About 1 — Grant Kilian

Directing Credits

A Doll’s House, Part 2 (Director)- The Resident Theatre at Edge of The Wood

The Minutes (Assistant Director) - The Resident Theatre at Edge of The Wood (4 Jeff Nominations including Best Direction and Best Production)

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Director)- Edge of The Wood Theatre

The Dream of The Burning Boy (Director) - Edge of The Wood Theatre

On Stars Not Falling (Director) - Edge of The Wood Theatre

Twisted: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier (Director)- Rest of The Wood Theatre

Urinetown (Director)- Rest of The Wood Theatre

A Funny Thing Happened on The Way To The Forum (Director)- Rest of The Wood Theatre

A Very Potter Musical (Director)- Rest of The Wood Theatre

Grease (Assistant Director)- Edge of The Wood Theatre

Grease (Assistant Director)- The Miracle Center

The Barrio Project (Assistant Director)- The Miracle Center

(Along with Grant’s professional direction, he is also an instructor at Edge of The Wood Theatre school where he has recently directed student productions of Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Charlotte’s Web, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown)

Directing Testimonials

“Grant has the talent, skills, and taste of a seasoned professional director. I’ve directed alongside him and been directed by him, and in both instances he has proven that he understands how to do the most important thing—capture real life on the stage. Grant is an instinctual theatrical storyteller with a keen eye for truth. He is adept at moving actors around and knows what to say to bring out their most compelling performances. On top of that, he is a competent leader and a smart, effective communicator. With all my years of experience in the theatre, I’ve learned to quickly recognize those who truly have the gift. Grant has the gift.”-Janet Rourke, Actress and Jeff-Nominated Director

“Grant brings his formidable skills as an actor to his role as director. He is insightful, positive, and energetic, and he adeptly guides his actors while allowing them the freedom to play and to take risks.”- John Chambers, Artistic Director of The Resident Theatre at Edge of The Wood

“In A Doll’s House, Part 2 at The Resident Theatre, Kilian expertly guides all four of his actors through fascinating debates, while letting the audience laugh about and ponder some age-old questions.” -Venerated Chicago actress Peggy Roeder on Grant’s 2024 production of A Doll’s House, Part 2

“This was an excellent production of this play. Funny, rough, honest and full of feeling. The whole cast is superb. It’s a great example of having the actors and the audience together sharing a story.” - Sean Hargadon, Artistic Director of the award-winning Janus Theatre Company, on Grant’s production of A Doll’s House, Part 2

The Jeffs!

Grant is an original ensemble member at Edge of The Wood’s Resident Theatre, a Jeff-Award winning theatre company on the north side of Chicago. At the Resident Theatre, Grant assistant directed The Minutes (Jeff Nominations-Best Direction, Best Production, Best Ensemble, Best Lead Actor), and most recently directed their 2024 studio-series production of A Doll’s House, Part 2 starring Jeff-Nominee Janet Rourke.

Grant continues to be mentored in directing by Jeff-nominated director Janet Rourke, and by Brigid Panet, director and renowned associate teacher at RADA.