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Brittany Parker is a Maine-based theatre and music maker. She is the creator and lead singer of Bee Parks and the Hornets, an indie pop-rock band for families, and the Education Manager for the Strand Theatre in Rockland. She is passionate about the power of art to enhance daily life in rural communities and is interested in creating works of performance that appeal to all ages. Since moving to Maine in 2013, she has co-created several original productions for intergenerational audiences, many of which include music, puppetry, and audience interaction. Recent productions include “The Tiniest Librarian”, a table-top puppet show with live feed video projections inspired by a real-life Maine children’s librarian, and “The Glitch Witch”, a one-woman rock musical where the audience helps solve a magical mystery. Her work has been seen across the state at various Maine venues and libraries, and has also toured to nine US states and as far as Tottori, Japan. Prior to living in Maine, she worked as a musician, performer, and teacher in New York City, working at St. Ann’s Warehouse, New York City Children’s Theatre, and NY Public Libraries, among others. Brittany is originally from Florida and holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Florida.

Artist Statement:

I am a Maine-based theatre and music maker who creates, produces, and performs interactive theatrical experiences for family audiences. Through this work, I aim to spark intergenerational conversations, inspire creativity in young people, and strengthen empathic bonds within our communities.

My work uses original music, puppetry, and audience participation to reimagine what it means to go to a show and engage with the magic of storytelling. Highlighting themes of empathy, equity, environmental awareness, social justice, and individuality, much of my recent work has also been inspired by Maine stories, communities, and issues. I frequently co-create with a rotating ensemble of theatre makers and musicians who share similar artistic values. My shows have been performed in theatres, libraries, parks, and schools, often paired with workshops in music, puppetry, and filmmaking.

I moved to Maine in 2013 from New York City, falling in love with the state after a brief visit to work on developing a new folk opera. The strong entrepreneurial spirit and the vibrant artistic community here inspired me to start creating my own works of performance. The development of this work is intrinsically linked to the wonderful people who live in the state – their reactions and participation at each show have forever influenced me as an artist and performer.

I believe that storytelling and creativity is a power that lives in all of us. By inviting audiences to be a part of the show, I hope to help unleash that power.

Award Statement:

Receiving this Maine Arts Fellowship award is an honor for which I am deeply grateful. I feel lucky to live in a state with such a talented and inspiring roster of performing artists. The impact this award will have on my art is significant – this funding will help me to build on new and existing solo performance works that have been stalled during these pandemic years. Having the support of the Maine Arts Commission expands the perimeters for building on this work, and grants me time and focus for moving forward into the next few years. I look forward to sharing the fruits of this labor with the Maine communities that mean so much to me and have helped shape the artist I am today.

Artist Image Gallery:

Photo Credit: Peter Logue 

Photo Credit: Cambridge Arts 

Title: Real Kid