Today we’d like to introduce you to Quentin Brown.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to Atlanta almost five years ago and it was almost impossible to get into the room to be seen. I’d email my headshot/resume all over whether there was an audition or not asking to be considered for companies upcoming productions or cabarets looking for a small break. I’d performed for a couple of theme parks, worked on a popular cruise line and even was a member of the EMC Program but all I ever got was “We will put you on our list to be vetted.”
To be honest, it was heartbreaking! I was trying to return to the theatre after working at theme parks and cruise ships for so long and I was befuddled by the fact that no companies were really having open calls and the only way you could be seen was by attending Atlanta Unifieds.
After being here for a year and a half, I was finally cast by Mark and Bethany Smith at the Legacy Theatre in Tyrone, GA. It was there that caused IAP (Independent Artists’ Playhouse) to truly develop. IAP originally started in Orlando, FL. I attended the Visual and Performing Arts Program at Dr. Phillips High School under the Direction of Karen J Rugerio.
The summer after I graduated I was looking to make some money to go to college and a friend of mine had recently an album on iTunes featuring his original music so I reach out to Tim Hanes at the Orlando Youth Theatre at the time to ask if he would allow me host an event. He said YES and the rest was history! I organized Alexander Sage Oyen’s concert/album release party which featured local performers singing songs on his album Making My Own Way (Check It our on iTunes)
After a sold-out show, I got some of the fiercest ladies I knew at the time and decided to produce “No Boys Allowed: an All Girl cabaret. Once I headed off to college IAP got quite until of winter of 2015 which was during my contract at the Legacy doing Buddy Holly. In the dressing room one show, we were discussing the lack of opportunities and favoritism in Atlanta which leads to less exposure for new/starving artists. Evan McLean expressed that he wanted to do a production of [title of show] and me being who I am said, “ Let’s produce it ourselves” and the rest is history.
“Our Mission is to create opportunities of growth and exposure to the starving artist through self-expression and self-knowledge.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Hahaha. It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think when you put your own money on the line to produce art it can be nerve-racking. We’ve done shows for sold out crowds but we’ve also done shows for two people. It’s always hard to lose money.
I think not having a solid team who can give their all has been a major issue. Don’t get me wrong I have some of the best people—Brittani Minnieweather, Michael Pugh and Janine Baggett but we are all performers who have full-time jobs and we currently aren’t at a place where we can drop our day jobs and just work on IAP full time!
Independent Artists’ Playhouse – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Independent Artists’ Playhouse is probably known best for its monthly cabaret series that we host at The Basement Theatre in Buckhead. J Star who owns The Basement Theatre came out and saw our first production, [title of show] and after the show came up and was like “I loved what you’re doing and I want to help. I have an intimate venue that has a few dark nights and I’d love to have you guys!”
At this point, we’ve done over 30 cabarets and welcomed over 100 artists on come and perform. We started the cabaret series as an outlet for people to perform. If you aren’t in a show, come join! If you are looking brush up on a song, come join us! if you need some footage for a reel, come join us. Our cabarets are an outlet for people to sing and express themselves and you don’t have to be an incredible singer. It’s about storytelling and opening up and connecting with the audience which is such a beautiful thing!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is being proud of something you’ve created/done. Of course, there are the obvious things like financial success and such but ultimately that doesn’t matter if you don’t like what you’re doing and you don’t do it well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iaplayhouse.org
- Email: info@iaplayhouse.org
- Instagram: @iaplayhouse
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iaplayhouse/
Image Credit:
Kevin Harry, Jordan Demers, Licia Morrell
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