Kirsten Brandt

Kirsten Brandt is an interdisciplinary artist and educator whose practice embraces inquiries into gender, science and politics.   A theatrical director, playwright, producer, and advocate,, her passion lies in igniting the imagination of audiences through visceral storytelling and visual poetry to encourage dialogue and ethical engagement.   She specializes in experimental theater, devised work, ensemble created events, Shakespeare performance, musical theatre and the intersection of live performance and digital media.  For seven years, she served as Artistic Director of the Sledgehammer Theatre (San Diego’s leading alternative theater).  She served as Associate Artistic Director of San Jose Repertory Theatre.  She has directed for The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Theatreworks, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Marin Theatre Company, San Diego Repertory, City Light Theatre, African-American Shakespeare Company, Santa Cruz Shakespeare, The Jewel Theater, North Coast Repertory, Diversionary Theatre and Sierra Rep.  Her plays/musicals have been produced at Sledgehammer Theater, UCSC, Unbound Productions (Wicked Lit), the Old Globe, Southwestern College and the New York Musical Theatre Festival. Her musical The Snow Queen continues to be performed nationally and internationally. She has taught and directed for UC Davis and American Conservatory Theatre's MFA Progam.  She is currently an Assistant Professor at San Jose State University.

Professional Affiliations:

Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

The Dramatists Guild of America

Pronouns:

she, her, hers