Meet Patrick Burns | Composer, Playwright, and Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patrick Burns and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patrick, how do you think about risk?
Risk is the price of growth. Every major turning point in my life and career has come from stepping into the unknown—whether it was performing From Foster Care to Fabulous for the first time, moving to New York without a safety net, or diving into new creative projects without guarantees.

For me, risk-taking isn’t about recklessness—it’s about trusting that the work I put in will meet the right opportunities. When I wrote From Foster Care to Fabulous, I had no idea if audiences would connect with it. But I believed in the story, and that risk led to performances across the country and a career rooted in storytelling.

Risk has also taught me resilience. I’ve pitched shows that never got picked up, applied for opportunities I didn’t get, and put my heart into projects that didn’t take off the way I hoped. But every “failure” has pushed me toward something new—another project, another door, another lesson.

At the end of the day, I’d rather take the risk and know I tried than wonder what if? Because the biggest risks I’ve taken have always led to my most extraordinary experiences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At its core, my art is about telling stories that deserve to be heard—stories that challenge, uplift, and reflect the complexity of the human experience. Whether I’m writing a musical, composing for a podcast, or performing on stage, my goal is always to create work that resonates on a deep level.

What sets my work apart is its intersection of storytelling and advocacy. My one-man musical, From Foster Care to Fabulous, isn’t just a show—it’s a call to action. It shares my personal journey through the foster care system while shedding light on the realities so many young people face. That blend of personal truth and artistic craft is something I strive for in all my work.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to keep creating, no matter the circumstances. The reality of an artistic career is that it’s rarely easy. There have been times when I’ve had to take jobs outside of the industry, moments of rejection, and financial uncertainty. But I’ve learned that resilience and adaptability are just as important as talent.

I got to where I am today by saying yes to opportunities, even when they scared me. I moved to New York with no safety net. I performed my own deeply personal work in front of strangers. I kept writing, even when I didn’t know if anyone would ever hear the songs. And over time, those risks turned into a body of work that I’m incredibly proud of.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that art is a long game. It’s easy to look at someone’s success and think it happened overnight, but in reality, it’s years of work, collaboration, and persistence. I want the world to know that my work isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about connection, change, and giving voice to stories that matter.

If there’s one thing I hope people take from my work, it’s this: Your story is worth telling. Your voice matters. And art has the power to transform lives—both for the people who create it and the people who experience it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting LA, we wouldn’t do the standard touristy checklist—at least, not all of it. LA is way more interesting when you lean into the things that make it weird, wonderful, and uniquely itself.

First stop? Koreatown. When I first moved to LA after college, I lived near two of my all-time favorite restaurants: Olympic Noodle and Pollo a la Brasa. They’re both warm, welcoming, and absolutely delicious. Olympic Noodle does hand-pulled noodles and the best dumplings you’ll ever eat, and Pollo a la Brasa serves Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken cooked over wood charcoal. I’d start the trip there, because nothing sets the tone for a good week like a great meal.

From there, we’d do a little bit of everything—a mix of art, music, culture, and the kind of experiences that make LA feel like a collection of different worlds all smashed together.

One day, we’d hit The Museum of Contemporary Art, which I love, then walk over to Disney Hall, one of my favorite spaces in LA, just to take it all in. If there’s a show happening there, even better.

Another day, we’d slow things down at The Huntington Gardens, because LA isn’t all neon signs and traffic—it’s also one of the best places in the world to just wander, breathe, and be surrounded by something beautiful.

Of course, we’d grab a drink—maybe somewhere low-key in the Arts District, or a classic spot like Clifton’s Republic, where I had the absolute joy of performing in November. It’s one of those places that feels like stepping into another era, and it’s exactly the kind of venue that makes LA special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely. No one builds a career—or a life—alone, and I’m deeply grateful for the people and organizations that have shaped my path.

First and foremost, my sister deserves a huge shoutout. We spent years writing letters back and forth when I was on tour and working in Alaska, and those letters became some of my most honest, funny, and vulnerable writing. To this day, I channel that same voice when I write. Her support, humor, and encouragement have been a constant in my life.

I also have to recognize The Speranza Foundation, which has been incredibly supportive of my work. As a three-time Lincoln City Fellow, I’ve had the opportunity to develop and present new musicals and artistic projects that might not have been possible otherwise. Their belief in artists and their willingness to invest in meaningful work has made a huge impact on my career.

And finally, a shoutout to the countless teachers, mentors, and collaborators who have challenged, inspired, and supported me along the way. From my time at UC Irvine to the directors, musicians, and writers I’ve worked with, every collaboration has taught me something valuable.

No one gets anywhere alone, and I’m grateful for the people who’ve walked alongside me on this journey.

Website: https://patrickburns.me/

Instagram: CantPatThis

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cantpatthis/

Twitter: https://x.com/CantPatThis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CantPatThis/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cantpatthis

Image Credits
Genevieve Fridley
Orion Pahl
Jay Oatis