Jake Bridges first stepped on a stage in the summer of 1995, where he broke hearts and thrilled audiences with his rendition of “Duke of Earl” at the ripe age of 8. He has never been able to leave a life in the performing arts since. Years after his storied performance of the famous doo-wop tune, Jake spent nearly a decade in New York City as an actor, teaching artist, and director. As an actor, he had the pleasure of touring the country with Beauty and the Beast and South Pacific and spent a year aboard Disney Cruise Lines’ Fantasy ship as well. Regional credits included stops at Ogunquit Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, Theatre By The Sea, Weathervane, Barnstormers Theatre, Westchester Broadway Theatre, Red Mountain Theatre Company and several others. Jake relocated to DC in 2019 to pursue a graduate degree in Arts Management from American University, and he has called the DMV home since. His favorite thing about the DC theatre scene is that companies are willing to take bold artistic risks - arguably more so than any other American city outside of New York!
LEARN MORE ABOUT Jake Bridges
First Show:
Broadway - Thoroughly Modern Millie but the replacement cast when Susan Egan took over. 1st ever (that I remember) - My dad in Auburn University's production of Jesus Christ Superstar. I was terrified!
Favorite Show:
Ragtime has the best book and arguably best score of any musical. Sorry, Sondheim fans!
Favorite Stories:
- Review: ON YOUR FEET! at Capital One Hall - I saw the original Broadway production and had the same reaction. I wanted to go in and write it off as just another jukebox musical, but I couldn't. The show is just too much fun. High energy, great music, flashy costumes, and insane choreography. I dare you to try and not have a great time! Plus, this particular production was outstanding.
- Review: SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage - I love being even the smallest part of a show's developmental process. It's always fun to be able to observe a show before it continues on its journey - whether it be on the Great White Way, touring, or regionally. Plus, this cast was absolutely stellar.
- Review: POTUS: OR, BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE at Arena Stage - One of the funniest shows I saw that year. Such great ensemble work and a group of actors who just really "got it." Terrific night at the theatre.
- Review: THE LION KING at The Kennedy Center - I've always had a soft spot for big Broadway classics like this one. Full disclosure - I've worked for the Mouse many times. There's nothing like a Disney budget...
- Review: MY MAMA AND THE FULL SCALE INVASION at Woolly Mammoth Theatre - Woolly always pushes the boundaries with original and creative work, and this show delivered the same quality of excellence I've come to expect. The play was also very timely.