Theater trailblazer Giselle Byrd has broken an important barrier by being appointed the new Executive Director of Boston’s The Theater Offensive (TTO).
She becomes the first openly Black transgender woman to lead a regional theater company in the U.S.
Monumental Milestone for Representation
TTO announced Byrd’s hiring following a nationwide search to find their new leader. Her groundbreaking role is being celebrated as a major step forward for transgender visibility and empowerment in the arts.
Byrd brings over a decade of experience as a theater and film producer, talent manager, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. Now she aims to champion marginalized voices in her new leadership platform at TTO.
Vast Expertise Across Creative Fields
Most recently, Byrd worked at Katz Company in New York managing prominent artists and developing partnerships with major brands like Google, Gucci, and Netflix.
She also made history as the first trans woman selected for the prestigious Tribeca Chanel Filmmaker Program.
Byrd studied theater and film at the Savannah College of Art and Design. She currently serves on nonprofit boards fighting for queer and trans health, rights and representation nationwide.
Leading TTO Into An Exciting New Era
The mission of The Theater Offensive is presenting art by, for and about LGBTQ people of color. As Executive Director, Byrd will steer the organization during a pivotal growth phase.
TTO is constructing the Boylston Black Box theater which will be the world’s largest venue run by queer and trans people of color when completed.
“I’m thrilled to join TTO’s work redefining the American theater landscape,” said Byrd. Even as discrimination persists, she aims to build a platform where marginalized communities take center stage year-round.
