Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Clowdus.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Brian. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
9 years ago, I moved back to the Southeast to pursue my Masters Degree after living in NYC as a working actor for almost 5 years. That move led me to Serenbe on a whim trip where I got a strong gut feeling that I was connected to this community. That feeling let to me dropping a blind email to serenbe.com introducing myself and pitching this concept of a theatre in their community. Low and behold they replied back and asked for a meeting. That meeting turned into me pitching an idea and presenting a business proposal of a theatre company in the woods which they approved and seeded with 15 thousand dollars. Fast forward 9 years later and we are operating at a 1.2-million-dollar budget as a national leader in site-specific theatre. We have never lost a dollar and we continue to press the boundaries of what theatre is and can be. We produce experiences for everyone and love that we have redefined the concept of what theatre actually is…
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting something from the ground up should never be completely smooth or you are not taking enough risks! Like childbirth, you forget the labor pains as your baby grows up. Serenbe Playhouse has had minor bumps along the road but I have always looked at those moments as growth points and opportunities for smooth sailing in the future! Being an outdoor company we have challenges from Mother Nature, BUT we have learned to tame her over the past 9 years as best we can… she provided the most incredible backdrops and environment so if she gets a little windy or hot headed at times I give her a free pass!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Serenbe Playhouse is a professional theatre company committed to producing bold new works and reinvented classics that connect art, nature and community. Serenbe Playhouse believes that theatre as an art form has the unique power to illuminate the human experience. In pursuit of that vision, we produce artistically rich site-specific performances and programming that reduces the barriers between artists and audiences by immersing patrons in an environment that amplifies the beauty of nature, and provides opportunities for engagement, conversation, and collaboration. We are a pioneer in modeling Green Theatre Practices by producing plays with a commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Serenbe Playhouse was founded in 2009 under the executive and artistic direction of Brian Clowdus, an accomplished actor, educator, director and producer.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in the sticks of Alabama in a double-wide trailer, raised by strong Southern Women! My drive and personality could not be contained in the tiny town of Hokes Bluff Alabama, so me and my sister both fled like hell to northeast! If you had asked me growing up if I would ever return to the Southeast I would have told you that you were crazy! Some space allowed me to miss my incredible family and my roots and low and behold me and my Sis are both back in the Southeast doing what we love and within a short drive from our home and kin folks in Alabama!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.serenbeplayhouse.com
- Phone: 770.463.1110
- Instagram: SerenbPlayhouse
- Facebook: SernbePlayhouse
- Twitter: OnStageSerenbe
Image Credit:
BreeAnne Clowdus and Koko Hunt
