Out of the Wings: Jacob Brent

As a Directographer, Jacob Brent believes in creating with commitment and passion leading him to create award-winning productions by inspiring theater artist to bring and share their talents with audiences everywhere. As a performer, Jacob is probably best known for his portrayal of Mr. Mistoffelees in the Broadway, London and DVD productions of Cats, where he worked closely with its creator, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. He is the only performer to have appeared in all three, and the only actor to have performed in both of the record-breaking performances of the longest running Broadway and West End show. He also had the privilege of working with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber when he opened the original cast of Starlight Express in Las Vegas.
Now, on the other side of the table, he brings the same commitment and passion for theater to create productions such as Xanadu (Watertower Theater) and Lysistada Jones (PACE University), Fiddler on the Roof, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Avenue Q (Weston Playhouse.) He served as the choreographer for West Coast regional premiere of The Producers (Diablo Theater Company.) Directed and choreographed Cats at Merry-Go-Round Theater, Gateway Playhouse and Cohoes Music Theater. He recently worked on a new version of Rags working closely with the original creators of the show. His all-star cast of Guys and Dolls for the Indianapolis Symphony was met with much acclaim. The cast included Gary Beach (The Producers), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), Hugh Panaro (Phantom) and Megan Lawrence (Damn Yankees and Hair). He later returned for Hello Dolly! staring Sandi Patty. He has also directed and choreographed the annual holiday show Yuletide Celebration for the Indianapolis Symphony the last five seasons.
When not working on productions, Jacob teaches in New York City at both Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway and well as highly involved in the Junior Theater Festival and Broadway Jr. productions inspiring a new generation of young actors.
Jacob Brent