Director + Choreographer

Born in Memphis, Whitney Branan lived in New York City for thirteen years, where she served as the resident tap coach for the Broadway show Billy Elliot and two of its national tours. After graduating from Wagner College, she worked as the personal and executive assistant to Charles Strouse (Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, and Applause!). Whitney has worked across the country (Bally’s Casino in Las Vegas) and over the ocean (three “Pick of the Fringe” Award-winning trips to the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland). 

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Whitney’s rehearsals are often cited by actors as “the safest room.” The cornerstone of her movement philosophy is the belief that dance is for every body. Her process is grounded in rigor and care, inviting performers to bring the full gamut of their humanity into the work. She is adamant that kindness in collaboration is not only a baseline expectation but the most efficient pathway to excellent, detailed art. Her directing and choreographic compass is always set to story-as-true-north. Known for her strong relationships with designers, Whitney creates productions rich in specificity, intention, and a focused aesthetic.​

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Whitney was the world-premiere choreographer of Changing Minds for Theatrical Rights Worldwide. Her choreography credits include The Irish and How They Got That Way at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Off-Off Broadway at Queens Theatre in the Park. She directed and choreographed the live concert Steve Kinworthy’s Lovin’ Every Minute, filmed in Branson, Missouri, as well as four music videos for songwriter Amy Barkley. A favorite director/choreographer experience was crafting four musical productions aboard the American Queen, the world’s largest luxury paddleboat.

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Whitney has worked extensively with the Texas Shakespeare Festival, directing/choreographing The Music Man, Kiss Me Kate!, Sweeney Todd, and Something Rotten!, breaking records twice for the top-grossing musical in TSF history. In 2022, she was awarded the Otis Smith Legacy Dance Award. Whitney has received multiple Ostrander, Allie, BroadwayWorld, and NY Innovative Theatre Awards nominations and wins. 

Proud Member of SDC, SAG-AFTRA, and AEA Unions.