BRETT V. RIES
- My Story -
That's "Ries" - like Reece's Pieces.
I am currently a practicing attorney based in Washington, D.C. after graduating cum laude from Duke University School of Law in 2023. I am a legal author who has been published three times, each on constitutional issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. My research and writing on how recent anti-drag legislation violates the First Amendment won a national award in 2023.
My story doesn't just involve law, however...
.jpg)
I grew up on a small farm outside of Watertown, South Dakota, so, yes, I grew up milking cows before I went to school. It was literally a "crappy" way to start my day. However, I somehow managed to get by without learning how to drive a tractor. It was probably because my dad knew I was better suited for a stage than a tractor cab.
My "career" in theatre began in the fourth grade with my Tony award-worthy performance as Narrator #4 in Aladdin, Jr. It introduced me to "A Whole New World." Since then, I have performed in over twenty productions. I was very fortunate to develop my artistry and receive theatrical and vocal training for four years at the University of South Dakota.
My bachelor's degree is actually in political science and criminal justice. In fact, I ran for the state legislature when I was 21 years old. My message that youth deserve a voice at the table too got me featured in an article on CNN titled: "Meet the Future of American Politics."
In my opinion, politics are theatrical, and theatre is political, so I have always been comfortable on both the political and theatrical stages.
In 2021, I began my drag career as Vinny Vidi Vici, based on my middle name Vincent. Combining elegance with comedy, Vinny has performed in several states, hosted drag shows, given a TEDx Talk, and is a published legal author. She has also given talks nationwide on the importance of identity and the history of LGBTQ+ discrimination.
