Wayne Brinda, Ed.D.
Stage Director, Producer, Educator, Holocaust Teaching Fellow
Sample Producing Projects with Prime Stage
Trailers
https://youtu.be/7Uu5PSZVWFU - Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Regional Premiere
https://youtu.be/3PBsZidIJDo - Perseverance. World Premiere
https://youtu.be/oafqeEXnXbs - Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Regional Premiere
Freedom House: Giving Life a Second Chance, World Premiere 2026,
by L.E. McCullough, Directed by Scott P. Calhoon
Review - "L.E. McCullough’s inspiring new play, Freedom House: Giving Life a Second Chance, appropriately has its world premiere here in Pittsburgh with Prime Stage. Director Scott P. Calhoon flawlessly executes the vision with an ensemble cast that radiates and rivets.
Opening night ended with a talkback that included two original members of Freedom House. Both admitted they started as job hunters, not groundbreakers. George McCary III noted he got to “carry science into a person’s home.” Opening night started with the reading of a proclamation by Pittsburgh’s mayor, Corey O’Connor, declaring January 24th Freedom House Day. It was an emotional moment as history came full circle to recognize the contributions of these ordinary citizens turned global changemakers." - 'burgh Vivant
All Quiet on the Western Front - US Premiere November 2017
by Erich Maria Remarque, Adapted for the stage by Robin Kingsland, Directed by Scott P. Calhoon
Review -"Prime Stage Theatre Company’s production of All Quiet on the Western Front is sincere, and never slips. The show commemorates the 100th anniversary of America entering World War I in partnership with Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Museum, and is part of the company’s Humanity in the Face of Adversity season. This is a tremendous ensemble effort, with most of the actors playing several parts, as well as switching genders. It’s demanding, it’s chaotic, and it works. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this performance is that virtually all of the effects are produced with technology that existed in 1917. The effects crew is stationed above the stage and executes Foley enhancements like an old-fashioned radio program. This is a show the whole family will appreciate.Sincerely." - Stuart Sheppard. Pittsburgh CityPaper
I Know why the Caged Bird Sings - Regional Premiere March 2018.
by Dr. Maya Angelou, Adapted for the stage by Myra Platt and Malika Oyetimein for Book-it Repertory Theatre,
Directed by Monteze Freeland
Review - "According to Wayne Brinda, founder and artistic director of Prime Stage,'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' is a perfect vehicle for the company, which attempts to engage middle and secondary school students. “It seems like it's the right time to do this, with people looking for heroes and things that are positive.” Brinda says: “We're trying to do more than just plays; we're trying to do things that are going to make a difference in people's lives.”
Dr. Angelou's grandson and great-granddaughter, Elliott Jones and Caylin Johnson, attended the opening weekend to celebrate the famed writer's 90th birthday and share memories with the audience. Rege Behe, Tribune-Review
Family of poet Maya Angelou to visit Cranberry bookstore https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2018/02/28/Family-of-legendary-poet-to-visit-Cranberry-bookstore/stories/201802010282
The Perks of being a Wallflower - World Premiere May 2017. * VOTED BEST LOCAL STAGE PRODUCTION (Pittsburgh City Paper)
Written by Stephen Chbosky, Adapted by Hailey Rohn, Presented by special permission from Summit LLC.
Directed by Jeffrey M. Cordell
Review - "This production, directed with sensitivity by Jeffrey Cordell, is a fine next step in developing “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” into a triple threat — from book to screen to stage." Sharon Eberson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Stephen Chobsky led a post-show discussion with the opening night audience via Zoom.
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin - World Premiere May 2009,
Adapted for the Stage by Darian Lindle, Directed by Terry Brino-Dean
MANUSCRIPT
The Westing Game, which Prime Stage commissioned and premiered in 2008, has been published by Dramatic Publishing Company and is available to other theatres. It was adapted by Darian Lindle, from the Newbery Award-winning novel by Ellen Raskin.
