Brian McKinley is a native of Peoria, IL. Peoria’s rich community theatre scene drew Brian onto the stage during his teenage years. He was a hot commodity around town and at Woodruff High School.

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Brian took a slight detour to get a degree in Biology from Bradley University before heading to Western Illinois University (WIU) to earn a BFA in Musical Theatre (Magna Cume Laude). Holding bachelors degrees in such differing fields offers Brian a unique perspective as an artist - unafraid of diving deeply into a text and fully understanding what it is to follow your dreams. Formative credits from his time in college include The Colored Museum, The Wild Party, and Ruined. He expanded his repertoire by joining WIU’s comedy improv troupe as well as the modern dance company. He left WIU with a grounded skill set that is still serving him well.

 

Brian has worked non-stop since graduating from WIU. His talents have taken him to stages across the country. Highlighted credits include: Fences (The St. Louis Black Repertory Company), The Wizard of Oz (Theatre League, Inc.), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Minot State University Summer Theatre), and The Wiz (Center of Creative Arts). He is a leading man capable of creating intense connections with a strong quiet reserve that leads to jarring moments of fiery conflict onstage when he finally lets loose.

Currently, Brian resides in St. Louis as a member of the St. Louis Black Repertory Company. He works as an actor by night and coordinates the Black Rep’s professional fellow company by day, ensuring that thousands of local children are exposed to quality theatre that makes them think about the world around them. Brian is the executive assistant to nationally renowned Producing Director Ron Himes at The St. Louis Black Rep. Head to the Currently page to learn about what’s up next for Brian.