Alex Brightman

Alex Brightman was an American theater actor whose breakout role came in late 2015 when he starred as the excitable school teacher, Dewey Finn, in the Broadway production of "School of Rock" (2015). Born and raised in Saratoga, California, Brightman's love of performance began when he started appearing in community theater and school plays. He continued honing his craft throughout high school, all while debating on which college to attend. He eventually decided on studying musical theater at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, but dropped out after the first year to take a leading role in the Los Angeles production of "The History Boys" (2007). After the show ended its run, Brightman moved back to New York City to try to break into the coveted world of Broadway. He auditioned for various shows, before making his Broadway debut as an understudy in 2008's "Glory Days." The show, however, closed after its opening night due to poor sales. Undeterred, Brightman continued auditioning for roles, landing a part as a Munchkin Boq in "Wicked," as well as minor roles in "Big Fish" and "Matilda." Technically, Brightman was working, but he longed for the leading man roles that would set him apart from every other Broadway actor. Then in 2015 he had a brush of good luck when he was hand selected to audition for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway production of the 2003 Jack Black comedy "School of Rock." Having been raised on rock and roll, Brightman was tailor made for the part and blew the producers away with a rousing version of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" in the audition. He quickly nabbed the lead role of Dewey Finn, and after months of rehearsals and workshops, received glowing reviews after the show debuted in December of 2015, thus signaling the start of a new and exciting Broadway talent.