Andrew Norlen is an author, actor, singer, performer, and podcaster. Norlen was in the closing national tour company of Broadway’s smash hit, Kinky Boots. He received his BFA from The Boston Conservatory of Music with an emphasis in dance and directing in 2016.
Originally from the small town of Troutdale, Oregon—only twenty minutes east of downtown Portland—Norlen now resides in Manhattan full-time, continuing his career in the theater.
Norlen’s 1st publication is now available everywhere books are sold, When The Lights Are Bright Again—a book of letters-to-self by members of the theater community, who’ve come together to share testimonials about the 2020 Broadway shutdown and the ripple effect that COVID-19 has had on their lives. This book features Norlen’s writing, 200+ letters from arts workers coast-to-coast, and photography by Broadway’s Matthew Murphy. A portion of the profits from these book sales will directly benefit The Actors Fund. Click here to visit the website and order your copy today!
Norlen has been a guest on Melbourne, Australia’s twenty-seven-year-old/queer-friendly radio station—Joy 94.9— where he was featured on The Drive Thru with John O’Hara discussing his writing and his four-month love affair with Oz that actually birthed his memoir, Defining Brave. Norlen's much anticipated 1st publication, When The Lights Are Bright Again was also announced in an exclusive with Variety in July of 2021.
Beyond the stage, Norlen sits down bi-weekly with powerhouse, female identifying pioneers, to interview them and discuss “the shit that matters!” on his podcast, Everyday Heroes with Andrew Norlen, on Spotify. Click here to start listening!
Giving back is the energy that keeps Norlen inspired and grounded. His merch campaign, #SpreadYourBrave is an ongoing fundraiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. #SpreadYourBrave is a community of people championing one another through the celebration of having overcome adversity, an opportunity to normalize vulnerability. Visit the store here!
