Brandon Billings
Brandon Billings (Trevor)
The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
APRIL 15 — MAY 20
What excites you about The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong and the role you are playing?
I love comedy. Plain and simple. Laughter is something we all need daily. There is a certain energy that as an actor and even an audience member that you feel, and it’s euphoric. I mean for me that’s how it feels. I’ve always loved making people laugh ever since I was young. I get immense joy when people laugh at my expense. So, in this show I play Trevor, the lighting, sound and tech director. I love playing this role because I’m with the audience the entire time. I get to see them react and laugh while all the mishap ensues. It’s just loads of fun!
What’s your biggest challenge about taking on this role?
Without a doubt, trying not to laugh during performances. This play makes it difficult to maintain character and composure. We’re all having so much fun but its still a show…that goes wrong. I think I would add too that with this show at least for my character, there isn’t much of a physical challenge per-say, but overall, the biggest challenge is maintaining safety. So much is going wrong in this show that we all must look out for one another. Safety and comfortability are our top priority. Steve is an incredible director who makes sure everyone is ready and safe.
What type of audience would you say The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong is for? Who do you think it will appeal to most?
I think this play is for everybody, I mean who doesn’t like to laugh? Something that is exciting about theatre is that its live, that means anything that goes wrong can be shocking and or an entertaining experience. In this play, literally everything goes wrong, and I mean everything. I would say this play is for anyone who is looking to have a great time or anyone who needs some laughter in their life. This is a play that doesn’t target a specific audience. Its for everyone.
You recently played Eugene in our Denver Premiere of Fireflies! How did you feel when the run ended? How did you feel about the play as a whole? Any interesting takeaways?
Ok first off, I absolutely loved that production. I found profound joy in going to the theatre every weekend and working with just incredible and professional people. With that being said, I was saddened by how our production ended. As an actor, having a show close due to unforeseen circumstances is almost like a bad breakup. There isn’t much closure, but the rehearsals, the performances, the people, and the community made me realize the journey is the most important aspect. Not necessarily the beginning or the end, but what happens in the middle. That’s where experiences are more often remembered! Through this production, I learned how much Vintage Theatre means to a lot of people and I am fortunate and grateful to be a part of it!
While great, I would say you played a bit of a supporting role in Fireflies considering it was about never being too old to find love! Any chance we’ll see more of you in this production? Does that character have any similarities to yours in this production?
Oh, absolutely you’ll see more of me… I’m with the audience the entire time! I’m very much up close and… personal with the audience. That’ll make more sense when you see the show. Just as a quick tip, be in the theatre 15 minutes before the show starts! There will be some surprises for the audiences! With this character, I think the only similarity the two have are the clumsiness. With Eugene Claymire (aka Fathead) there was an innocence to his clumsiness. He was more verbally clumsy if that makes sense. With Trevor, who I play in this production, he’s just an all-around dork. That’s the best way I can put it. Physically and verbally clumsy, but I hope the audiences get a laugh at his expense. I think I’m starting to see a trend here… but I love it.
