BIO
Aaron Galligan-Stierle is both an actor and a director, although he spends much of his time doing what he calls "artistic collaboration." He has assisted in the creative process of over fifty original works, including scripts, movies, plays, stand-up comedy acts, multi-media performances, cabarets, and dance concerts.
He has an extensive performance resume including:
Broadway: Aaron is currently performing the role of Monsieur Andre in "The Phantom of the Opera." He performed the role of Henry Ford in the Acclaimed Broadway Revival of “Ragtime.” He also performed in “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” as Papa Who (i.e. Cindy Lou Who’s father).
Tours: Aaron played Mike Nulty in the National Tour of "White Christmas," directed by Randy Skinner. He performed the role of The Herald in the International Broadway Asia tour of “Cinderella” staring Tony award winning actress Lea Salonga. He can also be heard on the International Cast Album of “Cinderella” which can now be downloaded on iTunes. He also reprised his role of Papa Who in the 1st National Tour of “The Grinch.”
Regional Highlights: Aaron played the role of Henry Ford in the critically acclaimed revival of “Ragtime” at The Kennedy Center. Also - 7 seasons at the Utah Shakespearean Festival (Comedy of Errors, Twelfth Night, Peter and the Starcatcher, 39 Steps, Merchant of Venice, Room Service, Taming of the Shrew, Midsummer Night's Dream, South Pacific and more), 4 seasons at Shenandoah Summer Music Theater, Maine State Music Theater (Fiddler on the Roof and Mamma Mia!), Curtains (Papermill Playhouse and TUTS), Measure for Pleasure (Florida Studio Theater), White Christmas (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), Taming of the Shrew (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), The Last 5 Years, Broadway Bound, The Tempest (Pennsylvania Center Stage).
Other favorite shows: Merrily We Roll Along, Fiddler on the Roof, Peter Pan, West Side Story, Noises Off, Twelfth Night, and Old Tom in The Lost Colony. Aaron played Max in the 1st reading of the NYC-bound Lend Me a Tenor: The Musical.
Some of Aaron’s favorite directing credits include: The Tempest (Sacramento Theatre Company), Associate Director for 3 years of Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (National Tour, Madison Square Garden and The Grand Ole Opry), Associate Director for 12 Angry Men and Charlie's Aunt (Utah Shakespeare Festival), The Pact (Penn State University), …Ever After…(Shenandoah University and The Grove Theater), Opaline and Breaking the Shakespeare Code (NAPP @ Utah Shakespearean Festival), and a world premiere version of Terrance Man’s “R & J.”
In 1999, Aaron co-founded his film production company “Lonely Planet Productions” with his best friend and collaborator Preston DeFrancis. The recently completed their first feature film "Ruin Me." Aaron worked as an Executive Producer and the casting director. Over the past eight years, they have also produced four short films. Their films have screened in many Film Festivals worldwide. Their most recent film, “The Big Production” is just recently complete. It has already won several prestigious awards including 2nd place at this year’s College Emmy Awards for Best Short Comedy. Aaron has served as Artistic Producer and 1st AD on all four films.
Additionally, Aaron is Co-Founder and served as Artistic Director (2004 - 2006 & 2010) of the Late Night REACH Cabaret at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. He served on the reading / selection committee in 2006 and 2007 for the New American Playwright’s Project (NAPP @ Utah Shakespearean Festival) and for the York Theater Developmental Reading Series in NYC (2008) He is also co-author of the musical "Travelin’ East in a Winnebago."
While working at the Utah Shakespearean Festival, Aaron was awarded the prestigious Michael & Jan Finlayson Acting Award in recognition to his dedication and artistic talent.
Aaron received a BFA in Musical Theater from Shenandoah University and an MFA in Acting from Penn State University.