Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Hill.
Kevin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My very first mentor said to me, “Once you decide to plant yourself somewhere, all will fall into place.” That’s exactly what happened. I remember from an early age wanting to perform. I would tag along with my mother as she would apply make-up for Fiddler on the Roof at the Reagle Theatre in Waltham. It was there that I caught the bug that never left. I performed in many shows at the Reagle Theatre.
When I reached a certain age, where I wanted more, I attended my first NYC audition which I was fortunate enough to book. I had the privilege of touring with the production of A Chorus Line. I was a true gypsy. I traveled the world with many productions including Hello Dolly, starring Carol Channing. I still wanted more.
I decided I wanted to learn every aspect of theatre. I worked in dinner theatres, cruise ships and theme parks. I also got to work with many talented people: Kathleen Turner, Josh Groban and Jo Anne Worley. I was also fortunate enough to teach at a few universities where I was able to hone in my skills as a director and choreographer. I have now directed and choreographed over 200 productions across the country.
I was working on my career checklist when I decided it was time to “plant myself somewhere”. I chose home. I grew up in Waltham and always knew I wanted to open up a dance studio and pass on my talents. Opening a studio in 2012 in the Newton/Waltham area was difficult when there seemed to be a dance studio on every corner. Finding the right location, figuring out what is going to separate you from every other studio was a challenge.
During those early years, in order to keep the business afloat, I needed to find another job. In 2010, I directed and choreographed a production of Hello Dolly starring Tony Award Winner, Cady Huffman at Bill Hanney’s Theatre By The Sea in Rhode Island. It was a hit. Bill and I kept in touch throughout the following years. In January of 2013, Bill asked me to interview to be his Associate Producer at Theatre By The Sea.
By May, I moved into the Artistic Director Position at the theatre. The following year, Bill asked me to be his Producing Artistic Director for his two theatres (Theatre By The Sea and North Shore Music Theatre). My dream had come true. During my performance years, I performed at NSMT in 1994, in a production of Good News, under the Artistic Directorship of Jon Kimbell, where I said, “that’s my dream job.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Is there ever a smooth road? The one thing I know about myself is that I am a fighter. I won’t back down from a challenge. The studio was a definite challenge. I learned a lot of tough lessons and forged forward through sheer tenacity and grit. I’m not one to live in the past. I’m constantly looking toward the future.
As a director/choreographer and even producer, you are constantly having to prove yourself too much criticism. But what I’ve realized is that you can’t make everyone happy. You just need to live your life openly and honestly. I like to think that I’ve done that. My reputation is my success.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Hill Studios, North Shore Music Theatre, Theatre By The Sea – what should we know?
Currently, I live in a constant state of balance of juggling two lives – my work at Bill Hanney’s two theaters (in two states) and overseeing operations at Hill Studios Dance and Fitness Center. Either one of these jobs would be a challenge on its own.
At Hill Studios Dance and Fitness Center, we are a company that offers dance lessons to anyone from age 3 to 18. We also have Zumba classes for adults 18 years old and up. We are a stress-free, drama free environment. No Dance Moms here. I’m proud that I’ve never turned someone away who has an interest in dance but can’t afford classes.
I believe everyone should experience the joy of letting go and feeling free. I’m proud that kids are developing a love for dance. I think the technique that I require of my teachers and the positive environment we foster is what sets us apart from others. Our students may not grow up to be professional dancers, but, if we can put a smile on their face in the process and have them be proud of themselves for learning something new… then we’ve done our job.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Everything in my life I’ve done was to make my parents proud of me, by embracing all of the things they taught me – work hard, have good ethics and be humble, kind and give back. Growing up the only son in a family of girls was a challenge. Did I mention I’m also gay?
Having the support of my family is everything to me. To me, success isn’t measured by what you’ve accomplished, it’s a feeling you have in your heart. If you feel successful, you are successful. After all, if you lead your life by being kind to one another, support people who need it and teach to educate, you are a success in my book.
My first mentor knew what he was talking about. Everything has fallen into place. I am very fortunate to be living out my dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.hillstudiosllc.com
- Email: hillstudiosllc@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Matthew Chappell Hill, Brian Padgett, Paul Lydon, Steven Richard
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