DIRECTING PORTFOLIO

“I am passionate about great writing, both classical and contemporary, working with embodied actors with truth at the centre of their work, stories that reflect the world we live in, and representation of queer, BIPOC, and international stories that are not centred on trauma.”

Casey Bradley (she/they) is a queer Australian director, actor, and teaching artist. Casey has trained and worked across Australia, the UK, and the USA. Casey’s training background encompasses classical technique with a strong focus on Shakespeare and Early Modern plays, Linklater voice, and Strasberg’s Method and Stanislavski’s work.

Casey is a Directing Member at the Actor’s Studio Directors Unit (DU) and the Playwright/Director Workshop (PDW) in NYC and LA. Casey was the Artistic Director of MU Shakespeare Company from 2011-2014, where she directed several Shakespearean productions. 

Select directing credits include Macbeth and The Merchant of Venice for MU Shakespeare Company; Hotel for Until Monstrous; and Antigone, A Christmas Carol, and Tom Sawyer for CMTC, The Poet for Secret Theater, Stuck With Fred for AMT Theatre, and the National Play Festival - Departures at the Malthouse Theatre for Playwriting Australia (assistant director to Anne-Louise Sarks and Susanna Dowling). In 2010, Casey was appointed an inaugural Melbourne Theatre Company Youth Ambassadors.

Casey is an alumni of the the Actors Studio Drama School, with a Master of Fine Arts, and the University of Melbourne, with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in 'English and Theatre Studies' and 'Creative Writing'. Bradley undertook a year of her degree at Royal Holloway, University of London, in the United Kingdom. While in England, Casey was also awarded a Gold Shakespeare Certificate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), and completed professional development course, 'Shakespeare and His World', with Jonathan Bate at the University of Warwick.

UPCOMING PROJECTS

13-16th June 2024 Casey co-directs Just A Matter Of Time by Aprella Godfrey Barule at the The Hudson Guild Theater BOOK TICKETS HERE

GALLERY

‘Macbeth’ by William Shakespeare - MU Shakespeare Company, Melbourne, 2012

‘The Merchant of Venice’ by William Shakespeare - MU Shakespeare Company, Melbourne, 2013

‘The Poet’ by Richard Vetere - The Secret Theatre, New York, 2023 (*Winner of Best Actor Award)

‘Cairns’ by Niall Estevan Martinez Ridgley - New Works Development for the Theatre East Playroom, New York, 2024

‘Stuck With Fred’ by Tim Nolan - AMT Theatre, New York, 2024

‘Antigone’ by Euripides - Carey Theatre, Melbourne, 2011

Rehearsal / Process Shots

TESTIMONIALS & REVIEW EXCERPTS  

“Casey is an intelligent, hardworking and considerate director and person. Having worked with her twice, she asked questions of me about the role and the play, rather than telling me what to do or how to feel. She didn't ask me for a result, she allowed me to find my way and in doing so, she served both the actor and the play. She is also very sweet.” - Marc Romeo, actor

"As a director, Casey is a risk taker; she is compassionate towards actors and she is thorough and diligent in the way she undertakes the role. She is creative and can anticipate the needs of cast and crew members very effectively. It is always a joy to work with her and to watch her work with [actors] both one to one as she seeks to build their confidence; and with a whole cast group as she seeks to instil the discipline of an actor in [them]… Casey’s passion for the performing arts and for producing quality work is nothing short of impressive… In all of my experiences with Casey, it has been a pleasure to work with her.” - Karen Chamberlain, Director, Carey Theatre

"I invited Casey, in her capacity as director, to address my [Undergraduate University] Shakespeare students in a lecture... and she gave an erudite and insightful account of her experiences in mounting a successful production of a Shakespeare play. Moreover, together with students from that course, I attended one of the performances of Casey’s Macbeth and can vouch for the intelligent dramaturgy and impressive directorial vision of that production. I recommend Casey Bradley... in the strongest possible way.” - Dr David Mcinnes, Gerry Higgins Lecturer in Shakespeare Studies, University of Melbourne

“Casey assisted on nine plays in total… her reliability, commitment and willingness to learn was of enormous value to the [National Play] Festival. Her capable and pro-active approach ensured rehearsals proceeded smoothly” - Amanda Macri, General Manager, Playwriting Australia

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (2013):

"...Bradley shows promising talent in the realization of Shakespearean drama" - Union House Theatre

"Strong direction from Casey Bradley and enjoyable performances create a worthwhile production" - Union House Theatre

"Bradley’s desire to make Shylock more likable or perhaps pitiable was definitely achieved as Newman delivered a complicated and very human portrayal of the spiteful money lender. The silent scenes bookending the production also assisted in giving more perspective on his character" - Union House Theatre

 MACBETH (2012):

"...MUSC’s Macbeth gives its audience’s an enticing slice of the creative directorial vision of the company’s president Casey Bradley" - Farrago Magazine

"A well performed show with a grand dramatic concept and keen aesthetics" - Farrago Magazine

"Watching... MU Shakespeare Company's performance of Macbeth was a real treat. I loved its zen like simplicity, streamlined quality acting and rich character development in every scene. And most importantly, it brought to life Shakespeare's lyrical wisdom." - LivingInCarltonNorth