Get to Know Our Casting Associate: Luke Grimes

Full name? Luke Michael Grimes

Where you were born/where you were raised? I was born in Hinsdale and raised in La Grange, the hopping metropolis of the south western suburbs. 

Your position/role within the A NEW BRAIN family? I cast this little diddy.

What does that mean/what do you do? I worked with Will and the entire team at Brown Paper Box Co. and found out what they were looking for in each of the roles. I sorted submissions and selected actors that were diverse and could show us what we needed to see. During the casting process I offered an objective opinion on the actors auditions. 

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? Simultaneously heartwarming/heart wrenching pseudo realism  

How would you describe Bill's writing? I would never call him Bill. 

Fill in the blanks: ___sounds___ + ___heart___ = a song.

What was your must-see TV show as a kid? The Simpsons

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be? Jake The Dog 

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life? People say I look like Robert Downey Jr. but he'll probably be dead by the time there's a Lifetime movie about me. 

Special hidden talent? I'm an excellent cook and I can tap dance. 

Something you're REALLY bad at? Working out...I never do it. 

Favorite Chicago neighborhood? Logan Square

Current local show you have been recommending to friends? My own! Burning Rubber at the Den Theatre opening at the end of February. I know that's not current Will, don't yell at me!

Most played song on your iPod? "National Anthem" by Lana Del Rey. I'm a true American.

Pop culture guilty pleasure? Lana Del Rey, Girls, American Horror Story 

Three things you can't live without? Aurora (my roommate), music, art 

"I'll never understand why… we live in a society that runs on a paper currency and that we all comply."

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Come see Luke's contribution to William Finn and James Lapine's A NEW BRAIN February 21 - March 9, 2014 at Rivendell Theatre. Ticketing and performance information can be found at The Brown Paper Box Co.'s site.