Brady van Patten

Background

About Brady van Patten

Brady Van Patten: Celebrating Queer Stories through Physical Theater and Dance Brady Van Patten, a queer artist based in Chicago, plays in the worlds of physical theater, performance, choreography, and improvisation. Van Patten is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Iowa, specializing in choreography. Additionally, he serves as a graduate ambassador for the University of Iowa and has previously received the prestigious Iowa Arts Fellowship. Van Patten's research is creatively rooted in the exploration of queer spirit and the truths of queer bodies. Creating at the intersection of theater and dance, constantly seeking to celebrate queer stories while challenging the constraints of heteronormative politics and social norms. In 2023, Van Patten had the honor of performing at the Gala reception of the American College Dance Festival, through the work of choreographer Stephanie Miracle. Simultaneously, he embarked on an artistic journey in co-creating an evening-length physical theater work entitled "One Giant Leap" through the University of Iowa's Department of Theatre. Collaborating closely and playing loudly with colleagues Anne Krietman and Bob Mussett and under creative guidance of Paul Kalina, the trio ventured into the realms of imagination and clown magic. Another recent achievement in Van Patten's career was his participation in the co-creation and restaging of "Another Stage of Staging Ourselves" for The Witching Hour Festival at the Englert Theatre. Under the direction of Jennifer Kayle the collaborative work premiered at the Northampton Center of Performing Arts Dance Festival. This work "beautifully captures the essence of queer spirit within friendships and explores the vulnerable dynamics experienced when bodies intersect in both support and conflict. The performance fearlessly revealed the intricate tapestry of queer identities and relationships, delving into the complexities of life and unearthing the forces that shape us all." In Chicago, Van Patten has performed at the Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival at the Ruth Page Center of Performing Arts, the Heels over Head Festival at The iO Theater, and THAWALLS at Links Hall and Navy Pier, The Infinite Wrench Pride Show as a guest performer with The Neo-Futurist Theater Company, Collaboraction Theatre Company in the PeaceBook Project, Kelly Anderson Dance Theater, Carson Reiners, Comedy Dance Chicago. and invited workshop guest for Lucky Plush Productions.