FringeHIGH Artist Profile: Aaron Braxton, Actor/Writer
Meet Aaron Braxton
Aaron Braxton is showcasing his one-man, 12-character show Did You Do Your Homework? at Fringe 2010. Did You Do Your Homework? focuses on the comical and tragic realities of the LA public school system told through the eyes of one if its teachers.
The Stats
What’s next on your Netflix queue?
I just cancelled my Netflix membership because I found that I did not use it. I tend to buy a lot of DVD’s, and between my Direct TV DVR and Showtime, I’m all set.
What’s playing on your iPod right now?
iPod?! I’m a struggling actor/writer and teacher! Who can’t afford an iPod.
Last good book you read was…
I just finished reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s about trusting your heart and believing that the Universe is going to give you everything you ask from it as long as you trust and believe it will.
Favorite restaurant in the city is?
Can you believe I grew up in Boston, but I have never been to New York?! My family moved to California when I was 15. So, at this point I’m looking forward to tasting many different ethnic foods in the city. I’ve heard that New York has some amazing Chinese food though. I can wait!
All-time, hands-down favorite piece of theater?
Besides my own, I can narrow it down to 3: The Lion King, Dream Girls, and Doubt. When I went to see The Lion King I felt like a kid all over again. The costumes, story, and message were simply astounding. Dream Girls is the perfect musical. It is a toe popping, finger snapping, show with a lot of pizzazz, and the music is amazing! Doubt has the perfect blend of wit, suspense, and story. It totally lives up to its name and beyond.
Why Aaron Love Fringe and the Arts
What’s the best thing about the Fringe Festival?
The Fringe gives artist like me an opportunity to showcase our work in New York that we otherwise, may not have gotten.
What’s the #1 reason people should come see your show?
People should come see DID YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK? to become inspired. The show has so much heart. Each of the 12 characters I play are fighting for a chance to live and have their voices to be heard by a society that has napped on education in the urban communities. It’s about everyone’s responsibility towards making a difference.
Do you have any Opening Night rituals?
This sounds cliché, but prayer is my opening ritual. It centers me. It grounds me, and it makes me keenly aware that I have a responsibility in showcasing my art to the world, and that I’m privileged every time I step out on that stage.
What are the craziest performance conditions you’ve had to work under?
It would have to be The Complex Theatre in Los Angeles California. It sits on Santa Monica Boulevard, which is the heart of the male and transvestite prostitution district. Any given night you could have a theatrical experience on stage, then during intermission or after the show, go outside and see a tragic, true, and often hilarious theatrical experience in real time. All made for good crazy theatre.
How did you get involved with the arts?
First and foremost, I come from a family of artist. I have uncles that were Gospel singers, aunts that were R&B singers, as well as a mega famous cousin. It’s in my blood. However, when I was around 6 or 7 my dad took me to see the movie, Cooley High. Towards the end of the movie one of the main characters got killed by 3 thugs under some train tracks. I cried so hysterically that my dad had to take me out the movie theatre. Once in the lobby he finally convinced me that the character was not real and that those were actors playing a part in a movie. It was then that I realized the affect that art can have on me and that I wanted to have that same affect on other people.
I have been really lucky in that once my mother discovered I was an artist, she really tried to encourage me to discover and continue with my craft. Sometimes by the sheer embarrassment of making me sing to guest when they’d come over to visit! She was, and still is, very proud!
Learn more at the FringeHIGH webpage and buy your tickets to Did You Do Your Homework? today!
