Celebrated playwright, poet, actor, director, and producer Keenan Scott II returns to Mizzou, exchanging his role as Executive in Residence for a seat in the classroom. Scott was Mizzou’s featured Artist in Residence in fall 2023, hosting theatrical workshops for students in the College of Arts and Science. Now, he’s back to pursue his master’s degree in theatre and performance. We spoke with Scott, the Marcia Ann Berry Memorial Scholarship recipient, about his career goals, future projects, and why he chose Mizzou.

What inspired you to pursue a career in theatre?

My background is in SLAM poetry, so I had nearly four years of experience as a stage performer and writer before pursuing my bachelor’s degree in theatre arts. However, I hadn’t always planned on going to college. My original plan was to graduate from high school in Maryland, then return to New York, my hometown, and audition for roles while pursuing a career in music and art. When those plans didn’t pan out, I enrolled at Frostburg State University, where I majored in theatre because my goal was to become a writer, actor, and director for television and film. 

Why Mizzou?

During my Artist in Residence, I fell in love with the Mizzou campus and community. I felt truly embraced by the theatre department. After a few conversations with the faculty, I knew this was where I wanted to continue my higher education to pursue my dream of becoming a professor on the collegiate level. Attending Mizzou will help me achieve that goal.

What are you looking forward to the most about returning to Mizzou?

I’m obsessed with learning and excited about returning to campus. I will attend a few classes on campus this fall but will spend most of my time as a remote student. I look forward to performing my new one-man show “The Genius of Being Stupid” for Mizzou Theatre’s Life and Literature Performance Series. I can’t wait to see how the audience responds.