Meet Beki Baker: TCU's New Department of Theatre Chair

For Beki Baker, theatre has always been more than what happens on stage. It's about the people who bring a story to life, the connections formed and the communities that come together to experience it.

That philosophy has guided her career as a professional director and educator, from working with Nashville's theatre companies to developing the next generation of performers and theatre artists.

As the new chair of Texas Christian University’s Department of Theatre, Baker brings nearly two decades of experience in professional theatre and higher education to Fort Worth, along with a commitment to creating an inclusive, collaborative environment for students.

"I think what I continue to learn over and over is that theatre is for everyone, and the arts are for everyone," Baker said. "Ultimately it's about the community. The community of the group that creates the piece and the community that's elevated by having an audience together."

The Nashville Stage 
Baker spent 17 years in Nashville, Tennessee, teaching and directing at Lipscomb University while building a professional career with companies including Nashville Repertory Theatre, Nashville Shakespeare Festival and Studio Tenn.

Her directing experience spans new works, musicals and classics, including “A Christmas Carol,” “9 to 5” and Shakespeare's “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”

Baker also served as education director for the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, an experience that deepened her appreciation for making classical theatre accessible to modern audiences.

"I had no interest in creating a production that felt untouchable or too lofty for the everyday person," Baker said.

For Baker, directing a familiar work isn't about reproducing what audiences have seen already. It requires understanding the story, collaborating with the cast and finding ways for the material to resonate with people today.

Her professional work shaped her philosophy as an educator. Having worked across university and professional productions, Baker understands the importance of preparing students for an industry that continually evolves.

"The gift of working professionally is that it keeps you sharp in the field," Baker said. "What worked 20 years ago may not work today. So, making sure that you're preparing students in true time for the industry is extremely important."

She also sees professional productions as opportunities to mentor students beyond the classroom, connecting them with working artists and allowing them to develop skills in real-world settings.

Building Community at Theatre TCU 
A native Texan, Baker was familiar with TCU long before joining the university. But it was her campus visit and conversations with faculty, staff and students that ultimately drew her to the Department of Theatre.

"There is just such a beautiful vibe here with everybody," she said. "Everybody was warm and welcoming. And I was just really excited about the work they're doing."

Having previously served 12 years as a department chair, Baker brings extensive leadership experience to TCU. She hopes to build on the department's strengths while emphasizing collaboration, communication and the professional skills students need to succeed.

"Students can learn how to operate as professionals while students," Baker said.

Her arrival also coincides with Ed Landreth Hall's renovation, which has Theatre TCU working across temporary facilities and performance spaces. Baker sees the transition as an opportunity for students to develop adaptability and strengthen their collaborative skills.

"One of the gifts of theatre is that it teaches you flexibility and how to thrive under a lot of different types of circumstances," she said.

As she settles into her new role, Baker remains focused on fostering an environment where the creative process matters as much as the final production.

"I value process as well as product," Baker said. "We are enjoying and celebrating and learning and growing together at the same time."