BIO
Kennedy Tolson (she/her) is a Southern-born actor, educator, and storyteller with a voice rooted in warmth, precision, and power. Originally from the South and now based in California, Kennedy brings a vibrant blend of discipline, soul, and creative rigor to every role she inhabits. A classically trained performer with a modern edge, Kennedy is currently completing her MFA in Acting at UC San Diego, where she also teaches Introduction to Acting to undergraduate students, one of the top graduate training programs in the country. There she had the privilege of performing in classical works, new play development, and everything in between.
Her work spans stage and screen, from her TV appearance in ******** (Starz) to helping originating roles in bold new plays at institutions like La Jolla Playhouse (Emma Has Church, Marble Rooftop(workshop), Indian Princesses(u/s)). In 2025, Kennedy made her professional theatre debut in Deceived at The Old Globe, a moment she holds close to her heart.
Kennedy’s artistic voice is rooted in curiosity, rigor, transformation and a deep love of collaboration. She gravitates toward characters with fire, humor, contradiction, messy, and unapologetically human.
Before dedicating herself fully to acting, Kennedy was a Division I soccer player in the Big Ten, an experience that shaped her commitment to ensemble, resilience, and focus.She occasionally coaches kids, passing on both skills and encouragement—often with a side of baked goods from her kitchen. (Yes, she really can act and make a mean peach cobbler.)
Whether teaching, performing, or mentoring, Kennedy moves through the world with generosity, curiosity, and a fierce love of craft.
When she’s not on stage or set, you’ll find her mentoring young artists and athletes, deep in a book, watching tv or testing out a new skincare routine.
B.A. in Theatre and Communications, University of Maryland
M.F.A. Acting Candidate, UC San Diego (expected March 2026)