{{short description|American dramatist}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox person | name = Kimball Baden Allen | image = Kimball_Allen,_playwright.jpg | alt = | caption = | birth_name = | birth_date = {{Birth-date and age|February 22, 1982}} | birth_place = Blackfoot, Idaho, U.S. | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} or {{Death-date and age|Month DD, YYYY|Month DD, YYYY}} (death date then birth date) --> | death_place = | other_names = | spouse = {{marriage|Scott Wells|2016}} | occupation = Writer, performer | known_for = ''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon''<br> ''Be Happy Be Mormon''<br> ''Triple Threat w/ Kimball Allen'' }} '''Kimball Allen''' (born February 22, 1982)<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/KimballAllen/info Kimball Allen – About]. Facebook.</ref> is an American writer, journalist, playwright, and actor. He is the author of two autobiographical one-man plays: ''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon'' (2012) and ''Be Happy Be Mormon'' (2014). The latter premiered at Theatre Row in Manhattan on September 24 and 27, 2014, as part of the United Solo Theatre Festival. From 2015 to 2017 he hosted the recurring ''Triple Threat w/ Kimball Allen'', a 90-minute variety talk show at The Triple Door in Seattle.
==''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon''== ''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon'' is an autobiographical one-man play written and performed by Allen. In it, he reenacts the circumstances of his life that led him from a Mormon childhood through a life of addiction and, eventually, arrest.<ref>[http://w.broadwayworld.com/read.cfm?id=529975 ''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon'']. ''BroadwayWorld.com''. July 5, 2013.</ref><ref>Lee, Steve. [http://lgbtweekly.com/2013/07/05/the-city-top-to-bottom-109/ "''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon''"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615204222/http://lgbtweekly.com/2013/07/05/the-city-top-to-bottom-109/ |date=June 15, 2017 }}. ''LGBT Weekly''. July 5, 2013</ref>
Allen was born and grew up in Blackfoot, Idaho,<ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/people/bio/Kimball-Baden-Allen/ Kimball Baden Allen – Bio]. ''BroadwayWorld.com''.</ref> a religious, conservative region,<ref name=splash /> and he was one of eight children in an orthodox Mormon family.<ref name=nyt /> Even when he was small, his strict Mormon parents were concerned by what they perceived as unusual behavior and mannerisms on his part, and his mother preemptively warned him, "Boys don't kiss boys."<ref name=velazquez>Velazquez, Dagney. [http://kcstage.blogspot.com/search?q=Secrets+of+a+Gay+Mormon+Felon "''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon'' adds spice to KC Fringe Fest"]. ''KC Stage''. July 27, 2012.</ref>
At the age of 13, he was raped by an older man who befriended him at a mall.<ref name=nyt>Allen, Kimball. [https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/01/08/with-children-when-does-religion-go-too-far/my-mormon-family-loved-me-until-i-came-out "When Love Falls Short"]. ''The New York Times''. January 9, 2013.</ref><ref name=at1>Lumpp, Ray. [http://www.alltreatment.com/secrets-of-a-gay-mormon-felon "Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon: An Interview with Kimball Allen"]. ''All Treatment''. November 15, 2012. Part 1.</ref> To cope with this trauma, which he could not tell anyone about, he surreptitiously turned to alcohol, and eventually drugs. He began living a double life – a devout Mormon on the surface, and underneath a teen struggling with his sexual orientation, the rape trauma, and his growing addictions.<ref name=at1 />
Allen's family moved to Utah, the most heavily Mormon state in the U.S., when he was in his junior year of high school.<ref>Allen, Kimball B. [https://www.scribd.com/doc/117799260/Secrets-of-a-Gay-Mormon-Felon ''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305160505/https://www.scribd.com/doc/117799260/Secrets-of-a-Gay-Mormon-Felon |date=March 5, 2016 }}. 2012. p. 14.</ref> He came out to his parents as gay when he was 19. His parents responded that they couldn't support him in that capacity and that they were repulsed by him.<ref name=at2>Lumpp, Ray. [http://www.alltreatment.com/secrets-of-a-gay-mormon-felon "Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon: An Interview with Kimball Allen"]. ''All Treatment''. November 15, 2012. Part 2.</ref> According to Allen, coming out as gay in the Mormon community was "committing social suicide",<ref name=nyt /><ref name=at2 /> and he has also written that "I grew up gay in a loving, supportive Mormon family. When I came out, that love and support disappeared."<ref name=nyt />
