Pat Brady – Agent
Pat Brady has been a talent agent for over 30 years, specializing in voice-over clientèle, and she is currently vice president of New Business Development at CESD Talent, Los Angeles. She has represented Team StarKid since 2009, and she is a definitive Hufflepuff.
Fans have known about the existence of the third Very Potter show for years… How was it decided that it would actually be going into production?
It was always talked about and they really wanted to do it for Leaky in Chicago because of the large number of Starkid cast members there; we knew that A.J. was going to be able to work it in his busy schedule, I mean they wrote Gilderoy just for him! But we would not, could not do it without Darren. As you know, Darren is the busiest guy in town but he is also a true blue friend and he and his amazing manager Ricky Rollins made it happen.
Pat was on-hand behind the scenes with her kids on the big weekend:
“I was involved from the get-go – from arranging rehearsal space to eeking out time to rehearse around autograph sessions and panels. And of course, since Julia was not going to be there for the show I was thrilled to be the Candy Lady – and my husband Bob Joles to be the narrator. The vibe was wonderful nervous energy.”
What was your favorite memory of all that insanity?
Actually, running all over the con getting school uniforms for the actors since the ones we ordered were not delivered in time – that was a hoot.
And did you like getting dragged on stage to perform in the actual show?
I loved it, I am a ham from way back.
What was your favorite moment of the actual production?
Oh, that is easy: Chris Allen as Moaning Myrtle. I seriously don’t think I have ever laughed that hard, and Bob sitting next to the stage was trying not to laugh – failed! The guys gave Bob that clip for his Christmas present. And I loved what Meredith brought to the character of Hermione.
What impressed you the most about what the kids were able to pull off?
The musical numbers – that was amazing.
Was there any moment of defeat where someone said, “No, this isn’t going to work”?
I never saw that happen: Matt, Nicky, Brian, Clark and A.J. were totally committed.
It was an emotional day for every single person in attendance – what was that like for you, seeing the fans and all of Team StarKid, coming together and finishing the Potter trilogy, and looking at what StarKid has grown into?
It was overwhelming – not so much the end of the Potter shows but having all my “kids” together. Some I had never met, who became as close to me as others I have known since day one. We had so much fun backstage and and then that darn Darren had to look straight in the audience to say goodbye as Harry – you thought there were tears in the audience? You should have seen backstage – we were all up against the curtain looking up at the two big screens. Literally not a dry eye in the cast. The camaraderie amongst the fans – complete strangers crying on each other’s shoulders… Their love was like a warm blanket.
There have been a lot of Harry Potter fan videos, wizard rock, etc. over the years – what was it about AVPM initially that made you take a chance on representing StarKid?
That is a great question – as you all know I am a total Dumbledork. I have an entire room that is all Harry Potter, I have attended all the cons, done cosplay – even in England! – so I am very picky. Harry Potter the Musical, (their original title) blew me away. The music, the talent – I just knew they would all be great people to represent.
As a Potter fan, what are your favorite bits of StarKid’s meddling with the Potter canon?
Zac Efron as a Horcrux, Dumbledore being gay, the song, “To Have A Home,” and the whole time turner bit in A Very Potter Sequel.
Pat on the aspect of Team StarKid that has best captured the soul of the ‘Harry Potter’ books:
“Starkid is about friendship – that is it – nothing less than best lifelong friendships. Like Harry, Ron and Hermione. You know when you spend even five minutes with any of them they will be there for each other the rest of their lives. The girls have a sisterhood tighter than most sisters I know and the boys would do anything for each other.”
What has taking on StarKid, and living the Very Potter experience, meant to you and given you?
It has changed my life – I was the mother of one, now I am of 22! I have been an agent for 33 years and I have never opened my home to actors like I have to them. My house has become the LA weigh-station for all StarKids – they stay with Bob and I while they are looking for their permanent homes, etc. I feed as many as I can, as many times as I can. I love them like they were my own – as a matter of fact, about six of them will be over tomorrow night to watch it at my house. I have grown-up furniture, a great big TV that has YouTube, a full bar and a full refrigerator.
Looking at them today, is there any advice that you’d go back and give to the unsuspecting StarKids of 2009?
Not a thing! They are so great because of the way they do things.
The writer thanks Dylan, Jaime, Lauren, Joe and Pat for taking the time to contribute to this piece during what was already a busy and emotional week for Team StarKid, and for their support of our StarKid coverage on Hypable. You are, and forever shall be, totally awesome.
Photo credit: LeakyCon/Cheri Root
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