1883 MAGAZINE: BRADY BRYSON: In the Trenches of NYU: A Creative Survival Story

Brady Bryson’s tale about his time at New York University is more than just a story—it’s a vivid chronicle of an artist’s survival and his personal evolution. In this first-person account, Bryson delves deep into the challenges and triumphs that have defined his journey as an MFA candidate at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions for dramatic writing.

But before we dive into his time at NYU, let’s take a closer look at who Brady Bryson is and what has shaped his story.

From a very young age, Brady’s life was immersed in the enchanting world of cinema. His journey began at just six years old when his parents took him to a 30th-anniversary screening of Martin Scorsese’s iconic film “Taxi Driver.” This early exposure to the power of storytelling through film ignited a lifelong passion for filmmaking. What started as a hobby creating stop-motion films soon evolved into more sophisticated productions using an iPad, demonstrating his early commitment to mastering the craft.
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A pivotal moment in his life came through a chance encounter with acclaimed director Rob Reiner. This meeting would forever change the course of his career. Reiner imparted invaluable advice: to truly understand what he would one day ask of actors, Brady should first experience acting himself. This guidance led Brady to immerse himself fully in the world of performance, taking on roles in short films, television series, and off-Broadway theatre.

His dedication is also evident. He studied the Meisner technique under Jim Parrack at Playhouse West Brooklyn Lab and refined his skills with guidance from industry giants like James Franco, Kathleen Turner, Ally Sheedy, and Leven Rambin. These experiences laid a solid foundation for a dual career in acting and filmmaking, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry from both sides of the lens.

A graduate of the College of Performing Arts at The New School with a BFA, Brady is now pursuing an MFA at NYU Tisch School of the Arts in the Department of Dramatic Writing. His production company, Mr. Weird Bob, is already making significant strides in the industry with several award-winning projects. His screenplay “Sideways for Attention” was a semi-finalist at the 2023 Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards and an official selection at both the Miami and Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards. This screenplay has since been adapted into a film that is capturing and surprising audiences worldwide. His short film “Where To Now?” not only won the Gold Remi Award at the 2021 WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival but also received accolades at the Paris International Short Festival. Earlier in his career, his film “57 Days” gained recognition at the Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival.

Brady’s acting career has also been equally successful. He won the Best Dramatic Actor award at the 2018 Bucks County Playhouse Theater Festival and received multiple nominations from the Young Artists Awards for his compelling performances in short films and television series.

Now, in a deeply personal and reflective essay, Bryson pulls back the curtain on his experiences as a first-year graduate student. Not just about academics, the essay uncorks the resilience required to thrive on such a demanding stage.
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Join us as we explore Brady Bryson’s artistic journey, his approach to storytelling, and the exciting projects he has on the horizon. To learn more about his films and ventures, visit https://www.mrweirdbob.com.

BRADY BRYSON: “New York University has always held a special place in my heart. From my earliest days as an aspiring actor, traveling to New York City for auditions and participating in short films penned by NYU students, I sensed that the university represented a pinnacle of creativity and innovation—a pinnacle I was eager to reach. The prospect of learning from the best and expanding my craft within such a dynamic environment was irresistible.
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As I grew older, my passion for acting evolved, encompassing a keen interest in directing and screenwriting. This evolution was not merely a shift in interest but a realization of a lifelong dream. My writing often addresses uncomfortable subjects, not to incite controversy, but to provoke thoughtful reflection. I explore themes that challenge me, hoping to inspire my audience to think deeply and feel intensely. The roles I played in those early NYU projects, characterized by their dark and intricate subject matter, only reinforced my belief that NYU was the perfect incubator for my artistic ambitions.

Despite my aspirations, the thought of becoming an NYU student felt like a distant dream. Growing up with dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder, I harbored doubts about my ability to succeed in college, let alone thrive in a rigorous academic environment. Yet, these challenges did not deter me from pursuing my goals. I graduated from college and found myself at a crossroads during a gap year. I pondered whether to invest my hard-earned money into producing my first feature film or to apply to NYU’s prestigious graduate program in Dramatic Writing. Why not aim for both?

In the fall of 2022, I applied to the Department of Dramatic Writing and was granted an interview in the winter of 2023. Weeks later, I received the news: waitlisted. While this was not the outcome I had hoped for, I recognized it as a significant achievement. I pressed on with the pre-production of my feature film, spending that summer in a whirlwind of meetings, casting, and script revisions. Graduate school slipped from my mind as I immersed myself in the creative process.

Then, in late August, everything changed. Following an early morning meeting with my cinematographer, I received an unexpected email from the Department of Dramatic Writing—there was an opening in the program. Was I still interested? The moment was surreal, a blend of disbelief, joy, and overwhelming gratitude. My dream had materialized. With the semester starting in less than a week, I scrambled to adjust my film’s shooting schedule. Exteriors were pushed to weekends in October, interiors to January during the winter break, all while maintaining my commitment to my gig at SNL, ensuring no classes or shoots from Thursday evening through Sunday morning.

From my first day at NYU, I felt a profound sense of belonging. The community of writers and professors was not only producing remarkable work but was also incredibly supportive and encouraging. Even amid my production schedule during the first semester, classmates volunteered as background actors, and professors continually pushed me to elevate my work. They challenged me to explore the depths of my scenes, to develop compelling character arcs, and to transform good scripts into great ones.

Completing my first year in the MFA program, with a feature film under my belt, I still find myself in awe of this journey. NYU has taught me the invaluable lesson of embracing exploration and pushing the boundaries of conventional success. Here, I am afforded the ultimate gift of diving deeply into my writing, surrounded by peers who are just as curious and ambitious. Together, we ask ourselves, “How far can we go with this screenplay?”

Even now, moments of disbelief punctuate my busy days. I pause, pinch myself, and marvel at the reality of it all. This journey—marked by passion, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of creativity—has brought me to a place I once thought unattainable. And for that, I am eternally grateful.”
Delve into Brady Bryson’s artistic journey, his approach to storytelling, and the exciting projects on the horizon. To learn more about his films and ventures, visit https://www.mrweirdbob.com.