Editor’s Note: “The Reel Black List” is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of advertising, film, TV, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity on a daily basis. For the next 29 days, you will be able to celebrate wonderful human beings, like, O Positive’s commercial director, Miranda Haymon.
Miranda is an acclaimed writer, director, and curator whose innovative work has left an indelible mark on both the theater world and the realm of branding. Hailing originally from Boston, Miranda’s artistic journey has been one of creativity, collaboration, and boundary-pushing exploration.
In the realm of theater direction, Miranda has earned recognition and accolades, including the prestigious Princess Grace Award. Their directorial prowess has been showcased at renowned venues such as The Tank, NYTW, Roundabout, Ars Nova, Manhattan Theatre Club, The Public, Bushwick Starr, and Signature Theater, among others. Miranda’s dedication to the craft has also been evident in their roles as Visiting Faculty at esteemed institutions including Fordham, Dartmouth, Sarah Lawrence, Wesleyan, and Rutgers.
Throughout their career, Miranda has been the recipient of numerous fellowships and residencies, including those with New Georges, Space on Ryder Farm, LCT Director’s Lab, Wingspace, NYTW 2050, Roundabout, Manhattan Theatre Club, and Arena Stage. Currently, Miranda holds the esteemed position of Resident Director at Roundabout Theatre Company, where their artistic vision continues to thrive.
Beyond the traditional theater sphere, Miranda’s creative prowess extends into the branding landscape. They have directed projects for notable brands such as Progressive, Gucci, Garage Magazine, Dunkin’, and Spectrum, bringing their unique artistic perspective to commercial endeavors.
As a writer, Miranda’s talents shine brightly. They are currently under commission by Jeremy O. Harris, a testament to their skill and vision. Miranda’s recent work includes the captivating 356 Days of Girlhood Live! by Dylan Mulvaney, staged at the Rainbow Room.
Not content with conventional boundaries, Miranda also collaborates with their alter ego, bb Brecht, showcasing their versatility and willingness to explore new artistic avenues.
Miranda is a graduate of Wesleyan University, where they double-majored in German Studies and Theater, and were honored with the Rachel Henderson Theater Prize in Directing. Their commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and amplifying diverse voices continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Let’s meet Miranda!
What’s your origin story?
I grew up in Boston, Massachusetts as a shy, athletic, and very curious kid. I would read encyclopedias cover to cover, spend hours on the internet, and devour television shows. After a bad injury, I turned my attention to theater, improv, and making weird music videos with my friends.
How did you get into directing?
I first started stage managing, directing, and producing plays in high school—we had a robust student-run theater organization where I got to try everything. I declared the theater major in undergrad because they had a directing program, but I always kept making stuff with friends however I could: I had a radio show, started a band, and made a lot of silly performance art. I love that directing means you get to interface with so many different kinds of artists and mediums.
What did your parents think you would be?
Honestly, whatever I wanted to be.
Who are your mentors?
Tazewell Thomspon, Zackary Drucker and Bart Sher.
What’s the bravest thing you’ve done?
Went to boarding school.
How do you handle failure?
Failure is the best part—it means I’m pushing myself in an uncharted area. I see it as a necessary and key part of my process.
REELated: Read about others on The Reel Black List
What’s a product or service that you are dying to do a campaign for?
Taco Bell, PLEASE!
Who is a talent, actor, director or writer, you are dying to work with?
Bo Burnham. Massachusetts, dark humor & catchy satirical songs?
Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon is over-indexing on Black and Hispanic audiences. Why?
I am not part of this audience, ironically. I wish I knew!
Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner – name a living or deceased Black hero you would love to spend each of those times with.
Lunch with Marian Anderson. Happy hour with James Baldwin. Dinner with Octavia Butler.
You would give up your career to go on tour and perform with what singer/band?
Tierra Whack.
Colman Domingo is a national treasure yes or no?
Yes, 10000%
Nosebleed seats for Beyoncé or front-row tickets for Taylor Swift?
Nosebleeds for Beyonce–that’s how I saw her for Renaissance and wouldn’t change it for the world.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I love reality television. Survivor, Big Brother, The Masked Singer.
What’s brewing for your 2024?
My first short film, Sis, is part of The 2024 Whitney Biennial. Lots of writing, reading and watching!
Miranda’s artistry transcends boundaries, offering a glimpse into a world where imagination knows no limits and creativity reigns supreme. To explore more of Miranda’s groundbreaking work, visit their website at www.mirandahaymon.com, where their creative journey unfolds in vivid detail.
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