*Directing Reviews can be found under 'Projects'
Dramaturgy and Development Testimonials
"When McKerrin agreed to direct a staged reading of my latest full-length play I was thrilled. I’d seen productions she’d helmed around town and was hopeful she’d bring the same smarts and insight to my burgeoning work. In short: I was not disappointed. Throughout the prep and rehearsal process McKerrin was consistently available, prepared and thoughtful, while always being sensitive to my needs as the writer (And to be clear, there were times I was nothing short of a nervous f*@!ing wreck). Not only did my script become stronger thanks to McKerrin’s guidance and feedback, I became a better writer. I’d gladly work with her again in a heartbeat."
Dan Perry
Playwright and Screenwriter
I've had the wonderful experience of working with McKerrin in developing several of my scripts, and I can't recommend her highly enough.
She has a keen insight into human nature/behavior and how that best translates onto the stage or screen for effective story telling.
The passion and laser-like focus she brings to any project is only surpassed by her light, warmth, and compassion as a human being.
And humor? Did I mention humor?
With McKerrin, thankfully, there's always humor:)
She is a treasure to work with.
Leslie Hardy
Playwright and Screenwriter
I have had the good fortune to have McKerrin lend her directorial acumen to three of my plays — a full production, a workshop production, and a script in development. McKerrin has a particularly keen eye for building and sustaining story arc and mining and deepening character development all in service of strengthening and growing the script — making the play in front of her the best play it can be. What’s unique about McKerrin’s directorial style is that she does not come in and immediately attempt try to imprint her signature on a script. She is inclusive and creative and partners with the writer and actors to organically grow the script, ask probing questions about intent and objective, and solicit input from all players while possessing the ability to gently guide things back on track should the process start veering off course.
Jeremy Kehoe
Playwright
McKerrin, it is a pleasure and an honor to write about your talents as a dramaturge. As a member of the company for three years, I have observed and listened to your weekly comments on all kinds of theatrical pieces, whether the work presented was a ten minute farce or a full length drama. You have the rare combination of insight, humor, and intelligence a playwright can both hear and appreciate. It is clear you know what works on stage and that you have a passion for it.
Leda Siskind
Playwright and Actress
"McKerrin Kelly has been essential in the development of several of my plays. She understands the intent of the writer and makes sure all of her feedback and guidance are geared toward helping them hone her/his/their script into the strongest possible version of the story she/he/they want(s) to tell. She gets the playwright excited to more deeply explore the themes and world she/he/they created, rather than ever making it feel like she's saying, 'Well, this is how I would write it.' McKerrin is equally skilled as a director, encouraging the actors to explore the words as honestly as possible so the playwright can see without any doubt whether what she/he/they have on the page works or requires further work."
Kerry Kazmerowicstrimm
Playwright, Screenwriter
McKerrin is extremely intuitive! She picks up on every detail, large or small and is capable of delivering a note that speak directly to your artist’s soul. Wise to a variety of genres and styles, McKerrin’s voice has been there for my artistry when others don’t quite understand; she gives solid and lasting advice that I can always think back on when I’m stuck on a new project. I shudder to think how my art would be without McKerrin’s creative input.
Dylan Wallace
Playwright, Actor
Dramaturgy and Development Testimonials
"When McKerrin agreed to direct a staged reading of my latest full-length play I was thrilled. I’d seen productions she’d helmed around town and was hopeful she’d bring the same smarts and insight to my burgeoning work. In short: I was not disappointed. Throughout the prep and rehearsal process McKerrin was consistently available, prepared and thoughtful, while always being sensitive to my needs as the writer (And to be clear, there were times I was nothing short of a nervous f*@!ing wreck). Not only did my script become stronger thanks to McKerrin’s guidance and feedback, I became a better writer. I’d gladly work with her again in a heartbeat."
Dan Perry
Playwright and Screenwriter
I've had the wonderful experience of working with McKerrin in developing several of my scripts, and I can't recommend her highly enough.
She has a keen insight into human nature/behavior and how that best translates onto the stage or screen for effective story telling.
The passion and laser-like focus she brings to any project is only surpassed by her light, warmth, and compassion as a human being.
And humor? Did I mention humor?
With McKerrin, thankfully, there's always humor:)
She is a treasure to work with.
Leslie Hardy
Playwright and Screenwriter
I have had the good fortune to have McKerrin lend her directorial acumen to three of my plays — a full production, a workshop production, and a script in development. McKerrin has a particularly keen eye for building and sustaining story arc and mining and deepening character development all in service of strengthening and growing the script — making the play in front of her the best play it can be. What’s unique about McKerrin’s directorial style is that she does not come in and immediately attempt try to imprint her signature on a script. She is inclusive and creative and partners with the writer and actors to organically grow the script, ask probing questions about intent and objective, and solicit input from all players while possessing the ability to gently guide things back on track should the process start veering off course.
Jeremy Kehoe
Playwright
McKerrin, it is a pleasure and an honor to write about your talents as a dramaturge. As a member of the company for three years, I have observed and listened to your weekly comments on all kinds of theatrical pieces, whether the work presented was a ten minute farce or a full length drama. You have the rare combination of insight, humor, and intelligence a playwright can both hear and appreciate. It is clear you know what works on stage and that you have a passion for it.
Leda Siskind
Playwright and Actress
"McKerrin Kelly has been essential in the development of several of my plays. She understands the intent of the writer and makes sure all of her feedback and guidance are geared toward helping them hone her/his/their script into the strongest possible version of the story she/he/they want(s) to tell. She gets the playwright excited to more deeply explore the themes and world she/he/they created, rather than ever making it feel like she's saying, 'Well, this is how I would write it.' McKerrin is equally skilled as a director, encouraging the actors to explore the words as honestly as possible so the playwright can see without any doubt whether what she/he/they have on the page works or requires further work."
Kerry Kazmerowicstrimm
Playwright, Screenwriter
McKerrin is extremely intuitive! She picks up on every detail, large or small and is capable of delivering a note that speak directly to your artist’s soul. Wise to a variety of genres and styles, McKerrin’s voice has been there for my artistry when others don’t quite understand; she gives solid and lasting advice that I can always think back on when I’m stuck on a new project. I shudder to think how my art would be without McKerrin’s creative input.
Dylan Wallace
Playwright, Actor