In adulthood, his drug addictions spiraled further into cocaine, acid, and E, and eventually into a shopping addiction which led him to crave the high of larger and larger purchases.<ref name=at2 /> Given responsibility for a corporate credit card, he accidentally used it for a small expense of his own in 2010, and then started addictively embezzling the company's funds for luxuries via the card.<ref>[https://abc7news.com/archive/8074245/ "Man turns himself in for embezzling in Palo Alto"] . ''ABC 7 News''. ''KGO-TV''. April 15, 2011.</ref> The missing funds, totalling around $70,000,<ref name=koehn>Koehn, Josh. [http://www.sanjose.com/news/2011/05/02/santa_clara_county_district_attorney_plea_deal "Embezzler Avoids Jail Time"]. ''Mercury News''. May 2, 2011.</ref> were noticed in 2011, and Allen landed in jail awaiting trial. He went through detox in the jail cell,<ref>[http://newqueerontheblockmagazine.com/2013/05/20/meet-the-press-kimball-allen-revenge-advice-columnist-and-staff-writer/ "Meet the Press: Kimball Allen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203013119/http://newqueerontheblockmagazine.com/2013/05/20/meet-the-press-kimball-allen-revenge-advice-columnist-and-staff-writer/ |date=December 3, 2013 }}. ''New Queer on the Block''. May 20, 2013.</ref> and out of desperation began journal writing to make sense of how he ended up in that situation.<ref name=inmag>Caplan, Chris. [http://www.inmag.com/theatre/index.html "The Journey of a Gay Mormon Felon"]. ''In Hollywood'' Magazine. 2012.</ref>
After admitting to his crimes and making reparations,<ref name=koehn /> coming to terms with his addictions, and realizing he needed help, Allen continued his journaling during his recovery process.<ref name=at2 /> A coherent narrative eventually took shape, and the self-examination eventually became a script, with the additional help of many hours viewing home videos of himself as a child.<ref name=splash />
The completed play, ''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon'', premiered in Kansas City in the summer of 2012.<ref>[http://www.kcfringe.org/2012/images/2012FringeProgram.pdf KC Fringe Festival Program, 2012]{{Dead link|date=February 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. ''KCFringe.org''.</ref> It has also run in Honolulu<ref>[http://www.oahufringe.com/portfolioentry/secrets-of-a-gay-mormon-felon/ ''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon''] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20131126224616/http://www.oahufringe.com/portfolioentry/secrets-of-a-gay-mormon-felon/ |date=November 26, 2013 }}. ''Oahu Fringe''. 2012.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20231129194814/http://www.oahufringe.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Fringe2012OnlineProgramme.pdf Oahu Fringe Performing Arts Festival 2012 Programme]. ''OahuFringe.com''.</ref><ref>[https://www.scribd.com/doc/112057837/Fringe-Schedule-Online-Nov-3 Fringe Schedule Online]. ''Oahu Fringe Performing Arts Festival''. November 2012.</ref> and San Diego.<ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/san-diego/article/SECRETS-OF-A-GAY-MORMON-FELON-to-Play-San-Diego-Fringe-Festival-75-7-20130612 "SECRETS OF A GAY MORMON FELON to Play San Diego Fringe Festival, 7/5-7"]. ''BroadwayWorld.com''. June 12, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.sdfringe.org/shows/artists.php?id=268391 ''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505214059/http://www.sdfringe.org/shows/artists.php?id=268391 |date=May 5, 2016 }}. ''San Diego Fringe Festival''. July 2013.</ref>
A ''KC Stage'' reviewer of the play wrote, "I was skeptical about how engaging an hour long, one-man play ... could be. Fortunately, playwright, actor, and subject matter Kimball Allen possesses the assets of colorful material in his life story, a gift for story-telling, and a charisma that drew in the audience from beginning to end. ... The audience is swept up in his story while also discovering parallels in their own lives, places where they have tried to live up to standards and rules that are unrealistic or unhealthy."<ref name=velazquez />
