Joe Turner’s Come & Gone
Baron Kelly’s favorite August Wilson play is Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. The actor, director and UW-Madison professor of theater and drama believes this work, the second play in “The Pittsburgh Cycle,” Wilson’s chronicle of the African American experience, is Wilson’s masterpiece. In one drama, the playwright combines all the elements of his other works.
Kelly awarded prestigious international fellowship in London
UW–Madison’s Baron Kelly, a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor in the School of Education’s Department of Theatre and Drama, has been awarded the inaugural Colin Cook International Fellowship at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) for the 2024-25 academic year.
Actors stun in University Theatre’s ‘Fences’
In “Fences,” Wilson fits the whole country in a backyard and makes the bigness of his ideas seem life-size. This play is a vital encapsulation of Black history and contemporary life. This article urges readers to go support the University Theatre and to see not just an amazing performance, but a transcending story, an elaborate set and truly phenomenal actors, direction and stage hands.
Theater prof explores the Black experience in UW-Madison production of ‘Fences’
Appointed in 2022, Kelly has come home to the department where he earned his doctorate two decades ago. And his first directing project in this new post, which is also part of his ongoing research, is a production of August Wilson’s highly acclaimed play Fences, examining the Black experience in 1950s America. The play will run March 1-10, in the Mitchell Theatre on the UW campus.
Upcoming Workshop on Visceral EngagEment
This workshop provides a framework for studying the dual arts of acting: inhabiting a character both physically and psychologically. This workshop will filter out the complexities of various acting techniques and offer up an appealing hands on approach.
Kelly Wins Award for teaching excellence
UW–Madison’s Baron Kelly has been selected to receive an Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Training from the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA).
Kelly, a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor in the School of Education’s Department of Theatre and Drama — who also holds a concurrent appointment ,with the Odyssey Project in the Division of Continuing Studies — is being recognized in the area of acting.
Back Stage to Center Stage: The Groundbreaking Ira Aldridge
Why have most of us never heard of Ira Aldridge (1807-1867) , America’s first internationally acclaimed African American actor? UW Theatre professor Baron Kelly links his own journey as a Black actor to that of the remarkable Ira Aldridge.
UW–Madison’s Kelly to be featured as a panelist in international webinar
UW–Madison’s Baron Kelly is a panelist in the international webinar, “The S Word: Stanislavsky and Gender,” co-hosted by the Stanislavsky Research Centre at the University of Leeds, and the School of Performing Arts, University of Malta.
Kelly is a professor in the Department of Theatre and Drama, and also holds a concurrent appointment with the Odyssey Project in the Division of Continuing Studies.
During the webinar, Kelly will discuss his journey and techniques in developing his one-man show on Ira Aldridge, one of the first African American actors to achieve success on the international stage.
Theater Forward
Episode 64 of Theater Forward, a podcast featuring Jen Uphoff Gray, Julie Swenson and Mike Fischer as they discuss theater issues on a local, regional, and national level.
In this episode, Jen Uphoff Gray speaks with actress Marti Gobel and director Baron Kelly about their roles in Adrienne Kennedy and Adam Kennedy's 'Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?'
Global Artist Baron Kelly
After surviving growing up in a tough neighborhood in New York, I discuss my career beginnings singing with the Metropolitan Opera to eventually becoming a four-time world traveled Fulbright Scholar bridging cultural divides as a cultural specialist for the United States.
UW–Madison’s Kelly named to College of Fellows of the American Theatre
UW–Madison’s Baron Kelly is joining the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Theatre in the honorary society’s next incoming class.
Membership in the College is conferred on individuals of acknowledged national stature who have distinguished themselves during their careers for notable dedication, exceptional service, and outstanding achievement
The Legacy of Black Actors in Classical Theatre
Dr. Baron Kelly, Professor of Theatre at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discusses the legacy of Black actors in "classical" theatre and how Black actors have challenged the classical canon.
Moderated by KCMPT Founder and Executive Director, Harvey Williams.
The capitol Times
Professor Baron Kelly hasn’t lived in Madison for nearly two decades. In fall of 1999, while earning his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kelly played one of the title characters in “The Three Musketeers” alongside Jim Ridge in the Mitchell Theatre.
Dr. Baron Kelly Joins UW-Madison Department of Theatre and Drama
The Department of Theatre and Drama is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Baron Kelly to the faculty beginning with the Fall semester of 2020. His appointment will be concurrent with a role in the Department of Continuing Studies’ Odyssey Project.
Leo Weekly
“Baron Kelly, the newish director of the African American Theatre Program at the University of Louisville, is almost too good to be true. He’s got an impressive academic career, and a list of professional credits as long as your arm.”