Brad Mays: A Life of Accomplishment and Innovation
Brad Mays, a seasoned thespian with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, has amassed an impressive array of stage, television, and independent film credits. Born in the year 1970, Mays' fascination with the world of theatre and film initially took root during his high school days in the picturesque town of Princeton, New Jersey.
As his passion for the craft continued to grow, Mays seized the opportunity to participate in a unique work/study program at the esteemed McCarter Theatre, a renowned professional repertory company. This valuable experience allowed him to hone his skills and gain valuable insight into the industry, as he took to the stage in several productions, including the classic tragedy "Macbeth" and the thought-provoking drama "Caesar At The Rubicon".
Mays embarked on a journey of artistic expression and creative exploration, ultimately becoming an integral part of the Corner Theatre ETC, a pioneering experimental theatre company in Baltimore. This esteemed organization provided him with a platform to hone his craft, participating in a diverse range of productions that showcased his versatility as a performer.
Notably, Mays had the privilege of working alongside the enigmatic Gordon Porterfield, a Baltimore-based playwright renowned for his thought-provoking and often controversial works. Porterfield's plays, which pushed the boundaries of storytelling and challenged societal norms, undoubtedly had a profound impact on Mays' artistic development.
As his skills and confidence grew, Mays progressed to take on a new role behind the scenes, directing main-stage productions for paying audiences. His impressive repertoire of directed plays included the critically acclaimed "Jack Or The Submission", the surreal and thought-provoking "The Future Is In Eggs", the poignant and emotional "Lovers", the groundbreaking and provocative "The Boys In The Band", and the dark and haunting "The Devils Of Loudun".
Mays' academic trajectory commenced at Towson University, where he laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the realm of theatrical direction and performance. The culmination of his studies was marked by a notable production of Peter Shaffer's "Equus", in which he not only wielded the director's baton but also took to the stage as a co-star. This impressive debut was swiftly followed by a production of Euripides' ancient Greek tragedy, "The Bacchae", which showcased Mays' versatility and range as a director.
Undeterred by the demands of his dual role, Mays continued to direct a variety of productions, each one a testament to his burgeoning talent and dedication to his craft. His repertoire included the poignant and introspective "Chamber Music", a work that explored the intricacies of human relationships, as well as the provocative and unconventional "White Whore And The Bit Player", a production that pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on stage.
Mays' crowning achievement, however, was his direction of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's groundbreaking musical, "Threepenny Opera". This iconic work, with its biting social commentary and memorable score, was a perfect vehicle for Mays' unique blend of artistic vision and technical expertise. As he guided his cast through the complexities of this landmark production, Mays demonstrated a profound understanding of the material, as well as a deep respect for the artistic sensibilities of his collaborators.
Mays embarked on his inaugural New York venture with a captivating evening of one-act plays, meticulously crafted by his dear friend and collaborator, Linda Chambers. This ambitious production showcased the duo's creative synergy, as they brought forth a diverse array of short plays that left a lasting impression on the audience.
In addition to his work with Chambers, Mays also had the privilege of directing "The Water Hen", a thought-provoking play penned by the renowned Polish playwright, Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz. This critically acclaimed production garnered widespread recognition, with many praising Mays' masterful direction and the cast's impressive performances.
Mays' burgeoning interest in independent filmmaking soon led him to produce "Stage Fright", a gripping cinematic endeavour that premiered at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival in 1989. This milestone marked a significant turning point in Mays' career, as he began to explore the vast possibilities offered by the film medium.
Mays' creative endeavors in the 1990s did not cease to flourish, as he devoted a significant amount of time to crafting and refining numerous scripts, simultaneously honing his skills as a script doctor. In addition to his work in the realm of scriptwriting, Mays also ventured into the world of play direction, bringing to life productions such as "Dragon Slayers", "Joan", and "The Bacchae", which, in the year 2000, garnered a total of three prestigious LA Weekly Theatre Award nominations. As a means of supplementing his income, Mays turned his attention to the art of film editing, diligently working on a multitude of films, including "Resillience", "Shakespeare's Merchant", "Dodo", and "Crystal Fog".
Noted filmmaker Mays has ventured beyond his core expertise in the realm of documentaries, taking the helm as both director and editor for a trio of thought-provoking films: "Sing*ularity", "The Watermelon", and "A Way Back In". This impressive trifecta showcases Mays' versatility and ability to craft compelling narratives across a range of genres.
In addition to his documentary work, Mays has also lent his skills to several feature films, including "The Audacity of Democracy", "Aiden's Butterflies", and "Jubilate Trego". Each of these projects offers a unique opportunity for Mays to explore different storytelling styles and themes, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and adaptable filmmaker.
Mays' impressive body of work has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his invitation to participate in a 2009 discussion about Euripides' classic play "The Bacchae" for the esteemed PBS series "Invitation To World Literature". This prestigious platform allowed Mays to share his insights and perspectives with a broad audience, further cementing his status as a respected figure in the world of filmmaking.
Over the course of the past few years, Mays has demonstrated his versatility and range as a filmmaker by taking on the dual roles of director and editor for a multitude of feature films. This impressive body of work includes the critically acclaimed "I Grew Up in Princeton", the high-octane thrill ride "Road Rage", and the heartwarming drama "Aiden's Butterflies".
In addition to his work in feature films, Mays has also lent his talents to the realm of music videos. One notable example of this is his collaboration with Detroit-based producer Blake Harrington on the visually stunning "Leviathan".
Mays' impressive resume is filled with numerous accolades and nominations, a testament to his skill and dedication as a filmmaker. One of the most notable of these is the prestigious "Best Director of a Feature Documentary" award he received for his work on "Two Trentons - An American City Speaks" at the esteemed Global Nonviolent Film Festival.
