We were lucky to catch up with Brianna Wright recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brianna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

It’s April 2020, and I’ve just graduated from theatre school. I’ve invested a significant chunk of both the government’s money (soon to be mine) and my time into my theatre education. I’m geared up to dive into the workforce, ready to put my skills to the test. But then, the world is thrown into the throes of a global pandemic, and suddenly, everything feels uncertain and chaotic.

For the longest time, my measure of success was simple: if I booked enough jobs to pay off my student loans, then it was all worth it. But with the world in disarray and no end in sight to the health crisis, my hopes for success started to dim. While the sporadic auditions that trickled in offered a glimmer of hope, the bookings were far and few between.

Brianna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Toronto-based artist, steadily evolving and broadening my horizons within the performing arts. My journey began at Toronto Metropolitan University, where I graduated from the Performance Acting program in 2020. Since then, I’ve delved into the vibrant world of theatre, as an actor for the Toronto Fringe Festival, co-directing/producing a play called “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche” alongside my creative partner, William Flood and most recently, hosting Monologue Slam at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

While my roots lie in theatre performance, my aspirations extend beyond the stage. I’m eager to explore the realms of producing and directing, seeing them as avenues to shape the overarching vision of a project and ignite the audience’s engagement. Theatre holds a unique magic—it thrives on the live interaction between performers and audience, with each show unfolding in its own dynamic, unpredictable way. I’m drawn to the challenge of creating that electrifying energy and fostering an unforgettable experience for every viewer.

In addition to my passion for theatre, I’m also interested in navigating film and television. I’m committed to approaching every project with a deep understanding of the entire creative process. Leading with empathy, I aim to cultivate a collaborative, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and safe to contribute their best work.

Ultimately, whether it’s the stage or a film set, my goal remains the same: to bring stories to life in a way that resonates deeply with audiences and leaves a lasting impact.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Some people seek this almost, profound connection, by engaging in dialogue with those holding diverse viewpoints, travelling and exploring new places, or even sharing personal stories online and connecting with others virtually. For me, this is one of the most exciting ways to get to understand an array of experiences, honour differences and cultivate empathy, all while embracing the intricacies of humanity. Then, I get to share these revelations with a community of people, inviting them along on this transformative voyage with me, highlighting newfound insights and discoveries.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

“Create your own opportunities” resonates with me whenever the flow of bookings and auditions begins to slow down. It’s a lesson I’ve come to embrace, though it once intimidated me.

Reflecting on what I valued most in theatre—collaboration, shared vision, and audience engagement—I figured I would put those ideas into practice. With the support of Toronto’s indie theatre community and my close friend William Flood, we embarked on a journey of co-direction and production, bringing to life a play that embodied our collective vision.

This endeavor proved to be more than a mere project; it ignited newfound passions, kindled enthusiasm for various aspects of the industry, and fostered meaningful connections with fellow creatives. It also opened doors to further opportunities.

While I could have remained passive, waiting for opportunities to come my way, taking proactive steps not only expanded my understanding of self but also paved the way for an array of unforeseen prospects. It serves as a testament to the power of initiative and determination in shaping one’s own path in the world of theatre.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @brijwright

Image Credits
Max Chu, Aaron Hall, Toronto Metropolitan University, Tara Paterson