Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Giles.
Hi Brandi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey is a tale of unexpected turns, a story of finding my way from the familiar comfort of the Northeast to the expansive horizon of Texas. In high school, I was convinced my future lay in Deaf Education, so I applied to many schools with a program for that. I was accepted to them all, which was an incredible surprise. Faced with so many choices, I surrendered to fate, pulling the name of a school from a hat. That single draw led me to Texas Christian University in the fall of 2001, setting me on a path I never could have predicted.
My academic career was a testament to my evolving interests. Though I eventually changed my major, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication with an emphasis in Human Relations and double minors in Deaf Habilitation and Sociology. Still searching for my purpose, I continued my education at the University of Texas at Arlington, earning a Master of Arts in Communication.
A new chapter began when I started working as a resident American Sign Language interpreter at a children’s theater in Fort Worth. It was here that a simple question from a parent—”Have you ever taught American Sign Language?”—pivoted my career entirely. This opened the door to a thirteen-year tenure as an ASL teacher at a school for students with learning disabilities. In that role, I was able to truly grow into my identity as an educator. I experienced triumphs and learned from setbacks, always continuing to evolve.
I’ve always been a creature of habit, finding comfort in consistency, but life had other plans. I felt a persistent pull toward a new calling, a nudge to change professions, even though I resisted for years. The universe, in its own way, finally made it clear that it was time to listen. I decided to pursue a role that would merge my profession with my passion.
This led me to the Dallas Theater Center, where I became the assistant to the Artistic Director. (yes, it’s a reference to The Office.) The Artistic Director, Kevin Moriarty, was an incredible mentor. He offered me a unique opportunity to work with every department, encouraging me to find where I belonged. He was a constant advocate, helping me discover my true home in the department of Public Works.
My journey in this department began with a supportive role, which soon grew into producing a show and eventually becoming the associate producer. Today, I am the Director of Public Works, and it’s a feeling of absolute certainty. This is exactly where I am meant to be, and it’s a truly wonderful feeling to know I’ve found my place.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve come to believe that a journey without obstacles isn’t a journey worth trusting. My path has been defined by moments of challenge, but I’ve never allowed a potential barrier to stand in my way. As a Black woman, a spirit of perseverance is woven into the very fabric of my being, and with it comes a profound understanding that true growth is found in overcoming.
I’ve navigated personality clashes, worked through misaligned priorities, and stood strong in the theater world even as the COVID-19 pandemic brought it to a halt. My story has been a thrilling roller coaster of a ride—full of twists, turns, and exhilarating drops. The best part? I’ve loved every minute of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I could talk for hours about the work I do, because I believe in it that deeply. As the Director of Public Works at Dallas Theater Center, I am a department of one, overseeing all of our community engagement and educational programming. I pour my heart into ensuring that each initiative is fully supported, has what it needs to be successful, and ultimately, changes lives.
My work is a vibrant tapestry of programs designed to connect community with the power of theater. Here is a closer look at the initiatives that are the heart of what I do:
Project Discovery: This program breaks down barriers to the arts for high school students by providing them and their educators with free tickets to our productions. We go beyond the performance itself, offering comprehensive learning guides, as well as pre- and post-show discussions to deepen their understanding and make theater a truly educational and accessible experience.
Next Stage: A program that fosters the next generation of theater talent, Next Stage provides a space for elementary and middle school students to create and develop their work. It’s a dynamic, year-long initiative that offers mentorship, resources, and performance opportunities, helping to launch the careers of artists who will shape the future of our industry.
Community Workshops: We believe that theater is for everyone. Our Community Workshops are free, open sessions that invite people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the art form. These workshops are a chance to build skills, explore creativity, and connect with fellow community members in a fun, judgment-free environment.
Saturday Sessions: For those who want to dive deeper, our Saturday Sessions offer specialized training for all ages, led by industry professionals. These workshops cover a range of topics, from acting techniques to playwriting, providing focused, high-level instruction for aspiring and working artists.
In the Summer, we will either have:
SummerStage: Dallas Theater Center’s immersive summer camp program for students ages 6-18. It provides high-quality training from professional artists in a wide variety of skills, including acting, singing, and dancing. The camps range from week-long sessions to two-week intensive productions, all designed to help young artists explore their passion for theater and build confidence.
Public Works Summer Pageant: A participatory production which aims to blur the line between professional artists and community members. The program brings together hundreds of people—including professional actors, artists, and community members of all ages and backgrounds—who rehearse for several weeks to create a spectacular production.
Beyond these core programs, we also dedicate ourselves to meeting the unique needs of our community, whether that means creating a one-off workshop about intimacy for a local group or collaborating with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. I stay busy, but it’s a labor of love. Community is where my heart is.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was definitely a whirlwind of energy—a full-on social butterfly. I wanted to talk to everyone and be friends with all of them. I even had a list of people I’d call to see if they could play, and if the first person wasn’t available, I’d just move on down the list until someone said “yes.”
My life was a constant stream of activity. I played a lot of sports, especially track and year-round soccer. I had a job at a movie theater and was very involved in my church. I was always busy doing a lot of things, but something was missing from the mix: musical theater. I didn’t discover my love for it until I was in high school. But from that moment on, it became my complete and total focus.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dallastheatercenter.org/public-works/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dallastheatercenter
