Laura Braza Returns to Milwaukee

STACKNER DIRECTOR COMES HOME TO MILWAUKEE

Laura Braza

Growing up in Milwaukee, Laura Braza started attending The Rep at the age of six. In fact, she credits seeing shows at The Rep as a huge reason why she chose a career in the theater. Specifically, it was her favorite Rep production she’s ever seen - a powerful version of Mary Stuart she saw in high school, where she vividly remembers Laura Gordon and Deb Staples “tearing the roof off the place.”

Braza made her Rep debut directing our 2016/17 production of Grounded. Since then she has directed Souvenir and Always… Patsy Cline in the 2017/18 Season and is coming back in the 2018/19 Season to direct Songs for Nobodies, an American premiere that will open the newly renovated Stackner Cabaret.

Now returning to The Rep to direct her fourth production, we wanted to give you the chance to get to know her better…

Did you always want to be a director?

I thought I wanted to be an actor until I arrived at acting school, where I realized being an actor was not for me. I like telling people what to do, so directing seemed like a natural fit, and it turns out it is!

How would you describe your directing style?

My directing style is very collaborative. I’m most interested in what the actors bring to a performance and knowing how my choices as the director can support them.

What is your favorite directing experience at The Rep so far?

My favorite directing experience at The Rep thus far was Grounded. It was a story that meant a lot to me and it was the first time that I worked at The Rep. There was this place where I had seen theater my entire life and suddenly I was working there. That feeling of ‘Oh my god, this is happening’ hit my stomach every day when I walked into the building.

You have some family connections to The Rep, as your father recently served on the Board of Trustees. What is it like to have that shared experience?

It’s really fun to be able to talk to my family about theater, especially talking to my parents about the theater they are helping create as a Trustee and as donors, and the theater that I am helping create as an artist. It’s been a really special way for us to bond.

What is it like directing at a regional theater vs. in New York?

The coolest thing about directing at a regional theater, especially at The Rep (because this isn’t true everywhere) is that you have such a dedicated, supportive staff that has the resources they need to do what they want. It creates a really fantastic artistic collaboration. I miss being in New York but really love the work that we get to do here. Being a part of the theater in my hometown is truly special.•

RAPID FIRE Q & A

Favorite part of Milwaukee? River Walk/Third Ward

Miller, Lakefront Brewery, or New Glarus? New Glarus. Spotted Cow, come on!

Favorite Custard? Kopps

Soda or pop? It’s soda.

Coffee order? Black

What makes you happiest? When an actor really clicks with something in rehearsal. Also puppies.