Kevin Otos
Professor of Theatre
Department: Performing Arts
Email: kotos@elon.edu
Phone number: (336) 278-5591
Professional Expertise
Brief Biography
Kevin Otos is a profesional actor and director. He teaches acting, voice, and movement, and directs as part of Elon's mainstage season. Professional directing credits include three seasons at the Texas Shakespeare Festival and the North American premier of Simon Stephens’ Pornography. Some favorite roles include Antony in Julius Caesar, Antonio in The Merchant of Venice, and Leo Tessler in Junk. He can be seen on the television series One Tree Hill, Necessary Roughness, and Underground as well as in a number of independent films, commercials, and industrials. Kevin has authored two books: Acting and Directing Shakespeare's Comedies: Key Lessons (2023), and Applied Meisner for the 21st Century Actor (2021). He regularly conducts workshops on Meisner-based Acting, Shakespeare, the Commedia dell’Arte and other areas of expertise at conferences and universities.
Links
News & Notes
Education
MFA in Acting from Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.
BS in Theatre and Psychlogy from Willamette University.
Certificate in Comic Acting from the International School of Comic Acting.
Employment History
Courses Taught
Meisner and Stanislavski based Acting
Advanced Scene Study
Professional Practices
Commedia dell'Arte
Clown
Shakespeare
Movement
Voice
Leadership Positions
- Program Head for BFA Acting Program 2022 to present.
- Program Head for BA Theatre Studies Program 2006 to 2016.
- Academic Council, Arts and Humanities Representative, 2020 - 2023.
- Chair, Inclusivity Taskforce 2018 to 2021.
- Creative Director, Leaders of the 21st Century 2013 to 2016.
- University Curriculum Committee. Vice-Chair fall 2011 to summer 2012, Member fall 2010 to summer 2013.
- Admission Committee. Chair 2008-09. Member fall 2007 to summer 2009.
Research
Kevin is a professional actor and director with a diverse body of work. His work has been seen on screens and stages all over the world.
Kevin is expert in the Meisner approach to acting, and has been developing an expertise in historic, popular comedic forms for many years. He has presented at a number of conferences on Meisner, Shakespeare, Commedia dell'Arte and Clown.
Current Projects
Kevin is currently writing the second edition of Applied Meisner for the 21st Century Actor, slated for release in 2026.
He is currently adapting his second Commedia play.
Grants Awarded
Summer Fellowship, Elon University 2025.
Summer Fellowship, Elon University 2022.
Summer Fellowship, Elon University 2013.
Faculty Research and Development Grant, Elon University 2011.
Special Provost’s Grant for Theatrical Mask project, Elon University 2011.
Center for the Advancement of Teaching & Learning Grant 2007
Faculty Research and Development Grant, Elon University 2007.
Norris Grant, Oklahoma State University 2006.
Dean’s Incentive Grants, Oklahoma State University 2001=02
Publications
Acting and Directing Shakespeare's Comedies: Key Lessons (2023)
Applied Meisner for the 21st Century Actor (2021)