Brian Walden: A Seasoned Summer Stage Staff Member With A Smile Worth Sharing

Brian Walden started performing at Summer Stage when he was 15 and as they like to say… the rest is history! As a freshman at Upper Darby High School, Brian got involved in the spring musical, Grease, directed by Summer Stage Staff Member Matt Cloran, and “everyone in the show talked about Summer Stage and how they also did it.” His love for theater began at Upper Darby High School and flourished at Upper Darby Summer Stage!

Brian started Summer Stage "late" at age 15 in 1998 and has been here every summer since. His Summer Stage credentials include three years in the children's theatre program, he received Summer Stager of The Year in 2000, performed in seven Mainstage shows, stage managed eight children's shows, directed 10 children's shows, directed three Mainstage shows, and has now been the coordinator of Summer Stage Junior. for five summers. What does that total? Brian has been on staff for 25 summers and a participant for 27 seasons! “I love Summer Stage because it has helped me become the man I am today,” he said enthusiastically.

So, coming full circle to today, I inquired about his current role. “As one of the coordinators of the Summer Stage Junior, I, along with the support of co-coordinator Kayla Kelly, developed the curriculum, hired staff, supervise the children, developed professional development, mentor staff and students.” Brian added, “We treat our program very much like a school and foster a creative environment where our staff and students are encouraged to be brave, strong, and true.”

Brian's normal day at Summer Stage is long and busy but always rewarding. He arrives at Summer Stage Junior. campus between 7:45-8:00 a.m. He does a walkaround to ensure the classrooms are ready for the day, updates the staff attendance board, answers emails, and gets ready for the day before the participants arrive. “At 8:45 we start the car line and greet our kids and at 9:00 a.m. I lead an all-Summer Stage Junior. morning meeting.” In the morning, he walks around and supports staff by watching rehearsals and classes. He then spends time supervising lunch and in the afternoon, he performs his rounds again. At the end of the day, he hosts the afternoon meeting to round out our day followed by car-line number two. Brian finishes up each day with a daily review email for our families.

Outside of Summer Stage, Brian is “first and foremost” a husband and father to Ryan and Harper, along with Oliver, their cat! He teaches fifth grade right down the road at Hillcrest Elementary School and just finished his coursework and passed the principalship exam. His professional goal is to become a principal. 

“That's a hard question,” Brian said when I asked him his favorite part about being involved with Summer Stage. “I have been here for such a long time. My favorite part of participating has been creating lifelong friendships and relationships with so many people. Summer Stage truly is a home that has kept me safe for so many years.” 

Brian is involved in many projects during the academic year, so “it's difficult to be involved with the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation all year long.” But he supports when he can and starts planning Summer Stage Junior. every March, so “that takes up a good amount of time!”

As someone who has learned from Brian as a participant in many shows, it’s safe to say Brian knows the Summer Stage way and continues to embody our values as he creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere at Summer Stage Junior where being Brave, Strong, and True are at the core of everything they do. Personally speaking, I hope Brian will remain involved in the Summer Stage for many years to come. Thank you, Brian, for filling our world with love!