Dacquiri Baptiste, Orpheum Memphis Group

Dacquiri Baptiste’s path to becoming a leader at the Orpheum Theatre was sparked by her passion for dance and a deep interest in creative problem-solving. With a background in dance and a strategic mindset, Dacquiri now serves as a key leader at the Orpheum, overseeing operations and empowering those around her. At the Orpheum, she is helping shape Memphis’s arts scene and ensuring that the theater remains a cultural cornerstone for the community.

On Episode #17 of Just Bluffin’, Dacquiri shared her dynamic role and how she approaches her work behind the scenes at the Orpheum.

“No day is the same—and that’s what I love about it,” Dacquiri shares, laughing as she reflects on her daily life at the Orpheum. As a strategic operations leader, she is the linchpin keeping the theater’s complex operations running smoothly. “Some days I’m in meetings, ensuring the team has everything they need; other days, I’m backstage working with the technical crew to make sure the curtain goes up on time.” From managing 85 stagehands during a Broadway show to coordinating 36 ushers and security on a sold-out night, Dacquiri oversees every detail to ensure a seamless experience. “If one piece is off, we all feel it,” she says.

Her favorite part of the job? “Creative problem-solving and empowering others,” she says. “I didn’t come to do everyone’s job—I came to give them the resources to shine.” Whether it’s fixing a handrail, replacing a light bulb, or advocating for her team, Dacquiri thrives on challenges. “I’m glad I know how to do the work, but I love helping others excel at it.”

Dacquiri’s path to the Orpheum is rooted in her lifelong love of dance. “I’m still a dancer,” she says. “I take ballet every Saturday with my daughter—she’s in tap, I’m in ballet. It’s an hour of music and movement, with no phones. That’s my time to recharge.” For Dacquiri, dance was never just about becoming a professional performer—it instilled discipline and structure that shaped her approach to life. “It prepped me for everything else,” she reflects. Her dance career took her from high school to New York, where she pursued her dream with the support of her family. “I had a parent who always encouraged me—no matter how ‘ridiculous’ the dream seemed.”

This foundation in the arts led Dacquiri to a career in arts leadership. “Dance showed me that there’s more to the world than performing—it’s about the work that goes on behind the scenes.” Now, at the Orpheum, she channels that discipline into strategy, ensuring Memphis experiences world-class arts. “Living in your purpose is essential,” she says. “This role lets me contribute to the art form in a new way.”

Dacquiri sees the Orpheum as more than just a theater—it’s a cultural institution and a social service. “We’re shaping what Memphis sees as art,” she says. With a packed calendar of events, the Orpheum draws top-tier artists and loyal audiences. “When artists call, they want to play here because they know Memphis shows up for high-caliber performances.” The theater’s education program touches thousands of kids each year, with 500 students attending a show—“and maybe five are forever changed,” she muses. “That’s what art does.”

Whether it’s a production like Come From Away, the first post-pandemic show that brought tears to her eyes, or big-name shows like Hamilton and Frozen, every event is a team effort. “When the lights go down, I’m flooded with memories of the work we poured in,” she says. For Dacquiri, the Orpheum offers a rare space where people from all walks of life come together, united by entertainment. “That doesn’t happen everywhere,” she notes.

As the Orpheum approaches its 95th anniversary, Dacquiri is already thinking about the centennial celebration in 2028. “How do we make this space feel like it did 100 years ago while thriving today?” she asks. The vision includes elevating arts education, growing future audiences, and reinforcing a sense of belonging for everyone. “This theater belongs to the whole city, not just a select few,” she emphasizes. Future plans include street festivals, collaborations with local groups like the Memphis Black Arts Alliance, and a year-long Centennial Performing Arts Festival. “It’s about enlightening, educating, and bringing everyone together—reminding Memphis that the arts are both fun and vital.”

Even during off-season breaks, the work never stops. “We plan ahead, but I’m still learning how to step away and recharge,” she admits.

Her favorite Memphis memory? “It’s food-generated,” Dacquiri laughs. “My first Thanksgiving here, hearing everyone talk about cornbread dressing—it felt like home.” After living in places like LA and New York, Dacquiri had never found that same warmth until she arrived in Memphis. “The food culture here is my love language—ribs, wings, you name it. It’s something that keeps growing for my family and me.” A lifelong Memphian agrees: “It never stops growing.”

Dacquiri Baptiste and the Orpheum Theatre remind us that art is more than just entertainment—it’s about connection, purpose, and community. Be sure to catch her backstage, fueling Memphis’s vibrant arts scene.

To listen to our full conversation with Dacquiri, click here. To listen to all of our conversations with Memphis leaders, subscribe to Just Bluffin’ wherever you get your podcasts. You can learn more about the team behind the mic on our podcast page.