Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Gryder.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Born and raised in West TX, I attended Texas Tech University, graduating with a BA in Theatre. Immediately after graduation, I moved to Chicago to pursue musical theater. Along the way, I’ve had the pleasure to work with such notable companies as Porchlight Music Theater, Drury Lane (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), and the Bailiwick Theatre. In 2010, I discovered the art of cabaret and began producing my ‘one-man parade of entertainment’ “Simply Scotty” across the Chicagoland area along with my partner and music director Nick Sula. And, starting in 2011, after staring my puppet business TSGpuppetry, I joined the cast of the national children’s television show “Green Screen Adventures,” winning three National Daytime Emmy Awards for Makeup. Most recently, I was seen in Lyric Opera’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” and Magik Theater’s “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure” in San Antonio.
You can catch Scott performing in the Jeff-Recommended, one-man show “Buyer & Cellar” at Pride Films in Plays, thru May 19th.
Currently, I work as the Audience Services & Operations Manager at Chicago Opera Theater, running the box office and house managing productions/events, while continuing to audition and perform. My album “Pure Imagination” is available on iTunes. More info at thescottgryder.com
Please tell us about your work. What else should we know?
As a character tenor, my passion is storytelling thru song, whether it is in a musical, a cabaret, or puppet performance. Along with auditioning for productions and producing new works, such as “WOZ: A Rock Cabaret” and “LIFE IS A CABARET! The Music and Words of Kander & Ebb,” I build and perform with my own puppet creations. Preferring the more intimate venues, I feel that music can a) instantly unite a room of people sharing in an ephemeral and emotional connection, and b) leaves them wanting and brings them back for more!
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
My advice to other artists: If you really want it, you must continually pursue it. The task of promoting yourself and putting yourself out there is never over. Of course, it never hurts to take a little break to refresh and rebrand. Also, don’t be surprised if you find creative inspiration in other outlets, for your performance path is sure to change!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My performance calendar can be found via my website: www.thescottgryder.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheScottGryder/. Not only am I performing around town, but I love to bring the merry musical mayhem of “Simply Scotty” to any company or in-home event.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thescottgryder.com
- Phone: 806-789-9392
- Email: scott.gryder@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thescottgryder
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheScottGryder
- Other: www.tsgpuppetry.com
Image Credit:
Freddie The Puppet (Scott Gryder), Scott & Freddie in the Studio, Scott & Freddie The Puppet, Scott Gryder Emmy Awards (Nick Sula), Scott Gryder Backstage, Scott Gryder Headshot (Jason Michael Hammond), Pure Imagination CD (Brandon Dahlquist Photgraphy), Scott Gryder at CCP Gala (Jennifer Girard Photography), Simply Scotty with Nick Sula (Mindy Garfinkle Photography)
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
