From Cabaret to Clowns to Scrooge, Brian J. Porter One of Charleston’s Most Versatile Actors Takes on Scrooge
Brian J. Porter is fast becoming one of Charleston’s most noted actors, and we’re happy to have him take on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge this year. Brian was seen as the Emcee in Cabaret last spring and most recently as one of the clowns, playing dozens of parts in Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps. “I enjoy playing a wide variety of roles,” says Porter, “and I’ve certainly had a workout this last year. In A Christmas Carol I’m down to one part but what a part it is. In many ways this is one of the most challenging because most people come to this show with a pre-conceived notion of who Scrooge is. My job is to make him not just a one-note miser, but one who is real and has many emotions. Unlike most people, I’ve never actually seen a production of A Christmas Carol, so I didn’t really come to the role with a lot of pre-conceptions. I’ve had great fun in finding what makes this old codger tick. Hopefully audiences will enjoy and rediscover this great character with me.”
Before coming to Charleston, Brian performed as a professional actor in Memphis and in Atlanta as well as on a resort island in Michigan. Brian was an apprentice at Playhouse in the Square in Memphis and has served as Executive Director for two non-profit theatres. Brian is currently the Technical Director for Charleston Stage.
