Brandi Brumfield-Bell, who goes by Brandi Shantele on stage, has built a career on inspiring others both on stage and in the dance studio. The Oak Lawn Park District dance instructor and program director won Best Actress in a Musical at the 2025 Black Theatre Alliance Awards (BTAA) for her performance as Effie White in Dreamgirls with The Drama Group.
Shantele has worked at the Oak Lawn Park District for three years. She serves as Program Director of the IndepenDANCE Team and teaches dance classes for children of all ages, inspiring young dancers through her creativity, energy, and passion for the performing arts.
In addition to her on-stage achievements, Shantele is a cherished member of the Park District staff. She has showcased her talents in the Oak Lawn Park District Community Theatre, with standout performances in productions such as Sister Act and Hairspray. Her BTAA nomination reflects both her artistic excellence and her ongoing dedication to uplifting the local arts community.
“It means so much to be nominated for the Black Theatre Alliance Award,” Shantele said. “To be recognized by your peers and held in such high esteem is such an honor. I was in a category with some super talented women, so I was grateful enough just to be considered. Winning was just so surreal, a manifestation of a dream coming true. Chicago births some amazingly talented people, legends and legends in the making, so thank you to the Black Theatre Alliance for seeing something great in me as well as the cast and crew of Dreamgirls.”
Shantele said her connection to performance started early. “I was actually bitten by the acting bug in third grade when I played Mrs. Claus for my elementary school’s holiday production, and the rest is history. I was voted most talented in high school because I starred in every single musical until I graduated, and I was always putting on some kind of show whenever we had family gatherings.”
Her love of storytelling has continued through her career. “I love being able to breathe life into a character. Even if it’s a well-known role, I like to see how I can bring a different and unique perspective and sprinkle a little Brandi on it. I love telling stories and transporting the audience into another world, making them connect and feel everything that character is feeling.”
Shantele returned to the stage last year after a 13-year break, taking on Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act at Oak Lawn’s Erica Heilmann Theatre. Since then, she has performed four dream roles in a single year: Sister Act, JoAnne Jefferson in Rent, Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, and Effie in Dreamgirls.
“This award is just the icing on the cake of my return to my craft,” she said. “I’d like to thank a few directors who helped me cultivate my gifts: William Kirksey, Michael Childress, Michael Potsic, Laura Hilger, and Cordaro Johnson, who directed Dreamgirls.”
Tom Hartwig, executive director of the Oak Lawn Park District, said Shantele’s energy and dedication shine both on stage and in the classroom. “We are so proud of Brandi. Her enthusiasm for the arts and her dedication to improving each dancer that comes through her classes are remarkable. She’s must-see every time she performs. Her voice is powerful, and she leaves audiences inspired.”
Shantele said the recognition from her Oak Lawn colleagues and students has meant as much as the award itself. “Thank you so much to my Oak Lawn Park District family. I’m so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love in person and on social media. And lastly, I’d like to thank my husband Donald, my family, friends, and fans for all the love and support. It means more than I could ever express with words.”
The Black Theatre Alliance Awards, founded to honor African American artists in Chicago’s performing arts community, feature 22 categories celebrating excellence across more than 20 productions each year. Winners receive a commemorative plaque, while nominees are honored with certificates.
Recognition represents both a personal and professional milestone for Shantele, proof that dreams deferred can still take the spotlight. “I’m just grateful the Black Theatre Alliance saw something great in me, too,” she said.