''LA Splash'' wrote that "Through his play ''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon'', fascinating Seattle playwright Kimball Allen has found unexpected relief in reenacting painful moments from his life and sharing their impact with his audience. ... He finds the comparisons to essayist and fellow non-fiction funny-man David Sedaris to be an honor but what he finds most rewarding is the connection he makes with the audience on stage."<ref name=splash>Armour, Casandra. [http://www.lasplash.com/publish/cat_index_art_and_books/secrets-of-a-gay-mormon-felon-kimball-allen.php "''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon'' the Unexpected Play From Author Kimball Allen"]. ''LA Splash''. October 9, 2012.</ref> Allen has stated, "I want everyone to leave with a different perspective, but to understand that children are fragile, and when you raise a child there is a domino effect."<ref name=inmag />
''Ecumenica Journal'' called ''Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon'' "a mix of deeply personal confession and performance art". It went on to note that Allen's new theater work written after this play continues to explore "controversial topics and taboos within his former religion and his personal life".<ref>Beasley, Heather. [http://www.ecumenicajournal.org/special-features/interview-with-kimball-allen/ "Interview with Kimball Allen"]. ''Ecumenica: Journal of Theatre and Performance''. [http://www.ecumenicajournal.org/content/current-issue/ Fall 2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528163033/http://www.ecumenicajournal.org/content/current-issue/ |date=May 28, 2014 }}.</ref>
==''Be Happy Be Mormon''== Allen's second one-man play, the one-hour ''Be Happy Be Mormon'', premiered at Theatre Row in Manhattan on September 24, 2014, as part of the United Solo Theatre Festival, and due to the sold-out premiere it had a second performance on September 27.<ref name=second /> It previewed on September 4 and 5, 2014 in Seattle.<ref name=second>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BE-HAPPY-BE-MORMON-Gets-Second-Performance-at-United-Solo-Fest-20140910 "BE HAPPY BE MORMON Gets Second Performance at United Solo Fest"]. ''BroadwayWorld''. September 10, 2014.</ref><ref name=ustf>[http://unitedsolo.org/us/2014-behappybemormon/ ''Be Happy Be Mormon''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528074541/http://unitedsolo.org/us/2014-behappybemormon/ |date=May 28, 2014 }}. United Solo Theatre Festival.</ref><ref name=preview>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/seattle/article/Kimball-Allen-to-Debut-One-Man-Show-BE-HAPPY-BE-MORMON-at-NYCs-United-Solo-Festival-924-Gets-Seattle-Preview-94-20140610#.U9noX_lr4yo "Kimball Allen to Debut One-Man Show BE HAPPY BE MORMON at NYC's United Solo Festival, 9/24; Gets Seattle Preview 9/4"]. ''BroadwayWorld''. June 10, 2014.</ref> It is described as "A voyeuristic look into the childhood of a Bambi-loving vegetarian, ballet slipper-wearing, Diet Coke-drinking gay Mormon Boy Scout."<ref name=ustf /> The play relates his upbringing "as a fabulous black sheep" in a Mormon family he doesn't relate to, through "colorful narration, private home movies, songs, dance and the occasional acrobatics".<ref name=second /> He has stated that the inspiration for the show came when he read a lengthy letter his mother wrote before he was born, anticipating his birth and also his life and hoped-for achievements in the Mormon faith – achievements which he never fulfilled because of his true nature.<ref>[http://goseeashowpodcast.com/2014/09/26/kimball-b-allen-emma-hassett-of-be-happy-be-mormon/ "Kimball B. Allen & Emma Hassett of ''Be Happy Be Mormon''"]. ''Go See a Show!''. September 26, 2014.</ref>
In August 2014 Allen, who is an ex-Mormon,<ref>[http://repradio.org/2014/09/15/317behappybemormon/ Interview about ''Be Happy Be Mormon''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408111331/http://repradio.org/2014/09/15/317behappybemormon/ |date=April 8, 2016 }}. ''RepRadio.org''. September 15, 2014. (one hour audio)</ref> presented excerpts from and commentary on ''Be Happy Be Mormon'', plus a question and answer session, at the 2014 Sunstone Symposium, an annual gathering of Mormons, scholars, and others interested in the diversity and richness of Mormon thought and experience.<ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/salt-lake-city/article/Playwright-Kimball-B-Allen-to-Speak-at-Sunstone-Symposium-82-20140730 "Playwright Kimball B. Allen to Speak at Sunstone Symposium, 8/2"]. ''BroadwayWorld''. July 30, 2014.</ref><ref>[https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/audio-files-from-the-2014-salt-lake-symposium/ Audio Files from the 2014 Salt Lake Symposium: Session 354: BE HAPPY, BE MORMON: A Best-Selling Off-Broadway Performance (Kimball Allen, Mitch Mayne)]. Sunstone Symposium. 2014. (Session 354; audio is below session title.)</ref><ref>[http://issuu.com/sunstonesymposium/docs/final-program-sm/0 2014 Sunstone Symposium Program]. Sunstone Symposium. 2014. p. 41, No. 354.</ref>
