Hillary Clemens: A Heartbeat of Kansas City’s Theater Scene
A Journey from Community Theater to the Stage
A vibrant pulse of creativity and passion beats at the heart of Kansas City’s theater scene, and if you’ve ever been captivated by a performance, there’s a good chance that artistic force is none other than Hillary Clemens. With a career rooted in her childhood, Hillary began acting at the tender age of seven in her hometown. The buzz of community theater soon led her to significant roles at illustrious venues like the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Coterie, and the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival.
A Love Story That Blooms on Stage
As her career blossomed, she found herself immersed in the vibrant theater scene of Chicago, where fate introduced her to her husband, actor Matt Schwader. Their love story intertwined beautifully with their theatrical pursuits, resulting in a memorable opening night of The Great Gatsby, where they shared the exhilarating moment of discovering that they were expecting their first child. Imagine the thrill of playing iconic characters Gatsby and Daisy while a new chapter in their lives was about to unfold!
Home Is Where the Heart Is
After their enchanting experience in Chicago, the couple decided to return to where it all began – Kansas City. With nearby family beckoning them home and a thriving arts scene that had captured their hearts, it was an easy choice. These days, Hillary wears many hats in the community, serving as an active board member at the Kansas City Actors Theatre and playing an essential role in the artistic committee.
Balancing Act: Theater and Family
Juggling a bustling theater career while raising two children is no small feat, but Hillary does it with grace and enthusiasm. She explains, “I’ve done several months-long runs where you perform the same play every night, but it’s never the same show twice.” The magic of theater lies in its unpredictability—each performance thrives on the unique blend of audience reactions, cast dynamics, and the external world.
Creativity Amidst Challenges
When the world slowed down in 2020 due to the pandemic, the theater community faced unprecedented challenges, and Kansas City was no exception. Hillary, Matt, and their fellow KCAT talents demonstrated remarkable creativity by producing radio theater shows from their basement. They transformed their space using an old pack-and-play and some blankets, narrating stories that relied entirely on their vocal skills. “It’s a completely different experience,” says Hillary. “But it felt like a small gift we were sharing with the community.”
The Upcoming Thriller: Dial M for Murder
Excitement is in the air as Hillary gears up for her latest role. This month, she will grace the stage as Maxine in the thrilling production of Dial M for Murder. Running from September 11 to 29, this classic play promises a fresh take, thanks to new adaptations that inject vibrant energy into the characters. “I think there will be a few good gasps in this one,” she reveals, hinting at the suspense that awaits audiences.
A Bright Future in Theater
Hillary’s journey through the world of theater is nothing short of inspiring. Embracing growth as an actress, she views aging not as a limitation but as an opportunity to explore a wider range of fabulous roles. “Every time I think about what’s to come, I get excited,” she shares, radiating enthusiasm.
Theater and community are sewn into the fabric of Hillary’s life, and her story resonates with many who have loved and lived through the magic of performance. Here’s to celebrating the allure of live theater, the evolution of artists like Hillary Clemens, and the community that supports them. Kansas City, in all its artistic glory, has much to look forward to!
