KYLE M. STAFFORD

KYLE M. STAFFORD (he/him) is part of the next generation of American theatremakers. As an emerging director, producer, and arts leader, the heartbeat of Kyle’s work is warmth, unbridled support, and stupid fun.

His most recent work includes directing Richard O’Brien’s THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and JULIE within The Theatre School at DePaul University. He was a selected artist within the Theatre Studies LAB series, where he curated LETTERS TO LIZ, a Liz Swados synthesis revue. Kyle served as Co-Production Manager for the Wrights of Spring Festival (2026), and is the Director of Publicity for the Prototypes New-Work Festival. Within the building, he co-conceived the 7 part FIRST YEAR FLOPS! CABARET SERIES, with iterations across 3 freshman classes at DePaul University.

He was provided the opportunity to direct the United States premiere of Sanita Fejzíc’s OUR LIVES INSEPARABLE at Chicago’s International Voices Project in 2025 and serve as a Directing Intern for AMELIE at Kokandy Productions. Administratively, Kyle has worked with Glendenning Theatre Company, Lazy Susan Theatre Co., and International Voices Project. This summer, he will be working as a Production/Management Intern for WOODY SEZ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

As an assistant director, he’s had the opportunity to work under Damon Kiely (THE ADDING MACHINE) and Ali-Reza Mirsajadi (NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED)

He’s the Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Players, the resident musical theatre company within The Theatre School, where he acts as producer for each production. As a SoCal raised kid, Kyle was the founder and artistic director of Act One Project — Orange County’s independent student theatre initiative. Across 2021-2024, he directed and self produced productions like RJ Fontaine’s DEATH AND OTHER GIRLY THINGS, ALICE BY HEART, and SPRING AWAKENING.

Kyle is currently obtaining his BFA in Theatre Management from The Theatre School at DePaul University with an expected graduation in June 2027.