Stephen Kearley is a Bridgeport, Connecticut-based theater critic, educator, writer, and playwright who reviews productions throughout the New York metro area, including theaters across Connecticut.
He earned multiple degrees from the University of Montevallo, Alabama’s only public liberal arts university, and a doctorate from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. He also earned National Board Certification as a School Library Media Specialist.
Stephen’s love of theater began in elementary school, where he appeared in productions as characters ranging from Paddington Bear to a Founding Father, complete with a homemade white-yarn wig and handcrafted coat with tails. He later spent several years performing with the Talladega Community Theater in Alabama, primarily as an ensemble member but also in featured roles, including an Army officer in An All American Musical Revue and Scrooge’s nephew, Fred in A Christmas Carol: The Musical. Those years gave him a lasting appreciation for every person who helps bring a production to life, and he believes anyone pursuing a career in theater should spend time working in community theater.
Before becoming a theater critic, Stephen spent twenty-five years in Alabama public education as a classroom and special education teacher, school librarian, literacy coach, and school administrator. Along the way, he oversaw school publications, produced a daily student news program, directed a district-wide Young Authors Conference, and mentored young writers whose work appeared in district and state literary magazines.
Stephen combined his love of theater and writing when he joined Hi! Drama, a New York City-based theater publication and biweekly review show. In 2026, he launched The BroadGAYS, a theater media outlet that surpassed 100,000 views in its first ten weeks and continues to grow through reviews, interviews, and social media coverage.
