S. Bryce Chamberlain has been associated with higher education and religious drama for more than 60 years. His performance in dozens of LDS-oriented stage portrayals and motion pictures launched a career that has continued to expand into hundreds of theatrical productions and more than 85 films, motion pictures and videos. He's probably best known for his performance as Everyman in the LDS Church's original Man's Search for Happiness movie presented at the1964-65 New York Worlds Fair. Other popular portrayals are as Lehi in The Book of Mormon Movie and his characterization of Grandpa Lee in Chris Heimerdinger's film, Passage to Zarahemla.
Chamberlain studied theatre, film and radio broadcast technique at the University of Utah in the early fifties. Working with highly regarded broadcast and theatrical personnel from that era in Utah theatre and media had a positive impact on his production skills. From the time he was introduced to the unique art of self-expression, to this day, he continues to fine-tune each film and theatrical performance. Over the years he has been involved in various episodes on local and national network television productions.
While on the faculty at Brigham Young University, his work with Native Americans facilitated the publication of his thesis, The Theatrical Potential of the American Indian. Working with Native Americans from all over America, representing more than 76 tribes, made it possible for Chamberlain and his talented young students to give many insightful portrayals revealing dramatic perspectives on "American Indian" life in meaningful and exciting theatrical depictions and musical entertainments.
During summer breaks, he took his family (who handled all the tech issues) on the road to portray the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. in dramatic one-man presentations throughout the Church, performing in nearly every state in the U.S. (including Alaska and five islands of Hawaii) and 15 different countries on four continents. Subsequent decades have kept him busy traveling, giving his one-man performances of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young as well as characterizations in both live one-man portrayals and for PBS TV films. Some of those great men include Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Christopher Columbus and Johann Guttenberg.
His lifetime of performance in repertoire, chancel-theater, stage and motion pictures has helped him portray remarkable Titans of history and bring each character to life in theaters, LDS Church presentations, classrooms, auditoriums and through the excitement of live one-man performances and electronic media.
