Kelly Bouma

Kelly is a multidisciplinary performer, director, and educator whose work bridges theatre, movement, and community‑centered storytelling. She holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Montana and a BS in Communications from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School, with additional certification in Nonprofit Management. For over a decade, she has served on the faculty of the University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance, where she teaches acting, physical theatre, creative drama, and K–8 arts integration. Kelly is also a current SPARK! Arts Teaching Artist. Her pedagogy centers ensemble building, physical storytelling, and accessible creative process for performers of all ages.

As a performer, Kelly has appeared regionally with Bare Bait Dance (Missoula), Off Square Theatre (Jackson, WY), and Broad Comedy (Bozeman/NYC). Her directing and producing credits span dance‑theatre, devised performance, and film, including work with Bare Bait Dance | Westside Theater’s current season production of DANCE NATION by Clare Barron, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2024) and 40 Over 40 (2024). She is the 2020 recipient of the IF/THEN Shorts Documentary Prize through the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival and Tribeca Film Institute.

Kelly recently developed and performed a solo performance, Your Mother Called which premiered in Missoula in June 2026 before touring multiple Fringe Festivals. She is currently serving as Movement Director for Christmas Carol, an ensemble-driven adaption by Lavina Jadhwani; as well as Co-Director of the Mad Ones, a musical by Bree Lowdermilk, Kait Kerrigan, and Kate Kerrigan, both productions as part of the UM School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.