Meet Kathleen OSullivan | Musical Theatre Writer & Investor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathleen OSullivan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathleen, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve lived the version of my life where I don’t pursue passion. In that version, I know exactly what my five-year plan looks like, I max out my 401k, and I’m devoted to my weekly schedule. And honestly, sometimes that life sounds nice because it’s safe and predictable.

But the truth is, that life isn’t mine. Because while it’s structured, it doesn’t leave room for dreaming. Pursuing a creative career is me choosing the version of my life that actually feels like mine, the one where I get to dream, take risks, and create something bigger than just a plan on paper.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is meant to bring about hard conversations in digestible ways that help people heal. I believe theatre has the unique power to take the things we’re most afraid to talk about, grief, trauma, identity, resilience, and make them accessible through story, music, and character. That’s what excites me most about my work: it isn’t just entertainment, it’s a space for reflection and connection.

For me, that mission comes directly from lived experience. At 20, I broke my spine in an accident that forced my entire life to pause. I had to confront not just physical pain, but the grief of losing the version of my life I thought I was supposed to live. In that stillness, writing became the only way I knew how to process what I was going through. That’s where my first musical, Stone Cold, was born. It reframes the Medusa myth as a story about grief and reclaiming your voice, exactly what I was learning to do myself.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. I walked away from stability to pursue something intangible. I graduated into a pandemic, faced self-doubt, and had to push through the fear of putting imperfect work into the world. But I’ve learned that resilience is built in showing up every day, and that collaboration is everything. My creative partners, Delaney Guyer and Kenny Youch, and the friends and family who support me relentlessly, have carried me forward in the moments I couldn’t do it alone.

At the end of the day, I want to create art that sparks courage, empathy, and healing in others. That’s the story I’m telling, and that’s the legacy I hope to leave.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Denver for a week, I’d want them to experience the mix of nature, food, and culture that makes the city so special.

We’d start in LoHi, my favorite neighborhood in Denver. It’s the perfect spot to wander, grab coffee, and eat and I’d make sure we stopped for sushi at Bamboo, which is my go-to. From there, a walk through Commons Park along the river is always beautiful and grounding.

What I love about Denver is how the seasons shape the experience. In the winter, I’d take them to the Kris Kringle Market and then to see the holiday lights at the Botanical Gardens. In the fall, a day trip up to Estes Park is a must.. the leaves changing and the elk meandering beside you are unforgettable. In the summer, we’d explore the street art in RiNo, then end the afternoon with a drink at Improper City. For a rainy day, the Denver Art Museum is a gem, and when we’re ready for a night out, Barcelona Wine Bar is a favorite for good food and a cozy vibe.

I’d also sneak in a SoulCycle class in Cherry Creek, with coffee at Aviano after, because it’s such a fun way to feel the city’s energy. Overall, Denver’s charm is in how it blends outdoorsy adventure, seasonal magic, and an evolving food and arts scene, it’s a city that feels fresh every time you visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest shoutout goes first to my family and close friends, especially my dad, who encouraged me to take the leap and never once questioned my decision to blow up my life and pursue something as intangible as writing a musical. Their relentless support, guidance, and rallying has meant everything to me. When my writing team and I won our first award for Stone Cold, my friends and family chose on their own to fly to NYC for the performance. I didn’t even realize it was such a big deal, but their choice to be there and cheer me on showed me just how much they believed in me. It’s those little things too, like asking to read the show before it was ready, or casually saying they’ll be in the audience when it’s on stage, that have given me the courage to keep going.

I also have to shout out my creative partners, Delaney Guyer and Kenny Youch. They’ve wholeheartedly invested in this project and, on the days I couldn’t carry it, they were the ones pushing us forward. Their belief in the bigger picture has not only kept this show alive but has taught me what true collaboration looks like. I wouldn’t be here without the people who’ve put their faith and love into me or the show.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kat.osullivan/

Image Credits
All owned by me!