Kaeli Meno (they/she) is a Queer and Chamorro director and playwright with an emphasis on new work. They feel passionate about diversifying the existing theater canon and uplifting gutsy plays. As someone whose culture is not often represented, they seek to platform and create work that highlights those untold experiences and histories.
They assisted directed on MedeaMedeaMedea (Theatre Evolve) and Thanksgiving Play (Steppenwolf Theatre Company). They have also directed new work pieces with Make/Believe Festival at Ghostlight Ensemble, Playground Chicago, and the Valdez Theater Conference. Kaeli has upcoming directing projects with Greenshirt Studios and TranScript Productions.
Her writing has been supported and developed by (W)rites of Summer (Story Theatre), Sad Boy Hours, Jackalope Theater, and the Valdez Theater Conference.
In other capacities, they have worked on Rust (Goodman New Stages), White Monkey (Goodman New Stages), Hummingbird (Chicago Children's Theater), and Girlfriend (Pride Arts). Through all their endeavors, they seek to support the growing community of Chicago artists. Originally from Alaska, Kaeli received their Bachelor's in Theater and History from the University of Alaska.
Featured Artworks
Happy Hour: A Staged Reading of Short Plays Set in Bars, 2025
Image by Ghostlight Ensemble
Make/Believe Festival, 2022
Image by Ghostlight Ensemble.
MedeaMedeaMedea, 2025
Image by Theatre Evolve. Photo by Nick Cartwright.
January Readings, 2025
Image by Playground Chicago
That Long Damn Dark, 2020
Image by University of Alaska Anchorage. Photo by James Evans
Thanksgiving Play, 2024
Image by Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Photo by Michael Brosilow