==''Triple Threat w/ Kimball Allen''== On April 3, 2015, Allen presented and hosted ''Triple Threat w/ Kimball Allen'', a 90-minute variety talk show, at The Triple Door in Seattle.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peterson |first1=Tyler |title='Triple Threat w/ Kimball Allen' Set for The Triple Door, 4/3 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/seattle/article/TRIPLE-THREAT-w-KIMBALL-ALLEN-Set-for-The-Triple-Door-43-20150209# |website=Broadway World |date=February 9, 2015}}</ref> The lineup included a wide variety of local Seattle performers, entertainers, and celebrities, including author and activist Dan Savage and the Seattle Men's Chorus.<ref name=baume>Baume, Matt. [http://seattlegayscene.com/2015/04/kimball-allens-triple-threat-is-a-talent-show-with-actual-talent-including-mr-savage-mama-tits/ "Kimball Allen's 'Triple Threat' is a Talent Show with Actual Talent ... Including Mr. Savage & Mama Tits"]. ''Seattle Gay Scene''. April 4, 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Muha |first1=Janee |title=Kimball Allen Makes Good on His Triple Threa |url=http://jetspacestudio.com/kimball-allen-makes-good-on-his-triple-threat/ |website=Jetspace Studio |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412234951/http://jetspacestudio.com/kimball-allen-makes-good-on-his-triple-threat/ |archive-date=April 12, 2015 |date=April 5, 2015}}</ref> Reviewing the show in the ''West Seattle Herald'', Amanda Knox wrote that "Allen was as much a grateful host as a gleeful groupie, ever-ready and willing to make his party as much fun for his guest talent as for the audience."<ref name=knox>Knox, Amanda. [http://www.westseattleherald.com/2015/04/05/features/do%E2%80%99s-and-don%E2%80%99ts-kimball-allen%E2%80%99s-live-talkvari "The Do's and Don'ts of Kimball Allen's live talk/variety show 'Triple Threat' at the Triple Door, featuring ArtWest's Mathew Wright and Chelsea Le Valley"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112831/http://www.westseattleherald.com/2015/04/05/features/do%E2%80%99s-and-don%E2%80%99ts-kimball-allen%E2%80%99s-live-talkvari |date=March 4, 2016 }}. ''West Seattle Herald''. April 5, 2015.</ref> Matt Baume in ''Seattle Gay Scene'' wrote "It's like a talent show, but with actual talent. From his hosting station behind a desk, Kimball rotates through a grab bag of local performers like a star-studded episode of ''The Tonight Show''." Both Knox and Baume said they looked forward to future installments of the stage show.<ref name=baume /><ref name=knox />
The second ''Triple Threat w/ Kimball Allen'' was on August 28, 2015.<ref name="sets">{{cite web |last1=Peterson |first1=Tyler |title='Triple Threat' with Kimball Allen Sets Lineup for 8/28 Concert at The Triple Door |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/seattle/article/TRIPLE-THREAT-with-Kimball-Allen-Sets-Lineup-for-828-Concert-at-The-Triple-Door-20150807 |website=Broadway World |date=August 7, 2015}}</ref> The lineup of celebrities, entertainers, comedians, and musical performers included rock-music radio personality Marco Collins, and Daniel Blue, frontman of local Washington band Motopony. ''Seattle Gay Scene'' described Allen as "Seattle's very own version of Johnny Carson".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Strangeways |first1=Michael |title=Kimball Allen Returns To The Triple Door With More Triple Threats" |url=http://seattlegayscene.com/2015/08/kimball-allen-returns-to-the-triple-door-with-more-triple-threats/ |website=Seattle Gay Scene |date=August 27, 2015}}</ref> The third installment of ''Triple Threat'' took place on March 31, 2016, and was headlined by Emmy-winning actor and comedian Leslie Jordan.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peterson |first1=Tyler |title=Leslie Jordan & More Set for 'Triple Threat"Leslie Jordan & More Set for 'Triple Threat' at The Triple Door, 3/31 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/seattle/article/Leslie-Jordan-More-Set-for-TRIPLE-THREAT-at-The-Triple-Door-331-20160219# |website=Broadway World |date=February 19, 2016}}</ref><ref>Dutton, Earle. [http://equality365.com/leslie-jordan-is-back-in-seattle-with-triple-threat/ "Leslie Jordan Is Back In Seattle With Triple Threat"]. ''Equality 365''. March 25, 2016.</ref>
