Brooke Aston Harper

Director

https://www.brookeastonsings.com/

Time in Greater OC: 10 Years or 24 Years, depending on how you count.

Neighborhood: Placentia, CA

Hometown: Canyon Lake, CA

What are you currently working on?

Intimate Apparel at The Long Beach Playhouse (Director)
Collective Rage at The Wayward Artist (Director)
Wayward Voices at The Wayward Artist (Director of Programming)

What's been inspiring you recently?

My background is predominantly musical theater, but well written plays by BIPOC writers have been keeping me inspired and working!

Tell us a story from your childhood that illuminates who you are as an artist.

I knew every word to Pirate's of Penzance. My much older brother was cast as the Pirate King and Kevin Klein had nothing on him. From there on out there was no hope for me to do anything else.

What kind of theatre excites you?

I love commercial theater told with a strong point of view. Between re-inventing and recycling there is a perfect sweet spot where theater makers can create a place that reflects society today.

What's the craziest thing you have ever needed to do for theatre?

The number of times I have been gluing and sewing in order to make sure the production happens. It didn't matter if it was Winkie coats or my own hemline, this actor director is going to get the costumes right. Even if that means doing it myself.

Who are or were your theatrical heroes?

I was obsessed with Rodgers and Hammerstein. My Mom would rent a musical anytime I was home sick, so Shirley Jones was exactly who I wanted to be. Once I got to college, no one could hold a candle to Audra McDonald.

Outside of a theatre, what's your favorite hot spot in Orange County?

My couch in my living room. It's lit.

What surprises you the most about your role in the theatre community?

It surprises me how much our community overlaps. It may seem obvious, but when a cast list goes up and folks I've known for 20 years from different circles get to work together it brightens my day.

What advice do you have for theatre artists just starting out in Orange County?

Theater leaders are very generous. If you are interested in our rich community then reach out to the folks you admire. It is likely they will let you pick their brain and help get you started.

Go ahead, promote your things...

www.brookeastonsings.com

www.thehoneydrops.com

www.soul3sixty.com