Mini-interviews with the 2015-16 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows

2015-16 McKnight Theater Artist Fellows Aimee K. Bryant and James A. Williams are presenting works in progress at the Southern Theater on Tuesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. See event details and RSVP. Learn a little bit about Aimee, James, and Barry Browning in these mini-interviews.

Barry Browning, lighting designer

How did you get involved in lighting design?

In high school I wanted to be a filmmaker. During my junior year, a summer Shakespeare festival started at the local college; I thought theater and film had a lot in common so I volunteered to help out backstage. The next year they gave me a job and I was running lights and sound. The next year they had me light a show, and the next I became the resident lighting designer. I have been hooked ever since.

Who or what inspires you?

Primarily the work itself. I respond to the story and try to do everything I can to focus on that story. The people I collaborate with are also a great source of inspiration - the directors and their vision, of course, but also everyone else working in the organization, from the box office staff to the actors, and the builders and electricians who bring my work to life.

What do you look for in collaborators?

Pretty simply, #1 - brilliant leadership, and #2 - fun people.

Aimee K. Bryant, actor

Who or what inspires you?

The other theater makers in this community. There are so many incredible artists here, in every facet of theater making. I would name names, but I don't want to leave anyone out. All of my favorite actors work in this community. I often see them on stage and think, "I wish I could do that."

How did you get started in acting?

In Kindergarten I was the Mama Bear in the Three Little Bears. During the performance my ears fell into my bowl of porridge and I cried. I don't know if that was the moment when I knew I would be doing this professionally. I can't ever remember not wanting to be an actor. My career choice may have subconsciously been influenced by Diff'rent Strokes. I had a huge crush on Gary Coleman. Shut up. He was cute.

James A. Williams, actor

Who or what inspires you?

Two people inspire me: my mother Delores Williams and August Wilson. Their integrity, sacrifice, and passion for excellence remain with me always.

How did you get your start acting?

I started acting in a summer college prep program called Upward Bound, at Saint Louis University. My first show was a one act, Happy Ending by Douglas Turner Ward.

Finish this sentence: If I weren't an actor I'd be...

...a very miserable human being.