Kathryn Kelly

Kathryn Kelly is a Senior Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in the School of Creative Arts, Drama, within the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education & Social Justice. Her expertise spans dramaturgy, theatre history, and socially engaged performance practices, with a focus on feminist and transcultural collaborations.

• PhD in Dramaturgy from the University of Queensland
• Adjunct Professor at multiple institutions (2008-2015)

Her research explores dramaturgy's role in climate crisis narratives, digital innovation, and First Nations community engagement. Recent projects like The SAND Project and Rovers highlight her international collaborations and advocacy for marginalized voices.

Kathryn's publications include Critical Stages special editions and works in journals like Performing Ethos and Social Alternatives. Key trends in her research: transcultural performance, digital scenography, and policy-driven theatre analysis.

• Fellowship with the National Library of Australia (2021)
• Lord Mayor’s Fellowship for Performing Arts (2001)
• Alrene Sykes Memorial Prize for Australian Literature (1997)

She has supervised PhD and Masters students in topics ranging from multilingual theatre-making to Indigenous community control in arts practice. As Chair of Belloo Creative, she leads initiatives like the 2025 Back to Bilo premiere across major festivals.