathervane Theatre, 2021
Associate Director
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.
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 curriculum was 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. Come be a part of my journey and experience a truly unique approach to actor training.
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. Whether instructing Musical Theatre, leading a lecture style class I focus on helping each actor bring genuine, believable intimacy to the stage. Let me help you take your performance to the next level.