Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimilee Bryant.
Hi Kimilee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was eight years old (the age my son is right now), I visited NYC with my Mom and grandmother and declared that I would live there and be on Broadway one day! My mom said, “Well in about 20 years someone will, why not you?”
Six weeks shy of my twenty-eighth birthday, I made my Broadway debut! I was so fortunate to have much help along the way, so many teachers and mentors, and great schools here in South Carolina including SC Governor’s School, Fine Arts Center, and Converse University.
Also my voice teacher from the age of eleven, chorus teachers, choir directors, and dance teacher (who happened to be my mom). Greenville (Little) Theatre and Warehouse Theatre and Greenville Savoyards (Light Opera company) gave me a stage as did the Miss South Carolina organization. I began, as many did in church. I spent 25 years based in NYC but performed all over the world in opera, musical theatre, theatre, film, TV, and concert and I don’t plan on stopping!
I do, however, spend more time at home (now in my hometown of Greenville) producing theatre, teaching, and raising my sweet son who has the superpower of autism. He challenges me every day to look at the world in a whole new way!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh my so many!! My parent’s divorce was quite a challenge for me and sadly I had a complicated relationship with my dad right up to his passing in early 2015. I had many doors closed whether it was competitions, auditions, etc, but I never gave up. Frankly, I have felt more rejection the last seven years I have been back in South Carolina.
It’s just very different, it’s one thing to be passed over when there’s such a HUGE talent pool (Like NYC/Los Angeles), but when you feel left out of the very thing that makes you feel alive in a smaller pond, it’s heartbreaking. There seems to be a lack of respect for artists and even a disdain for some who might have had success in a bigger market.
Struggling with obtaining services and support for my son has really limited my options as well. It’s been a difficult seven years, but I remain open and hopeful! My motto is “Just Keep Swimming” (borrowed from Dory in “Finding Nemo”).
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I am teaching the next generation of performers and co-founded a unique theatre company. With both, I hope to bring my 25 years plus of worldwide experience including Broadway to especially help those who either hope to have a performing career or teach those who have that ambition.
Many teachers whether in a private studio, public/private schools, or universities don’t have the same experiences and while they may be terrific educators, they might not have the same professional “Real Life” experience.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d love for readers to visit my website www.kimileebryant.com and our theatre www.screp.org and follow me on social media so I can continue to encourage and inspire when possible!!
Pricing:
- Please contact for lesson info
- CDS are $20 and available at all events or via the website
Contact Info:
- Email: kimilee@kimileebryant.com
- Instagram: @kimilee_bryant
- Facebook: Kimilee Bryant-Rubylee Productions and Voice Studio
- Twitter: @kimileeb
- Youtube: Kimilee Bryant-Rubylee Productions
- Website: http://www.screp.org
Image Credits
Larry Asher and SC REP
