Kirsten Kelly
Birth Place: United States
Latest News on Kirsten Kelly:
Review: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH at American Stage (May 19, 2024)
American Stage to Present INDECENT, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, and More in 2023/24 Season (Apr 15, 2023)
Muslim and Jewish Women Unite Against Hate on SXSW Panel (Feb 11, 2020)
Review: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH at American Stage (May 19, 2024)
American Stage to Present INDECENT, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, and More in 2023/24 Season (Apr 15, 2023)
Muslim and Jewish Women Unite Against Hate on SXSW Panel (Feb 11, 2020)
BIO
Kirsten is an award-winning theatre director, educator and documentary filmmaker. Current theater credits include The Undeniable Sound of Right Now by Laura Eason at Rattlestick Playwright’s Theatre and Women’s Project Theatre and Macbeth at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Kirsten is the co-creator and director of CPS Shakespeare! and was just awarded the President’s 2014 Award for Youth Programs in the Arts & Humanities at a ceremony at the White House with Michelle Obama. Her documentary film, The Homestretch, will appear on PBS’ Independent Lens on April 13, 2015 and she was recently awarded the ‘2015 Spirit of Youth Award” from the National Runaway Safeline for her work on the film.
New York theatre credits include shows for Women’s Project Theatre, Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre & Piece by Piece Productions (off-broadway),The Shakespeare Society, Roots&Branches Theatre (an intergenerational theatre company), Rising Phoenix Rep, The Juilliard School and Lincoln Center. Kirsten also directed “Big Love” in Washington D.C. (Helen Hayes nomination for Best Direction), and the D.C. premieres of “The Clockmaker" and "Boy Gets Girl" by Rebecca Gillman (Helen Hayes Nomination, Best Direction) as well as the Midwest/Chicago premiere of Mamet’s "Boston Marriage" (After Dark Award, Best Director).
Recent documentary film credits include: “The Homestretch” a feature film about homeless high school students in Chicago Public Schools which was supported by the MacArthur Foundation, the Sundance Institute and will appear on PBS Independent Lens on April 13, 2015 as part of the American Graduate Initiative with Corporation for Public Broadcasting. She is also in development on “The Girl With the Rivet Gun” an animated new media film project based on Rosie the Riveter.
Kirsten is a Fellow at the Sundance Documentary Institute and a graduate of the Master’s Directing program at Juilliard. She is the former Associate Artistic Director of Roots&Branches and is a proud member of Rising Phoenix Repertory. Prior to living in New York, Kirsten directed for many years in Chicago and was the former Artistic Director of Strawdog Theatre.
Awards and Nominations
Helen Hayes Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Director, Resident Play
Kirsten KellyBig Love
Videos
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with THE UNDENIABLE SOUND OF RIGHT NOW's Margo Seibert and More
by Stage Tube - Mar 9, 2015
News
Review: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH at American Stage
It's a rollicking, raucous, adrenaline-pumping, soulful and yet sometimes sad affair
It's a rollicking, raucous, adrenaline-pumping, soulful and yet sometimes sad affair
American Stage to Present INDECENT, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, and More in 2023/24 Season
The St. Pete theatre company's 2023/2024 lineup is full of contemporary shows, and one classic - Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical - that audiences will enjoy in Demens Landing Park.
The St. Pete theatre company's 2023/2024 lineup is full of contemporary shows, and one classic - Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical - that audiences will enjoy in Demens Landing Park.
Muslim and Jewish Women Unite Against Hate on SXSW Panel
Odyssey Impact, a leading social impact campaign organization, has announced their partnership with the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom to produce and participate on a panel taking place during this year's SXSW Festival on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. The panel, “Documenting a Movement: Muslim and Jewish Women Unite Against Hate,” will focus on the upcoming documentary, Stranger/Sister, produced by Odyssey Impact's sister company, Transform Films®.
Odyssey Impact, a leading social impact campaign organization, has announced their partnership with the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom to produce and participate on a panel taking place during this year's SXSW Festival on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. The panel, “Documenting a Movement: Muslim and Jewish Women Unite Against Hate,” will focus on the upcoming documentary, Stranger/Sister, produced by Odyssey Impact's sister company, Transform Films®.
