My name is Kyle Matthew Stafford and I’m the biggest theatre kid I know.
I discovered my love for theatre through forced educational plays. Being bit by the acting bug had me spending any time not in school in acting classes. If I wasn't doing homework, I was learning lines or monologues. In an effort to strengthen my craft, I applied to and was accepted into the Acting conservatory at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) where I spent middle and high school learning about many facets of performance. My middle school years were spent picking up imaginary rocks in movement classes and reading the great American plays. The latter years were spent diving into acting techniques, scene study, and production practices for the classics.

My first call to directing came in 7th grade while watching my school’s production of Our Town. My middle school self had taken quite the critical lens (likely due to not getting cast as Simon Stimson) which opened a world of possibility to me. I began conceptualizing and creating blocking ideas for my favorite musicals like Spring Awakening, Waitress, and Kinky Boots – though I wouldn’t act on it until later. One of the best things to happen to me was joining my local teen theatre, where I would perform in tons of musicals from the 8th grade to my senior year in high school.

Once the pandemic hit during my freshman year of high school, I worked to keep myself involved with theatre however I could. I directed my first full length play over Zoom, Death and Other Girly Things by RJ Fontaine. The show provided me with the groundwork to build processes in tablework and scene study, which I was able to apply in-person for my first musical, Dave Malloy’s Ghost Quartet. With small donations from community members and my biweekly Starbucks paychecks, I was able to build a small theatre collective titled Act One Project, which produced 6 full-scale performances in its 4 year lifetime. This experience allowed me the chance to immerse myself across theatrical disciplines – I was my own box office manager, technical director, and development team while directing all offerings. I got to dip my toe into several facets of the theatremaking process, which allowed me the opportunity to foster my love for theatre management.

I applied to and was accepted into the BFA Theatre Management program within The Theatre School at DePaul University, where I’m currently ending my junior year. My studies have been focused on arts leadership and artistic direction. I’ve had the opportunity to take coursework in nonprofit/commercial theatre management and directing while learning the basics of accounting, negotiations, and financing businesses. I pride myself on being a great audience member and true patron of the arts, working to see as many shows as possible per year. In 2025, I saw 86 shows across Chicago, California, and New York in addition to reading 1-2 plays per week. Theatre is my love and my joy, and truly the reason I get out of bed every morning – though that sounds extremely cheesy.

As an emerging creative, I’m excited about the opportunity to learn from people around me and engage in as many processes as possible. Whether I’m directing a full-scale musical, assisting you in a workshop reading, or helping put together a production budget, I’m ready to bring unbridled support and commitment to whatever room we’re in!