To Kill a Mockingbird - meet cast member Derek Bradley

Meet Derek Bradley playing Boo Radley in LTA's To Kill a Mockingbird.

Tell us about your character.  What single word would you use to describe your character?
Boo is almost an urban legend.  Growing up in Burke, Virginia, the local legend was Bunny Man Bridge.  From the book, the movie, and the play, Boo is like the shark in Jaws -- everyone talks about him the entire time but you don't get to see him until the very end.  It's a lot of fun playing a character for whom there is so much anticipation.  So in one word, I would say Boo is a mystery.

What were some of the challenges for you in working on this piece?
For me the challenge was finding the right economy of expression -- how to communicate the most information in the most reduced way possible -- simply in a gesture, or a posture, or a glance.

What do you hope the audience experiences from this show?
Harper Lee was writing about home and family, where she came from and those she loved, with both fondness and a critical eye.  I think this play encourages us to think about our world in the same way, with appreciation for where we've come from and a challenge for us to do better.

What have you learned about yourself in playing this role?
I think as an actor, I've realized how much I need and appreciate a good director.  And Frank is the best.  It's gonna be a great show.

How does this show differ from other shows you have worked on?
This is my first cameo role since college and it's been a real treat since Boo is so iconic.  It's definitely the fastest I've ever been off book!

How long have you been acting?  How did you get involved with LTA?
I had a theatre minor in college.  I've been acting in community theatre since 2009.  I've wanted to do an LTA production for a while now and was glad the timing finally worked out.

What advice would you give others who want to get involved in theatre?
There are so many opportunities and it's really a great family to be a part of.  No experience necessary.