I first saw Braden Abraham display his secret skill on the opening night of WHITE HOT on stage.
You see, for the previous few months leading up to this moment, he had not been on stage, but instead in the front row directing the play and when someone needed his back, Braden jumped in and stepped onto a stage for the first time in 15 years.
Crossing my fingers, I asked the Associate Artistic Director of Seattle Repertory Theatre for 5-15 minutes of his time for a quick photo shoot. We shot this session in 18 minutes at the entrance of SRT.

 

 

Q&A with Braden Abraham

PS: Has performing in  WHITE HOT helped strengthen your skills as a director?
BA: Absolutely. Acting is a muscle all directors should understand. Being up there again reminded me of what it takes to grow and sustain a performance. Every night is like jumping out of an airplane for me.

PS: Do you prefer to act or direct?
BA: Ha! I don’t think anyone would’ve asked me that question before WHITE HOT. I’m a director because I love great acting and design. I love the moment of engagement. The anxiety of acting is hard for me to handle, at least initially. Once I’m out there I start to play, but getting there is difficult. 


PS: Was there a specific theatrical experience in your youth that compelled you to join the art community in Seattle?
BA: I grew up in the San Juan Islands outside of Anacortes, and went to Western Washington University. When I graduated some friends and I moved down here to start a theater company. That group is long disbanded and many of its former members are living elsewhere. I’m still here though. This is home. 

  

 

  

PS: What makes you happy?
BA: Making something with talented people that I love.

PS: Who or what inspires you the most in your personal life?
BA: My daughter Phoenix is almost two years old now. Being a parent has been a huge inspiration. It’s made me think about my priorities. I also mark time in a different way. Nothing keeps you in the moment like chasing a toddler around. 

PS: And in your professional life?
BA: I’ve been fortunate to have several great mentors. You need advocates in this business. I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am without them. 

PS: What do you consider your best hidden talent?

BA: I’m good in a pinch.
PS: If you could choose one additional talent in life, what would it be?
BA: I wish I could write with the best of them. Writing is where it’s at.

 

  

PS: Who is your favorite superhero?
BA: Incredible Hulk. Dude has issues.

PS: Who are your heroes in real life?
BA: My parents. My sister. And my partner Cheyenne.

PS: What quality do you admire in your friends?
BA: They tell me the truth. And I know they got my back. 

PS: What do you fear the most?
BA: In my own work? Probably ‘fear itself’, and mediocrity. In my country? The slow advance of the corporate state. 

PS: Are you now the person you wanted to be when you were young?
BA: I’m getting there… 

  

PS: So far, what has been your greatest achievement?
BA: I’m still making work. I’m still taking chances. 

PS: What would like to achieve next?
BA: I have two exciting directing projects coming up. I’d also like to make a short film. I’m also interested in adapting something for the stage.

  

 

 

 

Photography details

Camera Settings:
Lens: Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8
Lens: Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5 (set at 70mm for close-ups and 22mm for wide angles)
Aperture: f/4.0
Shutter: 1/125
ISO: 400

Gear: BlackRapid RS-W1
Think Tank Photo Retrospective® 10 (Pinestone) Shoulder Bag

Lighting Set-up:
Kept it simple with all natural light. No flash. No light reflectors.

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