Brook Taylor

The overture hadn't even begun before I fell in love with live theatre. As a young girl, I knew I was hooked the moment I entered Capitol Theatre for the first time where I found my seat and watched the infamous fall of the chandelier in The Phantom of the Opera. Floating candles and powerful vocals sealed the deal, and now I attend as many theatre productions as I can—whether it's a classic Shakespearean tragedy, a modern musical, or something in between. Before becoming a school principal, I spent ten years as a high school English teacher where I was able to share my passion for literature and performance in the classroom. One of my greatest joys was teaching Twelfth Night and guiding students through Shakespeare’s wit, wordplay, and timeless themes. My connection to theatre deepened abroad in London, England, where I studied Shakespeare in the heart of the city that shaped his work. That experience continues to inform my perspective as a reviewer, blending literary insight with a deep appreciation for live performance. I am excited to join UTBA as it allows me to combine my background in education and literature with my enduring love for the arts.