By Lynn Venhaus

Some actors pull you in by their genuine presence and emotional depth, that they understand the assignment to create a believable character and disappear into the role. That would describe Bryce A Miller, a local actor who is the very definition of versatility.

Whether it’s a musical, comedy or drama, you know he is totally present and giving his all. A frequent supporting player who works well with others, Miller has been working steadily for a few years with various professional regional theatres.

Currently, he is charming as Speed, the quick-witted servant of Valentine, in “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” which is touring the bi-state region for a month of outdoor shows at local parks and plazas.

Thrilled to be making his debut with St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, he also portrays goofy Thurio, a wealthy suitor pursuing Silvia, the Duke’s daughter. With boundless enthusiasm, he often leads the introductions for the opening study guide that precedes the show.

He is working again with director Rebekah Scallet, who is the artistic director of New Jewish Theatre, but has an extensive background in Shakespeare festival work.

He started those rehearsals following another thoughtful performance in the “Prayer for the French Republic” by Joshua Harmon at NJT earlier this spring. He portrayed Daniel Benhamou, Marcelle and Charles’s son, whose routine wearing of a kippah leads to a violent antisemitic incident.

“’Prayer’ was special for many reasons. First, it was my first time working directly with Rebekah Scallet on a project. She is a fantastic director, and she brings such great, collaborative energy to the room. Also, Joshua Harmon’s plays were very influential to me while in theatre school. Delivering his dialogue feels so natural and easy,” he said.

Miller is having a banner year, having played the peculiar William Barfee in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” that opened Stages St. Louis’ 40th anniversary season this summer.

He cracked up audiences as Barfee – that’s Bar-Fay to you because of the accent aigu. Calling it a “dream come true,” he was grateful to be in a crowd-pleasing show.

“It was one of the first shows I ‘discovered’ while developing my love of theatre, and it really spoke to me as an awkward, dorky pre-teen. Also, I’ve seen countless shows at Stages and it’s always been on my list of places I’d love to work at. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity they gave me,” he said.

Next, he will portray George in the romantic musical “She Loves Me,” which will run Dec. 3 – 20 at New Jewish Theatre. The 1963 musical about two shop clerks who fall in love as pen pals is the basis for the films “The Shop Around the Corner” and “You’ve Got Mail.”

Earlier this year, he won the St. Louis Circle Award for Outstanding Performer in a Comedy, Male or Non-Binary Role, for his bonkers portrayal of Watson in New Jewish Theatre’s laugh-a-minute farce, “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.”

Written by Ken Ludwig as a comedic adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” it transformed the classic mystery into a hilarious, fast-paced thriller.

Nearly on stage the entire time, he was a marvel in motion – slapstick goofiness, very physical comedy and sharp comic timing with a crackerjack five-person ensemble (who played over 40 roles and had fast costume changes).

“Watson also served as the narrator, which meant I got to directly address and connect with the audience. That is one of my favorite aspects of live performance,” he said.

He has been honored with two other nominations for New Jewish Theatre’s productions, including his portrayal of a strict Orthodox Jew unwilling to bend in an unhappy marriage when his wife wanted to work outside the home for fulfillment in “The Wanderers,” again working with a tremendously talented 5-person ensemble (all nominated).

The other one was the sweet buddy comedy in a mitzvah van called “Trayf.” He played the earnest and uptight Schmuel, whose best friend Zalmy tested their faith and friendship through his curiosity about the secular world. His first recognition was as a drama critic in “The Nerd” at Moonstone Theatre Company.

He has worked with Stray Dog Theatre, The Black Rep, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ Imaginary Theatre Company, and Upstream Theater, too.

See all of the above to illustrate his versatility.

His talent and preparedness speak for themselves in all his electric and nuanced performances and characters, said Christina Rios, who has worked with Bryce multiple times with her Riverside Theatre Project in Hermann, Mo. He was in Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies” the summer of 2025 there.

“I just also wish folks got to see also what a delightful artist he is during the rehearsal process too: He shows up to rehearsals ready to invest, having already made meaningful choices but also excited to learn and grow more. He is kind and shows deep thoughtfulness towards everyone involved with every aspect of the production – Bryce is the kind of dedicated artist who offers to put away chairs and props at the end of a 3-hour rehearsal, just because it’s a kind and helpful thing to offer. He asks great questions that push the growth and understanding of the piece and I just love collaborating with him,” Rios said.

“We are blessed, in this city, to have so many incredibly gifted performers, and it is such a double blessing when they are also beautiful human beings who care about kindness as much as they care about their craft – and Bryce A. Miller is an excellent example of that kind of artist,” she noted.

Take Ten with Bryce A. Miller

1. Why did you choose your profession/pursue the arts?

You can watch your favorite movie over and over again, and what you’re watching will remain unchanged. But you can see the same play multiple times, and you will always see a different performance from what you saw the time before. Theatre is fluid, collaborative, and exciting. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.

2. How would your friends describe you?

Reserved, passionate, quick-witted

3. How do you like to spend your spare time?

Going to the movies, seeing theatre around town, and exploring new restaurants and bars!

4. What is your current obsession?

“The Pitt”! I’m very late to the party but when I started watching it, I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I finished the whole series in only a week or so. 

5. What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I’m a pretty big introvert. I hide it well, but I love my alone time.

I’m also a MASSIVE theatre nerd. This is a bit more obvious if you’ve spent any amount of time with me. I try to see as much as I can around town, and I make my way to Chicago and New York every once in a while, too. (This spring, he saw Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf in “Death of a Salesman.”)

6. Can you share one of your most defining moments in life?

My mom took me to see a community theatre production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ when I was 4 or 5. When the lights came up for intermission, I cried because I thought it was over and I didn’t want it to end. She says this was when she realized theatre would end up being a big part of my life in some way or another.

7. Who do you admire most?

My mom. She is incredibly busy and work-motivated, but she still makes incredible amounts of time for those she loves. She could’ve had a 12-hour workday but will still give you the shirt off of her back. I wish I could lead my life with even an ounce of the empathy she has.

8. What is at the top of your bucket list?

Traveling outside the country. In the near future, I’d love to travel around Europe, I’d especially like to go to London and check out their theatre scene.

9. What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?

Going out for food/a drink! We are such a great food city, I’ve lived here all my life and my list of places I need to try is still growing.

10. What’s next?

I am very excited and fortunate to be booked through the rest of the year with “She Loves Me.” It’s been a pretty non-stop year.

More About Bryce Alexander Miller

Age: 25
Birthplace: Maryland Heights, Mo.
Current location: Valley Park, Mo.

Family: Mom (Gina), Dad (Brian), and 18-year-old brother (Jackson)
Education: BFA in Acting, Sargent Conservatory at Webster University
Day job: Substitute teacher
First job: Washing dishes at Russell’s Cafe and Bakery.
First play you were involved in: “The Three Piggy Opera” in kindergarten. I played The Big Bad Wolf!
Favorite jobs/roles/plays or work in your medium? “The Nerd” and “Trayf” were both career milestones that I will never forget.
Dream job/opportunity: A one-man show!

Awards/Honors/Achievements: One St. Louis Theatre Circle Win: Lead Actor in a Comedy (Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville, New Jewish Theatre), 3 St. Louis Theatre Circle Nominations: Supporting Actor in a Drama (The Wanderers, New Jewish Theatre), Lead Actor in a Comedy (Trayf, New Jewish Theatre), and Supporting Actor in a Comedy (The Nerd, Moonstone Theatre)

Favorite quote/words to live by: “Know your lines and don’t bump into the furniture.”

A song that makes you happy: “Les Fleurs” by Minnie Riperton