Meet Brandon Alvión

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandon Alvión. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brandon, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Whenever I’m the “only” in the room I have found great effectiveness in uplifting the benefits of inviting more diverse voices to the table. I learned not to let others (or even myself) make me the sole representative for any identity that I carry into a space. I am constantly searching for opportunities to highlight the importance of diversity at the table. The gift of this perspective is not only helping to open the door for others, but also helping those in the room see diversity as a benefit to us all!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m an actor first! I fell in love with acting in high school because of the powerful experience I had my first time in the theatre. I went to see Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson (starring the incomparable Phylicia Rashad) and I left the theatre that night knowing that I had to dedicate my life to creating art that could touch someone’s life the way mine had been impacted.

I’ve learned that I can create meaningful art on AND off stage! I’m grateful that my creative lens is expanding and my art is maturing. Whether I’m acting, directing, or otherwise creating, I am invested in letting myself be a vessel for the work so that the impact has max potential.

My career is rooted in a desire to make good art! I am drawn to work that gives me a chance to make creative choices and work that employs the magic of theatre well.

I hope that my work/my brand is work that illuminates, inspires, and celebrates the power of theatre!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The piece of knowledge that has been most impactful for me has been my “why”. A career in the arts is no doubt challenging. Remembering my why is what helps me to push through the tough moments and inspires me to continue to learn.

I also think a sense of curiosity has served me well in my career. Being curios is brave! So much of our world exists in the polarity of right and wrong. Art grants us the space to live outside of those confines. When I create I challenge myself to search beyond the first thing that “works”. As long as time permits – I am a scientist…an investigator. I remain curious about what else there is to uncover. The freedom to explore without the risk of right and wrong has led to some amazing discoveries.

I tell early career artists to pay consistent and honest attention to developing your sense of self-awareness. Our needs, our bodies, our art, our perspective – all change over time. We have to be in tune with how we are and what we need to produce our best work because our bodies are our instruments. Self-awareness is what I lean on to be sure that I am giving the best of myself each day. Self-awareness helps an artist to maintain the integrity of their work and the caretaking of the vessel.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past twelve months I have grown most in being willing to step out of my comfort zone. There are projects that I wouldn’t have thought about approaching just a year ago. I am proud of the opportunities I’ve had this year to stretch myself in spaces that were initially intimidating and uncomfortable. Each time I push past that fear it increases my willingness to see myself in spaces and places that I hadn’t thought of before. I’ve found that this courage keeps me connected to my humanity and humility.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brandonactwright.weebly.com/
• Instagram: @iactwright
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-a-wright-276528228/