Photo by Madison Mitchell

Meet Gregory

Here is some of what people who have crossed paths with Gregory have to say about him:

Gregory Naman is a Lebanese-American multi-hyphenate theatre artist born, raised, and currently based in Mobile, Alabama, although it might be hard to notice upon meeting this kid. His free spirit, love for creating art, and burning desire to befriend everybody in existence has taken him all across the country, and hopefully the world (looking at you, tours and cruise lines). Gregory’s theatrical tool belt has accrued many notches comprising of experience in performing, choreography and dance captaining, stage combat, swinging and understudying, and even directing. His most recent endeavors include work with companies such as New Stage Theatre (Kevin J/Ali & Others - Come From Away), TEXAS! Outdoor Musical (Featured Dancer/Ensemble - TEXAS! Season 58), and The Harmony Theater (Marvin Shellhammer - Miracle on 34th Street).

Gregory is a graduate of the University of Mobile, receiving not only a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Acting Performance, but also a Bachelor’s of Science in Communications with an emphasis in Advertising and Public Relations (and that’s on multitasking). During his time in college, Gregory quite literally played all the parts; on any given day, he could’ve been found onstage playing some of your favorite boy-next-door roles, running a rehearsal as a choreographer or dance captain, lending his smooth vocals for jazz concerts, starring in a feature length student film, making his directorial debut, writing news releases for marketing, or creating content for the university’s social media platforms.

NOW SOME ICEBREAKER QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

That’s such a valid question! While it is an Arabic name, it is much easier to say than you’d think. "It’s “neigh” (like a horse) + “men”. Naman.

How do you pronounce your last name?

QUESTION 2

Why would you ask me this?! There are SO many! Well… if I had to narrow down, my top five are Moses in Prince of Egypt, Aladdin in Aladdin, Jesse in Tuck Everlasting, Man 1 in Songs for a New World, and Gabe in Next to Normal. Also Olaf in Frozen! Ok so top six haha!

What are your dream roles?

QUESTION 3

What’s your social security number?

3… Nice try! :).

QUESTION 4

So I have two answers to this. My first EVER show I ever saw was a local community theatre production of The Wizard of Oz when I was 8 1/2, and I remember being so upset that I wasn’t in it (despite the fact that I didn’t even audition). My first PROFESSIONAL show I ever saw was the Broadway National Tour of Mean Girls and I had an absolute blast (plus everyone I went with said I needed to play Damian, Kevin G, or Glen Coco). Both of these shows I would love to tackle at some point, maybe in the near future. *wink*

What was the first show you ever saw?

QUESTION 5

When did you know you wanted to do this as a career?

I think on some level I’ve always known, but didn’t let myself really follow through on it until late college. I have always loved creating and storytelling, but because of how “impractical” it was, I was always pushed to take a different path. I was in the top of my high school class, planning on going to college for nursing before pursuing a law degree. However, I got to college and my desire to perform burned so bright that I had to follow it, changing my major on my first day. Throughout my BFA program, I experienced a lot of self doubt, imposter syndrome, and fears about if I had made the right choice, considering I was the selected “runt” of my class. It wasn’t until I booked my first professional contract that I thought I could actually succeed at this. The rush I got on that opening night of summer stock only further locked that decision in my brain that this was what I was meant to do with my life.

QUESTION 6

What is the most challenging role you’ve played to date?

I am torn between two different roles for two different reasons. The first being Frederic in Pirates of Penzance, a lad of 21 trapped to a pirate’s league by his own sense of duty. While I have studied voice for years, I never found myself to be a strong classical singer, always leaning more towards musical theatre, pop rock, and folk. Seeing that role in my email with the offer terrified me, especially because it was my first ever leading role that wasn’t a straight play. I spent countless hours working my voice in the music and my confidence in myself to let myself tackle such a role that I resonated strongly with, as I too am gullible and driven by loyalty. The second role is Kevin J/Ali & Others in Come From Away, one of my most favorite shows ever. The challenge with this show didn’t come from the music or the hundred different accents, but from life experience. I was born in 2000, so having to get into the mindset of individuals who experienced and were affected by the 9/11 tragedy first-hand was so hard to mentally place myself in. I remember watching footage every year on that date, but having never experienced it and putting myself in that headspace was difficult and heart-wrenching. While it is a role and show I absolutely adore and have tackled more than once, the creation of the situation I have made in my mind is something that will never leave me.

QUESTION 7

If you were in a horror movie, what would your survival strategy be?

I am fully aware of the fact that I wouldn’t hurt a fly (unless of course to save someone I care about). Since I’m a POC, I definitely wouldn’t be the first to go; but I also don’t think I’d be a final girl. I would chose comfort in community and make it at least halfway through the lineup, but probably would accidentally do something stupid and get got.

QUESTION 8

What do you do with your time when you aren’t performing?

I don’t like having nothing to do, so there will always be something occupying my time, even during downtime. I can be found working one of my few survival jobs, spending quality time with friends, trying new restaurants, working on a script (aspiring playwright ayeeeee), or getting ready for the next performance endeavor.

QUESTION 9

Who were your top artists on your Spotify Wrapped?

I love folk, indie, jazz, and pop music, which reflected really well in this year’s Spotify Wrapped. My top artists on my Wrapped this year were Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan, Laufey, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Sabrina Carpenter.