Black Maria Film Festival Announces Opening Weekend In Princeton
The Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival will kick off its 39th annual season with two special screening events on consecutive evenings before launching its international tour. On Friday night, February 7, filmmakers Su Friedrich, Edith Goldenhar, Emily Hubley, and Lynne Sachs will screen and discuss their work and participate in an audience Q&A with Festival Director Jane Steuerwald in an evening of 'Women in Film.' Saturday night, February 8 will be the Festival's 2020 premiere with a screening of five top prize-winning films with filmmaker/photographer/author Eugene Richards, winner of the Festival's Stellar Award for Documentary, present to discuss his work and participate in an audience Q&A with Steuerwald.
The Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival will kick off its 39th annual season with two special screening events on consecutive evenings before launching its international tour. On Friday night, February 7, filmmakers Su Friedrich, Edith Goldenhar, Emily Hubley, and Lynne Sachs will screen and discuss their work and participate in an audience Q&A with Festival Director Jane Steuerwald in an evening of 'Women in Film.' Saturday night, February 8 will be the Festival's 2020 premiere with a screening of five top prize-winning films with filmmaker/photographer/author Eugene Richards, winner of the Festival's Stellar Award for Documentary, present to discuss his work and participate in an audience Q&A with Steuerwald.
Starz Releases Official Trailer for New Original Series AMERICA TO ME Set to Debut August 26
Starz announced today that the new unscripted 10-part series 'America To Me' will premiere on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 9 PM ET/PT. This insightful documentary series created by Emmy Award(R)-winning and Oscar(R)-nominated filmmaker Steve James (Hoop Dreams, The Interrupters, Life Itself, Abacus: Small Enough to Jail), and produced by Participant Media and Kartemquin Films. The official trailer provides a first look into an academic year at Chicagoland's elite Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Starz announced today that the new unscripted 10-part series 'America To Me' will premiere on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 9 PM ET/PT. This insightful documentary series created by Emmy Award(R)-winning and Oscar(R)-nominated filmmaker Steve James (Hoop Dreams, The Interrupters, Life Itself, Abacus: Small Enough to Jail), and produced by Participant Media and Kartemquin Films. The official trailer provides a first look into an academic year at Chicagoland's elite Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks 2016 Tour Set
In the midst of the world's largest yearlong celebration of Shakespeare, which brings 850 events to more than 500,000 Chicagoans and visitors throughout 2016, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST), the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District and Boeing partner to present the annual citywide summer tradition, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks. In its fifth anniversary year, the FREE FOR ALL tour is the largest citywide event of the Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival. Made possible by production sponsor BMO Harris, 25 performances of Shakespeare's delightful romantic comedy Twelfth Night tour to 19 neighborhood parks across the City, July 14-August 14, 2016. Adapted and directed by Kirsten Kelly, this jubilant, music-infused production features some of Shakespeare's most beautiful poetry and riotously comedic characters-in a 75-minute theatrical event for audiences of all ages.
In the midst of the world's largest yearlong celebration of Shakespeare, which brings 850 events to more than 500,000 Chicagoans and visitors throughout 2016, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST), the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District and Boeing partner to present the annual citywide summer tradition, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks. In its fifth anniversary year, the FREE FOR ALL tour is the largest citywide event of the Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival. Made possible by production sponsor BMO Harris, 25 performances of Shakespeare's delightful romantic comedy Twelfth Night tour to 19 neighborhood parks across the City, July 14-August 14, 2016. Adapted and directed by Kirsten Kelly, this jubilant, music-infused production features some of Shakespeare's most beautiful poetry and riotously comedic characters-in a 75-minute theatrical event for audiences of all ages.
Arts Alliance Luncheon to Honor James & Kay Mabie in June
The fourth annual Arts Alliance Illinois Voices of a Creative State benefit luncheon will take place Friday, June 10, 2016 at Fairmont Chicago (200 N. Columbus Dr.). The luncheon will feature a discussion highlighting the life-altering impact of the arts as a catalyst for social change, addressing urgent issues. The conversation will feature the award-winning director of the acclaimed documentary 'The Homestretch,' Kirsten Kelly, and Roque Sanchez, who was featured in the film. The event will also pay tribute to James W. and Kay Mabie, long-time supporters of a multitude of arts organizations and education institutions in Illinois, who will be presented the Citizen Advocate Award.
