معرفی
Damon Kiely serves as Associate Dean of Interdisciplinary Initiatives and Academic Innovation and full-time Professor of Directing and Acting at DePaul University's Theatre School. He holds an MFA from Columbia University and a BA from the University of Chicago, bringing extensive academic credentials to his teaching and administrative roles.
His scholarly work focuses on directing methodologies, script analysis, and theatre education, with an emphasis on practical applications for working directors. Kiely has developed influential frameworks that bridge academic theory with professional practice, particularly in the areas of play analysis and rehearsal techniques.
Kiely is the author of three foundational texts in directing education: How to Read a Play: Script Analysis for Directors, How to Rehearse a Play: a Practical Guide for Directors, and Play Directing: The Basics, all published by Routledge. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on making directorial processes accessible and systematic for students and emerging professionals.
- NEA/TCG Career Directing Program winner (2000-02)
- Drama League Fall Directing Program winner (2000)
- Princess Grace Award winner (1997)
- Jeff Award nomination for Best Director of a Musical for Hank Williams: Lost Highway
As a practicing director, Kiely maintains an active professional career alongside his academic work. His recent directing projects include My Father's War for TheatreSquared, Miracle (a world premiere musical about the 2016 Cubs), and radio adaptations of It's a Wonderful Life. He has directed at major regional theatres including American Blues Theatre, Steppenwolf, TimeLine Theatre Company, and A Red Orchid Theatre, demonstrating his significant contribution to Chicago's vibrant theatre scene.
