Get to know theater director Danielle Wyatt

On the heels of her successful production of Lydia Diamond’s Stick Fly, I had an opportunity to meet and chat with theater director Danielle Wyatt about her work. As an emerging theater practitioner, she is not afraid to tackle big themes. With past directing credits like Topdog/Underdog - and her upcoming production of Shange’s  For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf, Danielle is building a diverse body of work that focuses on the intricacies of Black life through the lens of contemporary American drama. In our interview we discuss the intention that drives her bold storytelling, the journey of a first generation career creative, and the significance of curating a strong production team. 

TS How would you describe your creative discipline? 

DW My creative discipline is rooted in intentional storytelling. As a theater director and producer, I focus on bringing compelling stories to the forefront, creating paid opportunities for actors, and building a collaborative creative space that attracts and nurtures talent.

TS Art has the ability to reflect certain themes born out of the time in which it was created. What does your work reflect? 

DW My work reflects the Black experience. I take pride in focusing on Black theater and highlighting the complexities and resilience of Black folk. 

TS Are you a first generation career creative? 

DW Yes, as a first-generation career creative, my journey came with mixed support. My mother was fully on board from the beginning, while my father was more hesitant. I made a clear decision to pursue theater in college. Although I didn’t need my family’s permission, I deeply wanted their support. Once my father began to understand the many facets of theater—and that success isn’t limited to acting alone—his perspective shifted. From that point on, my family fully embraced my path. Today, they are incredibly supportive and wholeheartedly believe in my dreams.

TS What are three things you can’t make art without?

DW Music. Actors. Script. I can’t make art without music- music fuels my creative energy. It sets the tone and drives my vision. Actors are my muse- they bring the work to life. And a powerful script is the foundation to the entire process. 

“I cannot go a year without listening to “Hey Ya!” by OutKast.”

TS Walk me through your creative process. 

DW First, I read the play for leisure. Then I read it for understanding - and to begin my research. Thirdly, I read the play again for a directorial vision. 

TS That’s a solid process. For whom do you create? 

DW I create for everyone. I believe that theater is like a book of knowledge. And as a director, I have an opportunity to expand perspectives. 

TS At what stage in your creative process do you invite collaborators? 

DW Before I start any production, I establish my production team (stage manager, lighting/ sound designer, marketing, etc.). I thrive on having a strong team in order to balance my creative and administrative capacity - with the aim of avoiding burnout. 

TS What creative obstacles do you face? Personal or professional. 

DW Personally- As a wife and new mom, my biggest obstacle is balance. My husband and I are both creatives, so we understand the demands of being in production mode. But aligning that with parenthood takes intention and constant adjustment. Professionally, building a strong, go-to production team has been a challenge. I currently have three solid staff members, but I’m working toward a full production team that can operate at a high level. 

“... keep the goal alive!”

TS What tips do you have for creatives who may be facing their own challenges? 

DW For any creative who is facing challenges, I would urge them to keep the goal alive! Oftentimes when the finances do not match the effort, or the drive starts to fade, think about what your future self would say. 

TS Name one song you can’t go a year without listening to?

DW I cannot go a year without listening to “Hey Ya!” by OutKast. This song gets me hyped and keeps the positive energy flowing. I often play Hey Ya! when I need a little push to get up in the morning. 

TS Name one thing you’ll never forget? 

DW I’ll never forget when my co-worker, an older white male, questioned why, and if, I only directed “black plays.” At that moment, I was overcome with shock. I simply did not respond. After reflecting, I would have responded, “Why not Black Theater? Does it bother you?”

TS What projects are you currently working on and where can our readers follow and find your work? 

DW I am currently producing and directing For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow Is Enuf by Ntozake Shange May 30 - May 31 at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center in Plainfield, NJ, 07060. Tickets can be purchased at fcg.eventbrite.com 

Danielle Wyatt is a theater director and producer dedicated to bold storytelling. Most recently, she directed Stick Fly, and her past directing credits include: August Wilson’s Fences, Annie, Topdog/Underdog, A Raisin in the Sun, and Black Nativity, among others. Through her work, she brings a fresh perspective to social and political themes shaping American culture. Passionate about community impact, she enriches the arts in underserved communities and creates space for developing artists to thrive.

Image below: Headshot Danielle Wyatt