The fourth annual Arts Alliance Illinois Voices of a Creative State benefit luncheon will take place Friday, June 10, 2016 at Fairmont Chicago (200 N. Columbus Dr.). The luncheon will feature a discussion highlighting the life-altering impact of the arts as a catalyst for social change, addressing urgent issues. The conversation will feature the award-winning director of the acclaimed documentary 'The Homestretch,' Kirsten Kelly, and Roque Sanchez, who was featured in the film. The event will also pay tribute to James W. and Kay Mabie, long-time supporters of a multitude of arts organizations and education institutions in Illinois, who will be presented the Citizen Advocate Award.
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE and More Set for Chicago Shakespeare's 30th Anniversary Season
On the heels of announcing the Theater's expansion with an innovative performance venue known as The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare and in the midst of a full calendar of programs around the yearlong Shakespeare 400 Chicago celebration, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson share the line-up for the Theater's 2016-17 Season. The twenty productions range from works inspired by Shakespeare and world premieres to standout performances by artists from around the globe.
On the heels of announcing the Theater's expansion with an innovative performance venue known as The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare and in the midst of a full calendar of programs around the yearlong Shakespeare 400 Chicago celebration, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson share the line-up for the Theater's 2016-17 Season. The twenty productions range from works inspired by Shakespeare and world premieres to standout performances by artists from around the globe.
SHORT SHAKESPEARE! TWELFTH NIGHT Set for Chicago Shakespeare
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) debuts the newly abridged Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night , a 75-minute production of William Shakespeare's tale of mistaken identity and unexpected love. In the midst of the 2016 celebration of Shakespeare 400 Chicago, this new adaptation by director Kirsten Kelly makes an outstanding introduction to Shakespeare for audiences of all ages. In addition to public performances each Saturday, this production welcomes 1,000 students each day during its four-week run in the Courtyard Theater, followed by an extensive tour to schools across the Midwest through May 6, 2016. Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night will be performed for the public Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.-March 5, 12, 19 & 26 and April 2 & 9, 2016.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) debuts the newly abridged Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night , a 75-minute production of William Shakespeare's tale of mistaken identity and unexpected love. In the midst of the 2016 celebration of Shakespeare 400 Chicago, this new adaptation by director Kirsten Kelly makes an outstanding introduction to Shakespeare for audiences of all ages. In addition to public performances each Saturday, this production welcomes 1,000 students each day during its four-week run in the Courtyard Theater, followed by an extensive tour to schools across the Midwest through May 6, 2016. Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night will be performed for the public Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.-March 5, 12, 19 & 26 and April 2 & 9, 2016.
Stephen Adly Guirgis, Lucas Hnath and More Set for The Actors Studio's THE THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Series
What is the role of theater in the world today? The Actors Studio is presenting a series of plays and discussions, THE THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE, which will be free and open to the public. The series will comprise four productions over the next few months touching on the themes of social justice. Each performance will be followed by a discussion with an expert in the topic.
What is the role of theater in the world today? The Actors Studio is presenting a series of plays and discussions, THE THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE, which will be free and open to the public. The series will comprise four productions over the next few months touching on the themes of social justice. Each performance will be followed by a discussion with an expert in the topic.
Stephen Adly Guirgis, Lucas Hnath and More Set for The Actors Studio's THE THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Series
What is the role of theater in the world today? The Actors Studio is presenting a series of plays and discussions, THE THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE, which will be free and open to the public. The series will comprise four productions over the next few months touching on the themes of social justice. Each performance will be followed by a discussion with an expert in the topic.
What is the role of theater in the world today? The Actors Studio is presenting a series of plays and discussions, THE THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE, which will be free and open to the public. The series will comprise four productions over the next few months touching on the themes of social justice. Each performance will be followed by a discussion with an expert in the topic.
