WILLIAM EVAN KILGORE

Biography

William Evan Kilgore, born in Durham, North Carolina, hails from Wichita, Kansas, where he developed a life of passion and adventure at a young age, in the areas of musical performance, competitive swimming, and in travel and tourism.  Evan has performed extensively across The United States and in Europe, with such companies as Music Theatre of Wichita, Signature Theatre, The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, and Red Mountain Theatre Company, and in such venues as St. Paul's Cathedral, London, The Opéra Garnier, Paris, and in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome.  At the age of 17, Evan was selected to study at Carnegie Mellon University's Pre-College Musical Theatre Intensive Program and continued his studies at The University of Miami Musical Theatre Conservatory, where he received The Constance Weldon Scholarship.  Evan concluded his undergraduate studies at The University of Kansas, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Voice.  While at The University of Kansas, Evan was selected to serve as The Singing Ambassador for The University, traveling by The University's private jet to entertain at regular shows and ceremonies.  Over the years, Evan has portrayed starring roles in various productions, including Aladdin, Cats, Aida, High School Musical, The Secret Garden, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  For his talents and abilities, Evan has received numerous accolades and awards, including winning The American Idol Experience in Orlando, Florida, winning The Voice of the Ocean aboard Princess Cruises, and winning Best Singer at Disney's "Night of Stars" Concert.  Evan has also been featured on American Composer Jeremy West's album For Every Season, for which Mr. West wrote arrangements specifically tailored for Evan's voice.  Major teachers include Wayne Bryan, Dr. Julia Broxholm, John Staniunas, James Ockerman, Bruce Miller, Jennifer Burke, David Williams, and Karin J. Bejerano.   Evan's rich vocal timbre possesses a quality that is both lyrical and full of prowess, readily aiding him to cross genres into the likes of Classical, Pop, Jazz, and Contemporary Christian.  In addition to his work onstage, Evan has also worked in theatrical management, where he has previously served as stage manager, props master, wardrobe assistant, and prominently worked as an Entertainment Coordinator for The Walt Disney World Resort for two years.  

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An actor is always a storyteller, and Evan's story continued to cross genres as he entered the world of travel and tourism.  In 2010, Evan studied at L'Accademia del Giglio in Florence, Italy, studying Italian Language, Art, and Culture.  It was during this study abroad that Evan's irrepressible affinity for Italian culture was ignited, immersing himself and taking students on weekend trips to Pisa and to The Cinque Terre.  After two years working in Entertainment Management with The Walt Disney World Company, Evan satisfied his wanderlust, honing his skills at The International Tour Management Institute, the premier academy for Tour Managers.  After successful graduation, Evan received his professional international certificate and was also gainfully employed by Collette Vacations, the oldest North American tour operator.  Over the past eight touristic seasons, Evan's touring schedule has seen him managing tours across Europe, The United States, and in The South Pacific.  His performance in the eyes of his clientele continues to be well-received, earning him awards over two consecutive years for Overall Excellent Ratings on the customer surveys.  Combined with his work managing tours, Evan has now traveled to over fifty countries across six continents.  Evan's background in theatre vastly supports the execution of his tours, where he uses such skills as clarity of vocal diction, theatricality, and reenactment to deliver memorable messages for his guests.  

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In addition to his pursuits in the fields of theatre and travel, Evan is an accomplished competitive swimmer.  He was previously an American nationally ranked swimmer and swam with The Wichita Swim Club, where he trained with Former Olympian Caroline Bruce.  Evan's natural versatility shined in the pool, leading him to capture qualifying "best times" at regional competitions in such varied events as 200 Butterfly, 200 Backstroke, 200 Breaststroke, 200 & 400 Individual Medley, and in the 200, 400, 800, & 1500 Freestyle.  Evan was recruited by New York University to swim on their varsity swimming squad, but he ultimately chose to pursue the performing arts.  However, Evan never stopped swimming and continued to train with such Masters Programs as The Birmingham YMCA and The Winter Park YMCA Aquatics.  He now trains with Nuoto Master Verona in Verona, Italy.