Meet Kelley Dorney | Actor and Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelley Dorney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelley, what’s your definition for success?
It took me a while to land on what success would look like to me. For a long time, it was whether or not I booked a Broadway show. But after several years of living in New York and seeing Broadway talent, I realized that this was not the litmus test to success that I thought it was. So I pivoted. I moved to Los Angeles, and I changed my definition. If I was being creative, telling stories, working in the arts, utilizing my craft? Then I was successful, and that led to more successes and greater happiness

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I moved to Los Angeles in 2014 tired of the NY theatre scene. I wasn’t getting the auditions or responses I was hoping for and felt so disheartened. I did have a few highlights along the way! Did some cool things when my relationship took me to London, got my equity card quickly (not that it helped), and toured with Theatreworks/USA who I greatly respect. I thought I’d try my hand at tv and film in LA, but I just kept booking little theatre jobs. And I felt wanted! It was such a new feeling. Then I booked my first regional gig and began working as a casting assistant. Sitting behind the table really broke a lot of the myths and ideas of auditioning. I used to hate auditioning in NY, and no wonder I was never hired! Who would give a job to someone doing something they hate. It was extremely eye opening and liberating to learn that the most talented people (in my opinion) did not always get the job. So my story was no longer “I’m not good enough”. It became “I just wasn’t what THEY wanted”. I could only control how I felt I did in the room, and that became enough. I’m extremely proud of the career I’ve had in LA since 2014. Performed at the Hollywood Bowl, the Ahmanson, opened world premiers, and been nominated for two Ovation Awards. But most of all, I really loved the theatre community I built. The fellow actors, directors, choreographers, casting directors, and producers have become a family of sorts. I feel incredibly lucky. All of that ensured I was ready when the biggest opportunity of my career came. I finally got an audition for Wicked (ten years in LA and never was seen for it once) to cover Madame Morrible. I didn’t think there was a chance in hell I’d book it. I’m too young! Too short! So many reasons. But I knew what I wanted to do in the room, and if I accomplished that then I would be content. I checked those boxes and a week later I heard I would be getting an offer. I was stunned. I’d kind of forgotten the dream of touring and Broadway because I was so happy in LA. But now the Wicked tour afforded me the opportunity to claim another success, performing at the Pantages.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would absolutely take them to eat at Home in Los Feliz. I live near there, and it was one of the first places I went when I moved to LA. I also love Plan Check for a great burger in Santa Monica. The best way to see LA is to just get in the car and drive. You need to see Sunset Blvd and Rodeo and take a drive on Mulholland. And I would absolutely take them to Griffith Park to see the sunset. It’s stunning.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Well, my dear friend Jeremiah James is a huge key to my success. He encouraged me to move to Los Angeles. He knew what I was capable of and believed that I simply needed to find the right place to grow and be creative. And my friend and boss Julia Flores has been beyond helpful. As a casting director, she’s provided insight and guidance in the theatre. But most of all, she’s the kind of person I want to be in this industry.