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“If you don’t understand yourself, you don’t understand anybody else.” | Nikki Giovanni
Philip Kershaw is a versatile actor, director, and writer hailing from the Greater Washington, D.C. area. He earned his MFA in Acting from the University of Houston and holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park. In his young, but prolific, career, he has contributed to numerous regional theater productions across the country. Philip views each project as an opportunity for growth and artistic refinement. He believes in the power of storytelling to both preserve histories, and bring a touch of magic into people's lives.
PRESS
“The astonishing final scene of Samuel D. Hunter’s brilliant play will steal your breath, especially as played by the Kitchen’s two superb actors, Philip Kershaw and David McElwee… Kershaw initially plays close to the chest, holding his professionalism like a shield. Deep currents surface as the play proceeds, and the actor rotates through panic, old wounds, betrayal and a sort of rage”
| Ross Haarstad, Ithaca Stages on A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
“While the play itself is deeply engaging, Kershaw and McElwee bring a remarkable authenticity to the characters that will etch them in your memory."
| Barbara Adams, Ithaca Times on A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
“...the success of this production relies on [James] Black's clear direction and Kershaw's chameleon performance. Kershaw does a phenomenal job in using his voice and physicality to distinguish between the three clones... Despite being clones, each feels distinctly different. It's almost like science can't entirely account for human and personality difference.”
| Ada Alozie, The Houston Press on A NUMBER
“Even though the surprises and twists and turns keep things lively, this is a still a character-driven play, and the acting is excellent… it was a pleasure watching Philip Kershaw playing multiple roles with aplomb.”
| Doni Wilson, The Houston Chronicle on A NUMBER
“Philip Kershaw, provides the other extraordinary performance…His physical features and voice change with each role, and sometimes, like [Ciara] Anderson, it isn't easy to assume that it is the same actor. A personal favorite moment is whenever the characters Alma and Roberto Aviles grace the stage. Anderson and Kershaw play these characters with such love and beauty. I would love a whole production based around these characters.”
| Armando Urdiales, BroadwayWorld Houston on APOLLO 8
“Kershaw’s lothario Tommy is a very interesting mailman who says he loves Darja but has a hard time staying faithful. In his own way, Tommy is as stubborn as his reluctant partner is. Kershaw is the perfect foil for [Lucy] Carapetyan as the two negotiate their relationship in what are some of the show’s most tender moments.”
| Judy Harrison, Bangor Daily News on IRONBOUND
"Kershaw has the difficult task of making the loud, controlling, cheating Tommy also loveable, which he rather sneakily does. Like Darja, as we see him gradually come down off his high horse and try to understand her and her priorities, and start trying to convince her to meet him half way rather than bully her, we begin to forgive him his trespasses and hope these two finally find a way forward.”
| Nan Lincoln, The Ellsworth American on IRONBOUND
“Shultz, played by Philip Kershaw, is laconic, endearingly awkward, and sensitive. Kershaw’s portrayal is a heartbreaking standout. The actor physically, verbally, and emotionally commands the audience’s attention, while his considerable comedic skills are always grounded in humanity and truthfulness to the moment.”
| Alix Woodford, The Keene Sentinel on CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION
“Marcus is the hero of the play. His is the strongest role, both as written and as performed by Philip Kershaw, who incorporates a kind of confidence, bordering on serenity, into the part.”
| Ravelle Brickman, DC Theatre Arts on A BURIAL PLACE
Podcast Interview
2024
EMBRACING ARLINGTON ARTS: Philip Kershaw
Janet Kopenhaver and I discuss my life and career from the beginning! We also cover working on WITCH and THURGOOD at North Carolina Stage Company.
Directing Interview
2024
HOUSTON PRESS - KING JAMES Preview
Margaret Downing and I discuss the process of bringing the Regional Premiere of KING JAMES, by Rajiv Joseph, to Houston.




