Meet Sean (me!)
I was born in Ontario and raised in the small town of Madoc. My dad was a well-loved schoolteacher; my super friendly mom worked in local shops. I was the oddball kid with undiagnosed ADHD and big feelings that never quite fit in.
Instead of following hockey, I followed comedy (Canada's other pastime). I fell in love with the sitcom Soap (1977-1981) on TV at a young age, especially Richard Mulligan, and decided I wanted to be a character actor. Not famous. Not a lead. Just someone who could make people feel something real.
The Work
For over 25 years, I have worked in casting, and for the past decade and a half, directing commercial casting sessions. In doing so, it has always been incredibly important to me that I make actors feel relaxed, comfortable and safe. I have worked with thousands of performers and learned something important: people do their best work when they feel calm, seen, and important.
As an actor, I have appeared in many commercials (both on camera and voiceover), on shows like Murdoch Mysteries and Netflix's Painkiller, and voiced and motion captured characters in Ubisoft video game Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
As a teacher, I have taught improv and drama at Bad Dog Theatre, Hart House (U of T), for the Toronto District School Board “Learn4Life” program, and privately. I help people with presence, reclaiming their voice, and getting outside of their comfort zones.
For many rewarding years I have been in a sketch comedy duo with past Second City musical director (and incredible composer) Matthew Reid called “Reid Along With Browning”. We were nominated in 2002 and again in 2005 for the Canadian Comedy Award for best sketch troupe.
The Writing and Music
I have written countless comedy sketches, scripts, short stories and in 2019, my sci-fi comedy novel, “I Don’t Seem So Bright in a Well-Lit Room” was published by Story Well Publishing.
Musically, I release 80’s new wave-influenced alt-pop on all music platforms with my duo Spoil the View (with Chris Miles), and very soon under the name Sean Browning’s Outré Space. In the past I have been in Toronto-based bands Schroeder and Snidely Whiplash.
I got my start in acting doing musical theatre, once even receiving a standing ovation for my portrayal of Fagin in “Oliver!”, and I play (at an amateur level) the mandolin family of instruments. I also take bassoon lessons weekly, and I’m terrible at it…but this old dog needed to learn a few new tricks. Learning new things keeps us young!
The Dad Part
I am the father of three creative young adults. I was a stay-at-home dad for several years when they were wee. The only driver in the house. The loudest cheerleader in every room. And for my amazing wife and I, this is our proudest achievement, and I love being a father and husband above all else.
I say I love you a lot. I give compliments freely. We try to make our home a place where being fully yourself is celebrated, and this has been rewarded with the gift of three genuine and fantastic human beings.
Why The Safe Stage Exists
I created The Safe Stage for people who have been told they are too sensitive, too quiet, too weird, too late, or not enough. People like me. Maybe people like you.
These classes are not acting factories. They are sanctuaries for wonderous and awkward joy.
You do not need to be an actor. You just need to be open to play.
If you have ever felt like the stage was not made for you, I promise it is. You just needed the right invitation.