Hello! My name is Brenda Palestina. I’m a Houston-based director, actor, and teaching artist.

As an artist, I am passionate about creating innovative, barrier-breaking art and fostering community among artists and marginalized folks. In my work, I explore truth, dissonance, and time-bending moments to invite audiences to lean in, to listen, and to share.

I co-curate the Happy Hour Readings with Emma Bacon, a play reading series here at Rec Room that celebrates the joy of reading plays, elevates emerging Houston artists, and fosters community among them. Join us every first Monday of the month!

Directing credits include: THAT DRIVE THRU MONTEREY (Stages); CLOUD TECTONICS (MATCH); THE HUMMINGBIRD’S WEDDING (Teatrx); ATACAMA, OVERRIDE (Happy Hour Readings). She has assisted directed for Sophia Watt and Matt Hune at Rec Room Arts, for Andrew Roblyer at The Octarine Accord, Blake Weir at Classical Theatre, and Jack Young at Studio 208. Acting credits include: PANTO ALICIA IN WONDERLAND (Hortensia, Stages); SEXO Y TORTILLAS (Marcia, Teatrx), DON’T QUIT (Kendall, Teatrx); Midsummer Night’s Dream (Ensemble, Garden Theatre)

“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

-Marianne Williamson