ABOUT ME

Kelly McCaughan is an actor, writer, comedian, and theater-maker whose work spans television, film, and live performance.

Her work centers on sharp, character-driven comedy, often playing intelligent, composed women with something unpredictable just beneath the surface. She brings a grounded, emotionally precise style to her performances, with the ability to expand into heightened physical and character-based comedy.

Kelly is best known for her critically acclaimed solo show Catholic Guilt, which had an extended Off-Broadway run at SoHo Playhouse after winning the International Fringe Encore Series. The show has also been performed at venues including the Elysian Theater in Los Angeles.

She is a two-time ISH Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee (Best Newcomer 2023, Best Show 2024), with sold-out runs and rave reviews from major UK comedy outlets.

She was recently selected to play the lead in Natalie Palamides’ new comedy Lady Magic at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Kelly holds a BA in Theatre and has trained in clown with Aitor Basauri and improv at Upright Citizens Brigade.

Television credits include Crashing (HBO) and Servant (Apple TV+).

She is currently developing new work for stage and screen in Los Angeles.

 

FOR CASTING:

Smart, grounded comedic lead with an alt-comedy edge, theatrical depth, and creator credits.

LANES

  • Dry, Perceptive

  • A little offbeat with bite

  • Sharp, composed with crackling interior

  • Heightened character/Alt comedy

  • A24/FX/Hulu dramedy or comedy

  • Creator-performer

    BUT WHY DO THIS?

(So much to unpack about the ‘why’ but here’s what I got for now…)

Whether it be an absurd dark comedic piece, a weird devised clown show, or something a little more earnest with heart, I want to create work that tickles and scratches the corners of your brain and moves you in some way. Performance also helps me unpack shame, frees me up, and helps me connect. Life is wild, absurd, weird, fun, unpredictable and beautiful. Let’s create something that reflects that.

Simpler answer: It’s just really damn fun, I get bummed when I’m not creating, I love making people feel something through performance, and I dig collaboration and play.

I’m looking forward to working with people who are socially aware and actively support: anti-racism, the LGBTQIA+ community, women, different able-bodied/minded people, and every kind of body out there. We all belong here, and we all deserve to be seen, loved, and celebrated for who we are.