Artist Profile: Brian White

Quadruple Threat

By Tina Morris

A Tennessee native, Brian White has been performing all his life, beginning in church choir and progressing to high school plays and musicals. Brian moved to Georgia after earning a role in a live musical show at Six Flags. While there, he auditioned for the Atlanta Jazz Theatre and was cast in their professional dance company. On scholarship with the company, Brian took thirteen dance classes a week to further develop his talents. During this time, he landed a role in The Music Man at the Alliance Theatre. Originally cast in the chorus, three days before opening, the director asked him to take over the role of Tommy Djilas, the younger male lead, because the original actor became ill and was unable to perform.

While performing at the Alliance, Disney posted an audition notice back stage, and Brian seized the opportunity. After earning a role with Disney, he went on to perform with them for eleven years on eight different stages. Brian participated in a U.S. and European tour with Disney. On the European leg of the tour, he learned and performed the show in German and French. He was also part of some beloved shows including the Hoop De Doo Dinner Review and, his personal favorite, The Diamond Horseshoe Review, which was a lively can-can show.
In 1986 while recovering from torn ligaments in his ankle, Brian obtained his real estate license and began flipping houses in downtown Orlando. Ten years later, he returned to Georgia to pursue real estate full time. However, when the housing market slowed in 2008, Brian had time to return to the stage, performing a couple of shows a year.

Since his return to the stage, Brian has performed in many shows including The Great American Trailer Park, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and The Lion in Winter. His favorite genre to perform is musical theater. When he is acting, he immerses himself in the role. Brian states that the most difficult role hes even undertaken was King Henry because it was emotionally, physically, and mentally draining. However, Brians most recent role was in the fun, comedic First Date The Musical with the Marietta Theatre Company.

In addition to theatre, Brian discovered a new creative outlet in quilting. He has quickly found success in this timeless folk art, as a pattern of his was recently published, and he was commissioned by a major company to create a quilt for a billboard advertisement.

Brian plans to continue acting, as he is offered roles that he feels would be a good fit for him. He truly is multi-talented acting, singing, dancing, and quilting! Brians advice to aspiring artists is, Dont give up. Push through challenges, and keep doing the work. Thats actually pretty great advice for any of lifes pursuits.