In 2017, in light of the current U.S. presidency, the producers added a more activist slant to the show, and the decision was also made to thenceforth donate all proceeds of each show to a non-profit.<ref>Uitti, Jake. [http://jetspacemagazine.com/kimball-allens-ode-to-seattle/ "Kimball Allen's Ode To Seattle"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110002423/http://jetspacemagazine.com/kimball-allens-ode-to-seattle/ |date=January 10, 2018 }}. ''Jetspace''. July 14, 2017.</ref> The lineup of the March 2017 show included a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood in addition to Seattle comedians and musicians, and all proceeds from the show went to Planned Parenthood.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cristi |first1=A.A. |title='Triple Threat' Returns to Triple Door Mainstage |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/TRIPLE-THREAT-Returns-to-Triple-Door-Mainstage-20170215 |website=Broadway World |date=February 15, 2017}}</ref><ref>Baume, Matt. [http://www.thestranger.com/events/24874055/triple-threat-with-kimball-allen "Triple Threat with Kimball Allen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317163439/http://www.thestranger.com/events/24874055/triple-threat-with-kimball-allen |date=March 17, 2017 }}. ''The Stranger''. March 13, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.thestranger.com/things-to-do/2017/03/13/25018522/the-61-best-things-to-do-in-seattle-this-week-march-13-19-2017 "The 61 Best Things To Do in Seattle This Week: March 13–19, 2017"]. ''The Stranger''. March 13, 2017.</ref> The July 2017 show included filmmaker Wes Hurley and "boylesque" performer Waxie Moon, and all proceeds went to the Vanderpump Dog Foundation.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cristi |first1=A.A. |title='Triple Threat' Returns with an Exciting New Lineup |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/TRIPLE-THREAT-Returns-with-an-Exciting-New-Lineup-20170612 |website=Broadway World |date=June 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://www.thestranger.com/events/25258052/triple-threat-with-kimball-allen "Triple Threat with Kimball Allen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707183315/http://www.thestranger.com/events/25258052/triple-threat-with-kimball-allen |date=July 7, 2017 }}. ''The Stranger''. July 6, 2017.</ref>
==Additional writings, performances, and activism== Allen has written an opinion piece for the ''New York Times''. In the article, he talks about "the negative effects religion can have, particularly when the individual doesn't fit into the dogmatic mold", and the spiral of addictions his unresolved resentment and anger led him to. He also discusses the familial, social, community, and religious repercussions of his coming out, which forever affected his ability to interact freely with his Mormon community.<ref name=nyt />
For ''Edge Seattle'', Allen's articles have included interviews with Jewel<ref name=jewel>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.edgeseattle.com/entertainment/music/reviews/performance/145545/jewel%E2%80%99s_greatest_hits_tour "Jewel's Greatest Hits Tour"]. ''Edge Seattle''. June 7, 2013.</ref> and Brian McKnight.<ref name=brian>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.edgeseattle.com/index.php?ch=entertainment&sc=music&sc2=reviews&sc3=performance&id=142239 "An Evening with Brian McKnight"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517114715/http://www.edgeseattle.com/index.php?ch=entertainment&sc=music&sc2=reviews&sc3=performance&id=142239 |date=May 17, 2014 }}. ''Edge Seattle''. March 17, 2013.</ref> He has also reviewed ''Sister Act: The Musical'',<ref>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.edgeseattle.com/entertainment/theatre/reviews/theatre_reviews/149096/sister_act:_the_musical "Sister Act: The Musical"]. ''Edge Seattle''. September 6, 2013.</ref> ''Other Desert Cities'',<ref>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.edgeseattle.com/entertainment/theatre//theatre_reviews/144340/other_desert_cities "Other Desert Cities"]. ''Edge Seattle''. June 10, 2013</ref> ''An Evening with Brian McKnight'',<ref name=brian /> ''Jewel's Greatest Hits Tour'',<ref name=jewel /> and ''Bumbershoot''.<ref>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.edgeseattle.com/entertainment/theatre/reviews/theatre_reviews/148249/bumbershoot_2013 "Bumbershoot 2013"]. ''Edge Seattle''. September 5, 2013.</ref>
