As the faculty representative for Regent’s MFA in Acting program within the Department of Theater and the Performing Arts, Dr. Kirkland is a seasoned actor, director, author, and stage combat expert. But beyond his professional accolades, he is dedicated to mentoring young performers, equipping them to reclaim the arts for Christ. In a conversation with Elle Herson, Dr. Kirkland shared his journey to Regent and offered insights on navigating a challenging yet promising industry. Read on to find out how Dr. Kirkland used “troubled waters” to find Regent and why he would give a resounding “Bravo!” to a Regent student.

What led you to Regent University and how long have you been teaching here?

I am entering my 24th year of teaching at Regent. I came to Regent after seven years of teaching at a State University in PA, and revitalization of my faith served as the impetus for my departure from that position. God began to trouble my waters and I was confronted with the challenge of using my gifts and abilities to further God’s Kingdom. I came home one night and the 700 club was on; they were highlighting the development of the theater. At that time the stage was just a big pit ready to take shape!

After pursuing an interview with a Dean at Regent, it became clear to me that the goal of the department was to create a “Regent revolution” and reclaim the arts for Christ. Regent was preparing students for the ministry and also to enter industries where they could be salt and light in the professional theater and the academy. I then met with the other faculty in the department and knew that they were people that I would want to work with. But I kept putting up obstacles because I was so comfortable where I was at, but I finally realized that if I didn’t go, it would be act of disobedience. I kept praying to God and asking Him to show me what I could bring to the department. The head of the department was a wonderful director and his approach came from a writer's perspective as he was a playwright. But what became very clear was that it was about the team, and everybody had their strengths. This propelled me to contribute to the university by starting the MFA acting program. And that was how it all began.

How do you encourage students to infiltrate the industry as Christians in the performing arts?

First it is important to know who you are and to establish that your identity is in Christ, it is not in any character you play or project you are involved in, and you must hold fast to that. You will constantly have to be an apologist for the faith. The main thing that I try to instill in my students is unless you are excellent in what you do, the industry is not going to care. However, if you are excellent in your craft, there is always going to be a place for you at the table. As a performer you should gather information for every project you are in. Ideally you’re able to gain an understanding of the arc of the story and the major themes. With that information you can make a determination concerning your involvement. We are looking at a generation that is starving for truth, and we need to tell the truth in a way that is an accurate representation of reality and not sugar coated. You must determine whether you are involved in a project that is saying something important and that people will benefit from. Seek an authentic voice. Do your research and if it says something important, then do it.

What has been the most meaningful show you have directed at Regent?

This is a difficult question to answer! Every role I’ve taken on or play that I’ve directed, I have fallen in love with. Every show has something to reveal about the human condition and how God has wired us to interact with each other and with Him. It’s my job to seek this out and underline it, so with that in mind, I fall in love with every show! However, if I had to select a show that especially stands out for the technical and creative aspects and the ability to create a sense of mystery and magic on stage, Macbeth was a performance that I was very pleased with. A favorite comedy that I did at Regent was through the professional theater that was in residence here for five years. Thirty-Nine Steps was a film adaptation and required comically adept actors. How to Succeed in Business, Guys and Dolls, and Arms and the Man are other favorites that brought different challenges and opportunities.

What advice would you give to a freshman entering your department?

First of all, ‘bravo’ in making the choice to pursue a liberal arts education through the lens of Christianity! That is to be commended because it is important to learn the skills to be a smart actor who is both well-read and broadly educated. In a conservatory, you will acquire excellent training when it comes to technique but your frame of reference or touchstone, the lens through which many tend to view the world, tends to be that of the theater, and this is not always helpful. Acquiring a broad based liberal arts education is commendable for the actor. Reading great works of literature and investigating other art forms in areas such as science is all “grist for the mill. Educate yourself about the world not just theater or cinema, for these are mirrors that reflect reality. My second piece of advice is to fully immerse yourself in the college experience. Take advantage of meeting people, auditioning, and attending campus events, so that you begin to feel like you are a part of the community.

Dr. Kirkland has been teaching for 25 years and recently directed the Regent Fall production, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.