026: Finding Voice and Movement: Brandon Lee Sears on Authenticity in Musical Theatre
"And so although I had been studying the character inside out, nothing really worked for me until I started exploring that character outside in"
Brandon Lee Sears
In this episode of The Shapes in Motion Podcast, Sarah Perry speaks with performer Brandon Lee Sears about his artistic journey, from early opera training to discovering dance and building a dynamic career in musical theatre. Brandon reflects on what it truly means to find one’s voice, both as a singer and as an artist with something to say. The conversation explores authenticity, creative fulfilment, and the courage it takes to speak up, collaborate, and stay true to one’s artistry in a demanding industry. He also shares insights into the challenges and triumphs along the way, offering valuable advice for emerging performers. Brandon’s stage credits include The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre, Dreamgirls, Shrek the Musical, Motown the Musical, On the Town at Regent’s Park, and Passing Strange at the Young Vic.
About Brandon Lee Sears
Brandon Lee Sears is an American actor, singer, and dancer whose dynamic career began with acclaimed performances in U.S. ballet companies, including Milwaukee Ballet, Nashville Ballet, and Ballet Soul. After establishing himself as a versatile performer in both classical and contemporary dance, he transitioned into musical theatre, ultimately launching a successful career in London’s West End.
He is currently a proud company member of the highly anticipated West End musical ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. Brandon most recently captivated audiences as the Alternate Narrator in the exhilarating production of ‘Passing Strange’ at the Young Vic and brought boundless energy and heart to the role of Donkey in the UK tour of ‘Shrek the Musical’.
His previous West End credits include starring as Jimmy Early in Sonia Friedman Productions’ dazzling soul sensation Dreamgirls; and originating roles in Be More Chill (Shaftesbury Theatre), Come From Away (Phoenix Theatre), Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), and On the Town (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).
Television and Film credits include: Artemis Fowl and Cinderella (Disney); Marriage of Reason and Squalor (Sky Arts); and Greta (Metropolitan Films).
Other stage work includes: Dirty Dancing (UK Tour); My Fair Lady; Guys and Dolls; Hamlet; King Lear; Much Ado About Nothing; Meet Me in St. Louis; and Othello (New Harmony Theatre).
Chapters
Introduction to Brandon Lee Sears
The Early Years: From Singing to Dance
Finding Voice and Expression Through Performance
The Journey of Movement: From Worship to Dance
Transitioning to Ballet and Musical Theatre
The Struggles and Triumphs of a Performer
Mindset Shift: Embracing the Artist Within
The Move to London and New Opportunities
Creative Challenges in Musical Theatre
The Role of Donkey in Shrek: A Unique Challenge
Creative Fulfilment and Authenticity in Performance
The Importance of Collaboration and Growth
Upcoming Projects and Personal Growth
Advice for Emerging Artists
Conclusion and Future Aspirations
Links
Website: Brandonleesears.com
Instagram: @brandonleesears
Currently appearing in: The Devil Wears Prada, Dominion Theatre.
Recommended Books
The Artists Way - Julie Cameron
Katie Mitchell - The Directors Craft
Mike Alfreds - Different Every Night
To get in touch with Sarah visit www.sarahperrymovement.com and follow @sarahperrymovement on Instagram.
To get in touch with Stephen visit www.stephenmoynihan.net and follow @stmoynihan on Instagram.