About Kat

Katherine Ann Phillips, known as Kat, is a Chicago based actor, director, and photographer. She pursues moments of empathy, discovery, and authenticity that theatre not only allows, but encourages. Kat is a Texas native but called Tucson, Arizona home for much of her childhood. She came back to Texas in 2016 where she attended Baylor University. In May of 2020, Kat received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance with a Concentration in Musical Theatre and Emphasis in Directing. Despite the pandemic, Kat happily moved to Chicago in September of 2020 with two of her best friends. She’s excited to be entering Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene. In April of 2021, she accepted a Theatre for Young Audiences Creative Director/Associate position with Improv Playhouse located just outside of Chicago.

In addition to her passion for theatre, Kat has a love for pop, indie, and hip-hop music. Aside from the stage, you can find her attending live music festivals such as Austin City Limits or Lollapalooza, writing songs using the ukulele or piano, eating Mexican food, or simply taking a nap.

Kat is a proud, queer feminist and seeks work that reflects femme, non-binary, and LGBTQIA+ centric stories. She strives to serve as an inclusive, open-minded, and kind theatre artist. Black lives matter.

Furthermore, Kat has an ache for traveling and understanding the world. She’s been to many countries that include India, Greece, and Italy and plans on going on many more adventures outside of the U.S.

On this site, you will find her acting and directing resumes, portfolio, videos, recent news, and a contact page.

Feel free to reach out to Kat at anytime!

Artistic Statement

I believe that the art of theatre-making is essential. Life would be boring and maddening without it.

I believe the conjunction of artists and art itself creates a sacred space. I hold the rehearsal room, the spotlight, and backstage to the highest standards relating to professionalism, kindness, and authenticity.

I believe that if the room is not a diverse reflection of all people, then the art produced will not be as meaningful and true to humanity.

I crave to be the vehicle in which artists feel invited and safe to be vulnerable. Few things are more valuable to me than consent and the wellbeing of all creatives.

I believe everyone is welcome into the room and every voice matters.

I encourage womxn to be messy, bold, and unapologetically themselves on and offstage. I wish to see more girls, gals, and non-binary pals in rooms dominated by white, cisgender male privilege.

I believe theatre should truthfully reflect current social and political issues.

My work thus far centers around a fearless approach to parts of humanity that have been concealed or shamed into hiding. I’m attracted to stories that shake an oppressive status quo, allowing us to fully illuminate and explore buried secrets.

I believe theatre is responsible for enlightening, educating, and demanding audience members to question and participate in the art before them.

Kat Phillips
Director | Actor | Photographer

Peak into Kat’s Life!