Featured Performer of the Week: Jamey Grisham

BroadwayWorld is thrilled to present its latest feature series: The Performer of the Week! Get to know these amazing talents as they share a bit about themselves, their work and life!

Today, we're thrilled to feature actor, composer, and musician Jamey Grisham!

About Jamey

He honestly can't remember when he became interested in performance, but by the time he was five, Jamey was taking advantage of every acting opportunity that Tupelo, Mississippi would provide. His interests grew into a passion while he grew into an adult; it's a passion that has lead him across the states, across the pond, and into a multi-faceted career as an actor, director, choreographer, musician, composer, and music director.

Where You Might Have Seen Him

New York credits this season include MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING with The Secret Theatre governed by Artistic Director Richard Mazda, in which he portrayed Balthazar and also penned the original music, the premiere of RISE! with Roots and Wings Theatrical, and the new musical GOOD GIRLS ONLY opposite Tony Award-winner Randy Graff, Jane Summerhays, and Ernestine Jackson.

Selected Regional: Resident Acting Company Member (The Barn Theatre); CAMELOT, TWELFTH NIGHT, (Trinity Rep); EUGENE ONEGIN with Dmitri Hvorostovsky, THE BARBER OF SEVILLE with Nathan Gunn (Lyric Opera of Chicago); SONGS OF OUR TIME with Andrea Marcovicci (Chicago Humanities Festival).

As a composer and musician, Jamey is an active member of the Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, and the Associated Musicians of Greater New York (Local 802 AFM). In regards to direction, music direction, dance, and choreography, Jamey has whirled with the Joffrey Ballet School, Hubbard Street, Alabama Ballet, Pied Piper Playhouse, Perishable Theatre, Brown University (TAPS), Workhorse Theatre Ensemble, and Trinity Repertory Company. Training: The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Roosevelt University (BFA), and the Brown University/Trinity Rep MFA Acting Program (Stephen Sondheim Fellow).

We've Got Questions!

1) What are you working on right now?

I'm about to embark on my 6th season at The Barn Theatre in Augusta, Michigan where I'm a director, choreographer, and member of the Resident Acting Company. Our 67th Season includes 42ND STREET, PETER PAN, DEATHTRAP starring Robert Newman, TARZAN, SHREK, and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.

2) What has been your professional biggest accomplishment so far?

It would have to be the recent production of the new musical GOOD GIRLS ONLY, in which I was sensually and seductively escorted off-stage not once, but twice by Ms. Randy Graff.

3) Share your funniest or worst audition moment

Earlier this spring, I had a callback for an understudy in a new play on Broadway. Amidst the sides to be learned, there was a portion where the character had to speak thru ravenous feasting. Last minute, I'd decided to purchase a pack of Bubblicious gum to help me engage in that aspect of the scene. After unwrapping each piece and placing them neatly in my shirt pocket, I entered the the room and began enacting the text. When the eating occasion arrived, I popped a couple of morsels into my mouth and continued to speak. Once the scene was over, though, and some notes were given, I was asked to work the scene twice more. Every time the eating moment occurred, a couple of fresh lumps were added to the wad. By the end, my mouth was so stuffed with gum that I seemed to be playing my own private round of Chubby Bunny. When we finished, I spit the mass into my hand and thanked the casting crew... and just as I was walking out the door, I heard the director's voice chortle from behind the table: "Oh... and you should add chewing to your special skills."

4) What's your dream role?

I have an earnest desire to play all of Shakespeare's clowns before I die.

5) If you weren't a performer, what would you be?

Easy. A British Constitutional Historian.

6) Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years?

I just want to keep working in the professional arena. Of particular interest, I enjoy the opportunity to be involved in the creation and production of new works.

7) Where can people find you online?

For full resumes, demos, news, and agency contacts, please visit me at www.jameygrisham.com

Thanks, Jamey!

Photo credits: Eric Laurits, Allison Stock, Sue Coflin, Mark Turek