Featured Performer of the Week: Kevin McKillip

By: Apr. 03, 2013
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BroadwayWorld is thrilled to present its latest feature series: The Performer of the Week! Get to know these amazing talents as they share a bit about themselves, their work and life!

Today, we feature actor, writer, director, choreographer and part-time clown Kevin McKillip who also wrote and performs in his one-man show 'Will Rogers: An American Original.'

About Kevin!

Born and raised in Chicago, Kevin McKillip is an actor, writer, director, choreographer and part time circus clown who now makes his home on the north side of that same "windy city". Although his career has taken him all over the country, as well as to Canada and the U.K., he always returns to Chicago. His appearances include the Goodman Theatre of Chicago, The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The First Folio Theatre, The Peninsula Players Theatre, and The Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada.

Kevin's one man show, "Will Rogers: An American Original" has been seen at numerous theaters across the midwest.

Kevin has also been a member of the Chicago branch of the New York-Based Big Apple Circus since 2003, clowning at Chicago area children's hospitals. He rides a motorcycle and cheers forthe Chicago Blackhawks.

Where you Might Have Seen Him (select credits)

Appearances in Goodman Theatre Chicago, Court Theatre Chicago, American Players Theatre, Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada, First Folio Theatre, Peninsula Players Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, ShawChiago, Boarshead Theatre and New American Theatre.

We've Got Questions!

1) What are you working on right now?

I'll be appearing as "The Ringmaster" in "Barnum" at The Mercury Theatre of Chicago - April 4th-June 16th. This is the first season that the Mercury has independently produced, so it's very exciting. I get to work with Gene Weygandt, Cory Goodrich, and Summer Naomi Smart. I also get to employ a lot of my circus skills.


2) What has been your professional biggest accomplishment so far?

Just the pleasure of working in this business is accomplishment enough, but playing the title roles in both "Hamlet" and "Richard III", and receiving Chicago's Joseph Jefferson Nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role was pretty cool. Winning a Tyrone Guthrie Award from the Stratford Festival of Canada wasn't bad either.

3) Share your funniest or worst audition moment

While in an audition for "Titus Andronicus", a roast beef sandwich was delivered to the director. He began eating it.I dodn't knwo what to do, so I just kept going. I got the part. (The director later told me that he'd already made up his mind to use me when his lunch arrived, and besides, he was hungry!)

4) What's your dream role?

There are so many out there, but the first few that come to mind are Peer Gynt, Norman in "The Dresser", and maybe Scapino.

5) If you weren't a performer, what would you be?

I suspect I'd wind up being a gardener, a mechanic, or a woodworker. I've dabbled in all three, and I get a real satisfaction out of making something with my own two hands. I'm also well known for knitting and crocheting backstage.

6) Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years?

Continuing to collaborate with the fantastic theatre artists of Chicago, and married to the love of my life, Melanie Keller.

7) Where can people find you online?

www.kevinmckillip.com and www.willrogersanamericanoriginal.com

Thanks, Kevin!

BWW wants to feature YOU! Interested? Contact romi@broadwayworld.com and we'll get you set up!



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