This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Harvard chapter.
You might have seen her most recent musical she directed in the headlines of the Boston Globe or Playbill or Broadway World. You might know her as the president of the Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club. Maybe you recognize her as the girl who lives in “dark corners” of Harvard theaters. Or perhaps you’ll recognize her from this picture…?
However you might know her, Ally Kiley certainly is leaving behind a huge legacy at Harvard–especially in the theater scene.
Name: Ally Kiley (Alexandra if we’re being formal)
Concentration: History and Literature (America Field)
House: Winthrop
Hometown: Huntington, New York (Strong Island represent)
Relationship status: Sorry fellas [the proverbial fellas because heteronormativity is lame], happily not on the market
(How could you resist a girl this cute?)
What are you involved with on campus? Theater…lots and lots of theater
Favorite extracurricular? ^
What’s it like being president of HRDC? Though I am happy to end my reign and pass the crown over to an incredible new president (Maggie Zier – another badass lady), I absolutely LOVED my time on the HRDC board. Helping to choose the next semester’s shows was always a highlight of the job but by far the best part was grabbing coffee and meeting with freshmen and other students interested in getting involved with theater on campus.
Favorite show you’ve been involved with at Harvard? I’ve loved every show I’ve done. They’ve all been special in their own ways and have taught me a lot. Sorry this is a cop out answer. It’s just great to be making theater as an undergrad where I’m allowed to make mistakes and try things out of my comfort zone.
If you could direct any show, what would it be? CATS in Oz. It’s mostly Wicked but everyone is in full Cats makeup. If the Dramatic Arts Concentration was in business a few years earlier I would have adapted it for my Thesis.
At any given moment, where are you most likely to be found on campus? Pick any theater. Go to a dark corner. There’s a big chance I am asleep there.
What’s your favorite college memory? Am I going to be the most mainstream person ever and say Harvard-Yale? Yes, yes I am.
Do you have any weird talents? I am really good at hula hooping.
Favorite hidden study space on campus? When I’m not in Lamont (which is embarrassingly often for a Senior) I like to go to the Law School and Business School libraries. The law students give you glares if you go on Facebook so that’s helpful when trying to stay on task. And the Business School library is always empty (go figure). Also, I like not running into people I know and having to trek out somewhere to study – it makes it harder to go back home and nap.
Quote you live by?
“The Lord gives us wingsHe gives us a stomachwe can fly or vomit”
– Patti Smith
Belief system has nothing to do with this quote. You can let fear get in the way of following your dreams or you can take a breath and jump and trust yourself. I think that’s especially true if you want to go into art, like me. Also, Patti Smith is an utter goddess.
Who knows where you’ll be seeing this girl next; there’s no stopping her! Keep an eye out… it wouldn’t surprise anyone if she ends up directing (or performing) on Broadway!