From a young age, Bragg demonstrated an interest in theatre, which developed as a result of the influence of his father, who was an amateur actor and play manager.[4] Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Bragg attended the New York School for the Deaf, informally known as "Fanwood", and entered Gallaudet College (now University) upon graduating in 1947.[4] Whilst attending Gallaudet, Bragg studied theater under a deaf professor named Frederick Hughes, and starred as the lead role in a number of school plays, for which he won numerous honors.