In the Director’s Chair

Allison Romano is the Founder & Artistic Director of Kaleidoscope Eyes Theatre Arts, where she fosters creativity, connection, and bold storytelling through theatre education. As an actor, director, and educator, she is passionate about theatre’s power to connect, transform, and inspire. She believes in its unique ability to bring people together in a shared creative pursuit—building worlds, exploring perspectives, and fostering understanding. For Allison, theatre is more than a craft; it is a way to cultivate empathy, create a sense of belonging, and celebrate the human experience. It is where she feels most alive—surrounded by creativity, connection, and a community of storytellers.

Allison holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech, Theatre, and English Education from Purdue University and a master’s in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Throughout her career, she has worked with students from Pre-K through college, teaching acting classes, directing youth productions, and fostering a deep appreciation for the performing arts.

With training from Second City, Actors Center, and Act One Studios, Allison has performed everything from improv to Shakespeare on stages across Chicago. She has also built a successful career as a commercial actor in both Chicago and Denver. Her performance background informs her teaching—blending movement, improvisation, and text-based work to encourage bold storytelling and self-expression.

As an innovative teaching artist, Allison aspires to create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and inspired to take creative risks. Guided by her belief that theatre is a powerful tool for self-discovery, she encourages her students to embrace their unique voices and use the arts as a catalyst for personal growth and meaningful social change. She hopes that by nurturing young artists, she can create a ripple effect—one that spreads confidence, connection, and compassion far beyond the stage.