Kristen Adele Calhoun is a multifaceted creative individual, renowned for her exceptional versatility and impressive range as a writer, actor, producer, and curator. Her remarkable body of work has garnered widespread recognition, including her esteemed appointment as an I am Soul Playwriting Resident at the renowned Dr. Barbara Ann Teer's National Black Theatre, a prestigious institution dedicated to nurturing and promoting the artistic talents of Black creatives.
Kristen's extensive portfolio showcases a remarkable breadth of writing assignments, with the distinction of having collaborated with numerous prestigious organizations. Among these esteemed entities are the NAACP, a pioneering civil rights organization dedicated to the betterment of African Americans, and the Lucille Lortel, a highly respected theater organization that has played a pivotal role in the development of groundbreaking and thought-provoking works. Additionally, Kristen has had the privilege of working with the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, a professional theater company committed to producing and promoting the works of African American playwrights, as well as 651 ARTS, a multidisciplinary arts organization that supports the creation and presentation of innovative and challenging works. Furthermore, her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with Penumbra Theatre, a prominent African American theater company dedicated to producing and promoting the works of African American playwrights, the Black American West Museum, a museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and culture of African Americans in the American West, and Firehouse Theatre, a professional theater company that produces and promotes a diverse range of theatrical works.
Notable plays by this individual have garnered widespread critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards, showcasing their exceptional talent and skill as a playwright. One of their most notable works is Black Cypress Bayou, a powerful and emotionally charged exploration of the struggles and triumphs of African American women, which sheds light on their experiences and challenges.
Another critically acclaimed play is Blood Work, a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling examination of the complex and often fraught relationships between African Americans and the criminal justice system. This play delves into the intricacies of systemic racism and its far-reaching consequences, sparking important conversations and reflections.
Out the Mud is another poignant and powerful exploration of the struggles and triumphs of African American women, offering a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of their lives and experiences. This play is a testament to the resilience and strength of African American women, and their capacity to overcome adversity.
Canfield Drive is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the complex and often fraught relationships between African Americans and the criminal justice system, shedding light on the systemic issues and biases that perpetuate racial inequality. This play is a powerful call to action, urging audiences to confront the harsh realities of racial injustice and work towards a more just and equitable society.
Lastly, Wildcat is a thrilling and captivating exploration of the struggles and triumphs of African American women, offering a dynamic and engaging portrayal of their experiences and challenges. This play is a testament to the power and determination of African American women, and their capacity to overcome adversity and achieve success.
Notable plays penned by Kristen have garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying her reputation as a skilled and imaginative playwright. Her body of work has been met with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Edgerton Foundation New Play Award and the esteemed Relentless Award.
Kristen's remarkable career has spanned multiple mediums, with her extensive portfolio showcasing her remarkable range and talent. Beyond her captivating stage presence, Kristen has made significant contributions to the world of film and television, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished writer.
Her impressive writing credits include notable projects, with a notable mention being the HBO adaptation of Toni Morrison's esteemed novel SULA, masterfully helmed by showrunner Shannon M. Houston. Kristen has also collaborated with esteemed creatives Janet Mock and Stephanie Allain's Homegrown Pictures on various projects, demonstrating her ability to work seamlessly with talented individuals.
As a core member of the writing team for the highly anticipated BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, directed by visionary Kahlil Joseph and produced by A24, Kristen's work is set to premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2025. Moreover, Kristen has developed projects for television alongside influential figures such as Nikole Hannah-Jones, the renowned journalist and author, as well as notable entities like the New York Times, Lionsgate, and Harpo Films, further solidifying her reputation as a talented and sought-after writer.
With her impressive list of credits and her ability to work with a wide range of creatives, Kristen has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of film and television. Her dedication to her craft and her passion for storytelling have earned her a reputation as a talented and versatile writer, with a bright future ahead of her.
Kristen's remarkable acting career has been characterized by a diverse array of captivating performances across both the small and big screens, showcasing her remarkable versatility and talent. Her impressive resume boasts a wide range of notable appearances in various critically acclaimed television shows, including the popular and gripping political thriller House of Cards, the groundbreaking and thought-provoking prison drama Orange is the New Black, the clever and engaging crime procedural Elementary, the long-running and highly respected police drama Blue Bloods, and the esteemed and widely acclaimed legal drama The Good Wife.
Kristen, a multifaceted and gifted person, came into the world in the lively metropolis of Dallas, Texas, thereby laying the groundwork for a life replete with artistic expression and imaginative stimulation.
Kristen's academic trajectory did not come to a halt after completing her initial studies, as she embarked on a further pursuit of a Master of Fine Arts degree from the esteemed Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, a revered institution renowned for its exceptional academic programs and esteemed faculty. This prestigious educational institution, recognized globally for its academic excellence, provided Kristen with a world-class education, thereby further enhancing her mastery of her field and cementing her status as a distinguished professional in her area of expertise.
Kristen's life is a harmonious blend of two distinct yet complementary environments, Mexico and Massachusetts, each exerting a profound influence on her multifaceted persona.
Mexico, with its vibrant cultural tapestry, has woven a rich narrative into the fabric of her artistic expression, imbuing her creative endeavors with a depth and complexity that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
Concurrently, Massachusetts, with its esteemed academic institutions, has served as a platform for Kristen to share her expertise and knowledge with a wider audience, providing her with a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and collectively advance the boundaries of her field.
Through her dual residences, Kristen has cultivated a unique synergy, allowing her to draw inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and the intellectual rigor of Massachusetts, ultimately enriching her artistic expression and professional pursuits.
Kristen currently holds the esteemed position of 2024-2025 Sterling A. Brown Distinguished Visiting Professor of Africana Studies at the prestigious Williams College, where she is not only fervently sharing her profound enthusiasm for the arts, but also dedicating herself to the noble pursuit of inspiring and mentoring the next generation of scholars and artists. This distinguished appointment at the revered institution is a testament to her remarkable accomplishments and her unwavering commitment to leaving a lasting, positive impact on the world.