Students & Teachers Celebrate 10th Anniversary of CPS Shakespeare
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents the tenth anniversary of CPS Shakespeare!, a transformative arts-in-education program that empowers an intergenerational ensemble of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students and teachers-supported by a team of CST theater professionals-to master Shakespeare's text and create an original Shakespeare production on CST's Courtyard Theater stage.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents the tenth anniversary of CPS Shakespeare!, a transformative arts-in-education program that empowers an intergenerational ensemble of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students and teachers-supported by a team of CST theater professionals-to master Shakespeare's text and create an original Shakespeare production on CST's Courtyard Theater stage.
Photo Flash: Women's Project Theater's THE UNDENIABLE SOUND OF RIGHT NOW Opens Tonight
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and Women's Project Theater present the world premiere of The Undeniable Sound of Right Now, written by Laura Eason (S e x with Strangers,'House of Cards') and directed by Kirsten Kelly (Slipping), currently in previews at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place, west of Seventh Avenue South. Opening night is set for tonight, April 2 at 7pm. The production is set to run through Saturday, May 2. BroadwayWorld has a look at the cast in action below!
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and Women's Project Theater present the world premiere of The Undeniable Sound of Right Now, written by Laura Eason (S e x with Strangers,'House of Cards') and directed by Kirsten Kelly (Slipping), currently in previews at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place, west of Seventh Avenue South. Opening night is set for tonight, April 2 at 7pm. The production is set to run through Saturday, May 2. BroadwayWorld has a look at the cast in action below!
Photo Flash: First Look at Women's Project Theater's THE UNDENIABLE SOUND OF RIGHT NOW
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and Women's Project Theater present the world premiere of The Undeniable Sound of Right Now, written by Laura Eason (S e x with Strangers,'House of Cards') and directed by Kirsten Kelly (Slipping), currently in previews at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place, west of Seventh Avenue South. Opening night is set for Thursday, April 2 at 7pm. The production is set to run through Saturday, May 2. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and Women's Project Theater present the world premiere of The Undeniable Sound of Right Now, written by Laura Eason (S e x with Strangers,'House of Cards') and directed by Kirsten Kelly (Slipping), currently in previews at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place, west of Seventh Avenue South. Opening night is set for Thursday, April 2 at 7pm. The production is set to run through Saturday, May 2. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
LITTLE MERMAID, TUG OF WAR Cycle, MADSUMMER Premiere and More Set for Chicago Shakespeare's 2015-16 Season
?Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson announce today the line-up of the 2015/16 Season, including innovative reimaginings of the classical canon, new work developed at CST and the first installment of Gaines' ambitious Shakespeare history cycle. Anticipating Shakespeare 400, the international celebration of the playwright's four-hundred-year legacy in 2016, the season honors Shakespeare's spirit of inventiveness and audacity.
?Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson announce today the line-up of the 2015/16 Season, including innovative reimaginings of the classical canon, new work developed at CST and the first installment of Gaines' ambitious Shakespeare history cycle. Anticipating Shakespeare 400, the international celebration of the playwright's four-hundred-year legacy in 2016, the season honors Shakespeare's spirit of inventiveness and audacity.
Women's Project Theater's THE UNDENIABLE SOUND OF RIGHT NOW Begins Tonight
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and Women's Project Theater present the world premiere of The Undeniable Sound of Right Now, written by Laura Eason (S e x with Strangers,'House of Cards') and directed by Kirsten Kelly (Slipping), beginning tonight, March 19 at 7pm at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place, west of Seventh Avenue South. Opening night is set for Thursday, April 2 at 7pm. The production is set to run through Saturday, May 2.
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and Women's Project Theater present the world premiere of The Undeniable Sound of Right Now, written by Laura Eason (S e x with Strangers,'House of Cards') and directed by Kirsten Kelly (Slipping), beginning tonight, March 19 at 7pm at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place, west of Seventh Avenue South. Opening night is set for Thursday, April 2 at 7pm. The production is set to run through Saturday, May 2.
