Brendan P. Kelso

Brendan P. Kelso is an American playwright, actor, and educator best known for his energetic and accessible adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays for young audiences. Through his publishing company, Playing With Plays, Kelso has introduced thousands of children to classical theatre by transforming complex texts into humorous, fast-paced, and age-appropriate scripts that are both fun to perform and educational.

Originally trained as an engineer, Kelso transitioned to theatre and education after discovering a passion for helping children engage with Shakespeare. Frustrated by how intimidating the Bard’s language could be for young students, he began adapting the plays into short, comedic versions that retained the essential plots and characters while using simplified language and modern humor.

His adaptations include kid-friendly versions of classics like Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and many more. Each script is written with young performers in mind—complete with silly twists, over-the-top characters, and opportunities for creative staging. Kelso also provides helpful guides for teachers and parents, making his plays a popular choice in schools, drama camps, and youth theatre programs.

Beyond writing, Kelso is an advocate for arts education and often leads workshops, residencies, and performances that bring Shakespeare to life for new generations. His mission is simple: to make classical literature fun, approachable, and empowering for kids.

Through his work as a playwright and educator, Brendan P. Kelso has made a lasting impact on youth theatre by proving that Shakespeare doesn’t have to be scary—it can be a blast.