Megan Kelly Bates

Megan Kelly-Bates was in her first musical at the age of 5 and never stopped. Wanting to pursue a life in theatre, Megan received a Bachelor of Music from Oklahoma City University. While at college she was honored to study voice under the direction of Larry Wade Keller. It was at OCU she had the opportunity to sing for Kristen Chenoweth, Stephen Schwartz, Kander & Ebb, and John McDaniel (from the Rosie O’Donnell Show). Upon graduating with honors, Megan moved to NYC where she did many stage readings and concerts. Her biggest accomplishment was landing the role of Ishmeal in Cameron Mackintosh’s Moby Dick the Musical! Moby played at the Duke Theatre located on 42nd and Broadway. Megan can now be seen in the DFW area on many stages such as Watertower Theatre, Theatre Three, Casa Manana, and Contemporary Theatre of Dallas. Megan was named Best Belter in the 2008 Dallas Observers’ Best Of Issue. She is also has been the recipient of numerous Column Awards for both choreography and acting. For her role in Avenue Q she was named “D” Magazine’s Best Actress 2013.

When not teaching and managing Preston Center Dance she works with the Musical Theater class and productions at the Highland Park Middle School. She also assists and works with her mentor Michael Serrecchia in directing and choreography all over the DFW are.

Megan is married with three daughters Lilly, Molly and Daisy.

This is Megan’s 14th year with Preston Center Dance, but she has known Ms. Janis a lot longer. A huge influence in Megan’s love of musical theatre came from her first choreographer, Janis, in her first musical, The King and I when she was 5.