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with THE UNDENIABLE SOUND OF RIGHT NOW's Margo Seibert and More
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and Women's Project Theater will present the world premiere of The Undeniable Sound of Right Now, written by Laura Eason (Sex with Strangers, 'House of Cards') and directed by Kirsten Kelly (Slipping), beginning Thursday, March 19 at 7pm at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place, west of Seventh Avenue South. Opening night is set for Thursday, April 2 at 7pm. The production is set to run through Saturday, May 2. Click below to go behind the scenes with the company!
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and Women's Project Theater will present the world premiere of The Undeniable Sound of Right Now, written by Laura Eason (Sex with Strangers, 'House of Cards') and directed by Kirsten Kelly (Slipping), beginning Thursday, March 19 at 7pm at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place, west of Seventh Avenue South. Opening night is set for Thursday, April 2 at 7pm. The production is set to run through Saturday, May 2. Click below to go behind the scenes with the company!
Photo Flash: Tanya Barfield's BRIGHT HALF LIFE Celebrates Opening at the City Center
Women's Project Theater, under the leadership of newly-appointed Producing Artistic Director Lisa McNulty, presents the World Premiere of BRIGHT HALF LIFE - a new play by Pulitzer Prize nominee Tanya Barfield and directed by Tony Award nominee Leigh Silverman - in a five-week limited engagement at New York City Center Stage II (131 W. 55th Street) now through March 22, 2015. Scroll down for photos from the opening night festivities!
Women's Project Theater, under the leadership of newly-appointed Producing Artistic Director Lisa McNulty, presents the World Premiere of BRIGHT HALF LIFE - a new play by Pulitzer Prize nominee Tanya Barfield and directed by Tony Award nominee Leigh Silverman - in a five-week limited engagement at New York City Center Stage II (131 W. 55th Street) now through March 22, 2015. Scroll down for photos from the opening night festivities!
Rattlestick & Women's Project's THE UNDENIABLE SOUND OF RIGHT NOW Begins Next Month
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and Women's Project Theater will present the world premiere of The Undeniable Sound of Right Now, written by Laura Eason (S e x with Strangers,'House of Cards') and directed by Kirsten Kelly (Slipping), beginning Thursday, March 19 at 7pm at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place, west of Seventh Avenue South. Opening night is set for Thursday, April 2 at 7pm. The production is set to run through Saturday, May 2.
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and Women's Project Theater will present the world premiere of The Undeniable Sound of Right Now, written by Laura Eason (S e x with Strangers,'House of Cards') and directed by Kirsten Kelly (Slipping), beginning Thursday, March 19 at 7pm at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, 224 Waverly Place, west of Seventh Avenue South. Opening night is set for Thursday, April 2 at 7pm. The production is set to run through Saturday, May 2.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents SHORT SHAKESPEARE! MACBETH
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Short Shakespeare! Macbeth, a 75-minute abridgment of William Shakespeare's tale of political intrigue and personal ambition. This new production from Director Kirsten Kelly, whose decade-long history with CST includes being the co-founder and director of the nationally recognized CPS Shakespeare! program, makes for an outstanding introduction to Shakespeare. In addition to public performances each Saturday, this production will welcome 1,000 students per day during its five-week run in the Courtyard Theater, followed by an extensive tour to schools across the Midwest. Short Shakespeare! Macbeth will be performed for the public Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. now through February 14, 2015. After each performance, the actors remain on stage for a question-and-answer session, before joining the audience in the Lobby for one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Short Shakespeare! Macbeth, a 75-minute abridgment of William Shakespeare's tale of political intrigue and personal ambition. This new production from Director Kirsten Kelly, whose decade-long history with CST includes being the co-founder and director of the nationally recognized CPS Shakespeare! program, makes for an outstanding introduction to Shakespeare. In addition to public performances each Saturday, this production will welcome 1,000 students per day during its five-week run in the Courtyard Theater, followed by an extensive tour to schools across the Midwest. Short Shakespeare! Macbeth will be performed for the public Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. now through February 14, 2015. After each performance, the actors remain on stage for a question-and-answer session, before joining the audience in the Lobby for one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Kirsten Kelly been nominated for?
and Outstanding Director, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Big Love.
Videos