Brendan Didio is a Buffalo-based actor, educator, and playwright. He grew up in the Syracuse, NY area and went on to earn his BFA in Theatre Performance from Niagara University, where he graduated with honors. After earning his undergraduate degree, Brendan immersed himself in the vibrant theatre community in Buffalo, NY, where he worked with companies such as Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Irish Classical Theatre Company, MusicalFare Theatre, and Theatre of Youth. While in the WNY region, Brendan also served as an Administrative Associate and Teaching Artist for Shakespeare in Delaware Park - the second oldest, and one of the largest free Shakespeare festivals in the nation.
With Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Brendan took on projects regarding community engagement, education, and development. During his tenure with the company, he taught over 100 students in various classroom and workshop settings. In each lesson, Brendan emphasized the importance of understanding Shakespeare through performance. His motto was and still is "get on your feet!" Through this playful perspective, students studied Shakespeare's rich texts using rehearsal room techniques.
In the summer of 2020, Brendan was given the unique opportunity to write a 45-minute social-distance-friendly play centered around Shakespeare's most popular scenes and monologues. Shakespeare's Greatest Hits was performed outdoors for socially-distanced audiences in parks scattered across Western New York by a troupe of 4 actors. This project helped Shakespeare in Delaware Park continue their tradition of bringing free high-quality Shakespeare to the Buffalo area.
Between 2021 and 2022, Brendan lived in the greater Boston area where he was fortunate enough to work, study, and play with companies such as Commonwealth Shakespeare Co., The Gamm Theatre, and Lanes Coven Theatre.
Currently, Brendan resides in Buffalo with his fiance, Gretchen and their playful puppy, Ophelia. He begins his MFA training at D’Youville University in partnership with the Kavinoky Theatre in the fall of 2022. He is thrilled to see the return of live theatre, and hopes that theatre companies and audiences alike are able to safely enjoy the privilege of live entertainment again. Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, he has been blessed with the opportunity to create through zoom plays, radio plays, filmed plays, audiobooks, virtual dining experiences, and web series.