Halena Kays is the artistic director of The Hypocrites where she both performs and directs. She is the co-founder and former artistic director of Barrel of Monkeys where she created and directed the majority of their public performances. She is a founding member of the newly formed artistic collaborative, The Ruffians, and directed their recent hit production of Burning Bluebeard. She is a UT-Austin and Northwestern grad, former member of the Big Apple Circus Clown Care unit, and the visiting professor in theatre at North Central College.
Halena is an Artistic Associate with the Neo-Futurists were she directed 44 Plays for 44 Presidents, Burning Bluebeard, co-created and directed Daredevils and Daredevils Hamlet and the sight specific extravaganza, Fake Lake.
Halena has been nominated for a Jefferson Citation for Best Supporting Actress and Best Direction, named one of the top 50 “players” in Chicago theater by NewCity, is a recipient of the prestigious 3Arts award and received a signed letter from Mr. Rogers saying she was “special” in 1978.
Courses Taught
Fundamentals of Acting
Theatre of the Absurd
Classical Acting Styles
Improvisation
Directing