H. Russ Brown, the playwright of A Divine Kerfuffle, visited Edgewood High School's Doghouse Theatre on December 10 to work with students as they prepare for their UIL competition. Brown’s expertise greatly enriched the experience, as he taught fight choreography, swashbuckling, and dialects tailored to the play. His hands-on guidance helped students bring the dynamic elements of the play to life, ensuring they were well-prepared for the upcoming competition season. The experience was truly amazing for the students, who gained invaluable skills and insights from Brown himself.
H. Russ Brown has over thirty years of experience in the theater, excelling in acting, directing, and education. With a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Texas A&M and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Western Illinois University, he has performed in a variety of roles, including Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd. His extensive career showcases his proficiency in both classical and contemporary theater.
Brown has directed numerous productions, including Oklahoma! and The Fantasticks throughout his long career. He is currently the Head of Theatre and Artistic Director for the College of the Mainland Theatre Program in Texas City. Brown believes theater should emotionally and physically engage the audience, and his directorial work reflects this philosophy through well-designed performances that highlight a play’s themes.
Brown’s expertise also extends to stage combat, where he has over 25 years of experience as a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors. Having choreographed over 100 productions, he ensures that staged violence enhances the narrative and aligns with the director’s vision, working with a variety of combat styles and techniques.
In addition to stage combat, Brown has over 25 years of experience in dialect coaching, voice training, and theatrical marketing. His wide-ranging skill set, which includes creating unique character voices along with being the playwright for The Divine Kerfuffle make him an amazingly valuable and qualified host to our Doghouse Theatre. His comprehensive knowledge provides valuable insights from both a performer’s and director’s perspective.
In the words of Brown, "“Love is my Sword, Faith is my Armour & Humor is my Shield.”