Testimonials

Many of these quotes come from letters to a federal judge asking for leniency at my sentencing hearing—BR

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“I hired Brad to direct my one-man show that premiered at the Public Theatre in New York City. We worked closely together and became very close friends in the process. Our mutual adoration for the power of The Arts to transform lives is the catalyst that brought us together then and continues to connect us to this very day. Brad is the type of person whose unconditional supported helped me navigate through one of the most challenging periods of my life. He was always present and emotionally available to me, without judgment, when I needed him the most.”

Billy Porter

 

“Brad Rouse was introduced to me by John Lithgow in a letter stating that he was an extremely bright and talented young director. I arranged an appointment. I found him to be extremely bright and honest, and I discerned a creative vein to his talent. He was extremely helpful, and displayed taste, authority, and diplomacy. All the actors we worked with liked him enormously. . .He is first-rate director and excellent teacher.”

Harold Prince

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“Brad was invaluable as an assistant director to Mr. Prince, and to me for his insight and input. I respected his suggestions and the manner in which he presented them. And he was a terrific asset when it came to helping the actors. He dealt with everyone with grace and a sense of humor. . . Brad helped make the whole experience a joy. He did a magnificent job.”

Carol Burnett

 

“Brad is among our best. His intellect is sterling and his curiosity inexhaustible. Aside from my professional indebtedness to him, Brad has been, for me the person other than my husband whom I would think first to call when stressed, confused, or in need of guidance, because I knew I was certain to be treated with care, and given the benefit of his attentive nature, abundant good will and unflagging sense of humor.” 

Ellen Fitzhugh, Tony-winning lyricist

 

“I found Brad to be one of the most intelligent and inspiring people I’d encountered in my years in the theater. I found myself amazed by his intelligence and sophistication in artistic, intellectual, and societal matters. I know him to be one of the most intelligent, warm and caring young people I’ve ever known and consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to have our lives intersect.”

Larry Grossman, Tony-winning composer

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“Brad is a man with a mission. He has a dazzling mind, a beautiful heart, and an incomparable journey that will inspire many people.”

David Del Tredici, Pulitzer Prize winner, New York City Philharmonic Composer-in-Residence

 

“It’s hard to pinpoint that magic that makes any director rise above the others, but Brad has it. There is no doubt of that.” 

Rob Ashford, Tony-winning director-choreographer

 

“Brad gave me my big break. He could have gone to writers with a lot more experience. I will always be grateful to him. In addition to being generous and loyal, Brad is an incredible director.” 

Nell Benjamin, two-time Tony-nominated lyricist

 

“I worked with Brad as he assisted Harold Prince on two projects. The first was a play written by Carol Burnett, and the second a musical written by Stephen Sondheim. Brad’s gentle guidance and infinite wisdom help to shape both shows, but more personally, my performances. If I ever was stuck, needed help, encouragement, or confidence, it was Brad I turned to.”

Michele Pawk, Tony-winning actor

 

 

“Brad Rouse’s great talent as a director is surely due in some measure to his appreciation of all the lives that surround him, and to his gifts of sure understanding, keen intelligence, and deep humanity. With his quick sense of humor, resilience, and fine balance, I am sure that he will be a significant leader for his generation.”

David Wheeler, founder Theater Company of Boston

 

 

“Brad was certainly the most talented and brilliant student I ever had. He is an unflaggingly upbeat, optimistic Humanist. He is the hardest working person I have every know. And he is a genius.”

Jane Nichols

Yale School of Drama, Juilliard, and Harvard

 

 

“As a friend, Brad was an invaluable resource. Whenever there was a crisis, Brad was the guy you turned to. He always had a plan. He always knew what to do. If Brad weren’t in this picture, the rest of us would not have had the courage or direction to stake out careers as artists.”

Mark Fish, writer-producer for ABC’s Scandal

 

 

“At Hal Prince’s office, I witnessed his fair-mindedness, diplomacy, and calm demeanor. Brad was entrusted with enormous financial and artistic responsibilities and always met them. His intelligence and passion are hallmarks of his work and personal life. He is the most well-read, well-informed person I know. Brad had more friends than anyone I knew and he was masterful and connecting people to other people and opportunities. Almost everyone who knows Brad is grateful to him for something.” 

Janine Poreba, actor-teacher

 

“Even in the highly competitive atmosphere of Harvard, Brad’s enormous talent had become legendary. It was plain to anyone who met Brad that he was a gifted leader. Harold Prince saw in Brad what all his friends had seen—unlimited potential.”

Aaron Zelman, Emmy-nominated writer-producer

 

 

“Since I have known Brad, he has been one of the most focused, hardworking people I know. He inspires me and all those he works with.”

Winsome Brown, Obie-nominated actor-writer

 

 

“From the moment I met him, I recognize in him a singular artistic talent, a singular ambition, and a deeply original and creative mind. Brad has always been a person of special insight.”

Francesca Delbanco, Netflix writer-producer

 

 

“Brad’s talent made him a superstar literally the minute he walked in the door. Brad is a brilliant, unbelievable talented man.”

Jenny Giering, Jonathan Larson award-winning composer

 

 

“Brad goes above and beyond the call of duty every single day. Brad possesses the remarkable quality of being able to walk into a room and inspire everyone around him. I do not exaggerate when I say I would trust Brad with my life.” 

Andrey Uspenskiiy, playwright

 

“Mr. Rouse is a brilliant, compassionate, moral person who I have the great honor to know.”

Stephen Santa, Omaha Community Playhouse artistic director

 

 

“Brad Rouse brings with him a reputation of being hard working, kind, and a dedication to work which I have not come across. He cares more about others being great than collecting reward for his incredible achievements.”

Matthew Barter, actor

 

 

“Brad showed an insight into and sympathy for human suffering that was far beyond his years.”

Sheila M. Averbuch, actor-writer

 

 

“Brad remains one of the kindest, most thoughtful, gentlest men that I have known.” 

Justin Gomlak Greer, Broadway actor

 

 

“I have honestly never met someone that talented who also had such a kind spirit. He was hugely supportive and inspirational to me. He would always stop what he was doing to help his friends no matter what was going on in his own life. This is a very gifted person who also cares deeply about the wellbeing of the people around him.” 

Caroline Hall, USC Graduate acting teacher

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“I was in awe of Brad. He was so smart and so talented; the depth of his understanding about was miles ahead of any of his peers. He was also deeply caring and generous. Brad was a driving force for creative thinking and thought leadership. Brad identified people he thought were the smartest, most talented people at school and created opportunities for them. Brad created a writers’ retreat for our friends. Now eight of the attendees are professional television writers with nearly ten Emmy awards between them. Our friends owe a tremendous debt to Brad for starting their careers. 

Michael Stone, CEO, New Schools for New Orleans