Kayla René

Back directing for a second time at Mission Hills High School, Kayla is thrilled to bring this classic story magical pirate ship to life in an immersive, inventive way!

Their first Old Globe production, Kayla has been acting as a teaching artist, instructing three community walk-ons in their short cameo roles in each part of the show. This fantastic opportunity is only one element of the Globe's Arts Engagement program for Henry 6.

Their first production with Mission Hills High School, Kayla and their fantastic creative partner, Erica Kahn, co-directed and co-choreographed this fast-paced, action-packed adventure of demigods, monsters, and ADHD.

Performing in another touring show with The Theate School @ North Coast Rep, Kayla portrays the Nurse. A wonderful challenge, finding the comedy and warmth within this classic romantic tragedy.

Andrew Lippa’s beautiful adaptation of Big Fish was absolute joy to co-direct at the Falcon Playhouse. Full of magic, love, family, and wonder, this piece is touching and genuine.

Their first time working with Patrick Henry High School’s theatre department, Kayla has the great pleasure of music directing this silly and uplifting musical comedy.

Welcomed back to their alma mater as an acting, text, and movement coach, Kayla couldn’t be more thrilled to be back in the land of fairies, mechanicals, and Athenians.

On board with yet another STA production, Kayla is stage managing this beloved classic. Mary Poppins premieres this fall, September 15-17 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. https://www.scrippstheatrearts.com/tickets

Performing as the 2nd Witch, and six other roles, in Patio Playhouse’s Macbeth, Kayla is putting their movement and Shakespeare skills to the test to bring these iconic and unnerving characters to life.

Their second WOW production, salty water is a movement and puppet based piece featuring original poetry, orchestrations, choreography and puppets. They are performing as a dancer and mover in this immersive, site-specific piece about the oceans and our part in them.

STA’s journey on the SS American finds us with massive dance numbers, big brass band orchestrations, and the message: Anything Goes!

The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep. has brought the Emerald City to this wonderful and talented elementary school. Kayla had a fantastic time directing this piece with a wonderful creative team.

The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep’s production of Little Shop of Horrors was a true joy to assistant direct! This was Kayla’s second time with the beloved musical, and getting to experience it from behind the table gave them even more appreciation for this campy classic.

A new work, Trinity Theatre Company brought this campy new comedy to the stage, allowing Kayla to act for the first time in three years!

The winter had Kayla directing a teen production of The Lightning Thief with STA. Thrilled to bring their stage combat skills to the rehearsal room, Kayla had a blast directing this uniquely difficult and extravagant musical.

Shrek the Musical was Kayla’s first production with STA as assistant director. This was their third time doing this musical, but the first from behind the table. A loving and spectacularly written piece, this was an absolute joy to put on!

Running March 26 through April 3rd, Kayla has the wonderful opportunity to perform as a Supernumerary Montague Sword Fighter for her first production with the San Diego Opera at the world famous Civic Theatre. https://www.sdopera.org/kaylaromeo

Kayla is performing the dual role of Hippolyta and Titania in The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep.’s touring production of Midsummer. They are performing as an Actor Mentor, acting alongside both professional and student actors. This show has the unique opportunity to travel to various schools throughout San Diego!

In Fall of 2019, Kayla performed the tragic and nuanced role of Ophelia in SDSU’s Hamlet. Across Campus Theatre Company’s production was nominated and accepted to the International Fringe Festival, but COVID cancelled the summer’s revival. Now the show is back on and Ophelia lives again! This June 2-12!

Kayla works as an elementary school theatre teacher, after-school theatre, as well as specialized acting, musical theatre, and audition lessons. The various companies include: The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep., Project Performer, Scripps Theatre Arts, and Character Kids.

Under the name Luna, waitressing at the ‘50s inspired Corvette Diner entails hourly dances and occasional karaoke of period appropriate songs. Acting is a must in this high energy joint!