Mary J. Kelly

Mary J. Kelly, MFA is an energetic, passionate Professional Storyteller, Drama Specialist, and Teaching Artist with 30 years experience. Mary employs an arts-based process utilizing drama, storytelling, reading, and writing for classroom residencies. Her program curriculum adheres to Florida State Standards and enhances student engagement and learning. Mary received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Education/Child Drama and a Master of Fine Arts Theatre/Production/Performance diplomas from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. Mary is co-founder/Chair/Executive Director of the Association of Florida Teaching Artists, Inc.

Mary J. Kelly wrote Midnight Train: Harriet Tubman Conductor on the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman was known for her 19 trips down South along the secret route known as the Underground Railroad. She saves over 300 other Africans from the brutality of slavery. The struggle for Africans from slavery to freedom was long and costly in terms of human suffering. Still today, this struggle stirs up harsh memories of racial injustice.  Mary states, “I felt called to put my energy into writing a script to inspire audiences to learn about and rethink the issue of slavery. Mary’s portrayal of Harriet incorporates a storytelling style utilizing characterizations, song, movement, and audience participation that create a realistic view of being enslaved. Furthermore, social injustice still exists–worldwide, in fact–but we now call it human trafficking “different name, same abominable activity.”