For ''Capitol Hill Times'', he has interviewed John Densmore<ref>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/05/an-interview-with-the-doors-john-densmore/ "An interview with The Doors' John Densmore"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318122742/http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/05/an-interview-with-the-doors-john-densmore/ |date=March 18, 2015 }}. ''Capitol Hill Times''. May 23, 2013.</ref> and Ron Jeremy.<ref>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/05/when-a-legendary-porn-star-visits-the-hill-as-a-rum-connoisseur/ "When a legendary porn star visits the Hill as a rum connoisseur"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606091830/http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/05/when-a-legendary-porn-star-visits-the-hill-as-a-rum-connoisseur/ |date=June 6, 2013 }}. ''Capitol Hill Times''. May 2, 2013.</ref><ref>O, Kelly. [http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/drunk-of-the-week/Content?oid=16635982 "Ron Jeremy at Linda's Tavern"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505234042/http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/drunk-of-the-week/Content?oid=16635982 |date=May 5, 2013 }}. ''The Stranger''. May 1, 2013.</ref> He has also reported on various local arts<ref>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/04/seattle-fringe-festival-a-call-for-artists-and-volunteers/ "Seattle Fringe Festival: a call for artists and volunteers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722124235/http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/04/seattle-fringe-festival-a-call-for-artists-and-volunteers/ |date=July 22, 2013 }}. ''Capitol Hill Times''. April 25, 2013.</ref><ref>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/06/artist-trust-makes-it-possible-for-artists-to-stay-on-the-hill/ "Artist Trust makes it possible for artists to stay on the Hill"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021112842/http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/06/artist-trust-makes-it-possible-for-artists-to-stay-on-the-hill/ |date=October 21, 2013 }}. ''Capitol Hill Times''. June 6, 2013.</ref> and political issues<ref>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/05/trouble-in-pot-paradise-legalization-is-not-out-of-the-weeds-yet/ "Trouble in pot paradise? Legalization is not out of the weeds yet"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828190800/http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/05/trouble-in-pot-paradise-legalization-is-not-out-of-the-weeds-yet/ |date=August 28, 2013 }}. ''Capitol Hill Times''. May 16, 2013.</ref> and Seattle's gay scene.<ref>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/04/raise-funds-have-fun-and-ruffle-some-feathers-three-dollar-bill-cinemas-birdcage-annual-dinner-and-auction/ "Raise funds, have fun, and ruffle some feathers: Three Dollar Bill Cinema's Birdcage Annual Dinner and Auction"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424112259/http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/04/raise-funds-have-fun-and-ruffle-some-feathers-three-dollar-bill-cinemas-birdcage-annual-dinner-and-auction/ |date=April 24, 2015 }}. ''Capitol Hill Times''. April 4, 2013.</ref><ref>Allen, Kimball. [http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/02/there-is-no-drag-in-this-show/ "There is no drag in this show"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519013513/http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2013/02/there-is-no-drag-in-this-show/ |date=May 19, 2015 }}. ''Capitol Hill Times''. February 14, 2013.</ref>
In 2013, he taught workshops on "Discover Your Proud Voice Through Performance" at the annual conference of True Colors,<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20150116221425/http://www.ourtruecolors.org/Programs/Conference/PDF/TC-20-conference-guide-with-ads.pdf ''True Colors 20'']}}. March 21–23, 2013.</ref> a large non-profit conference which mentors LGBT youth.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20091221000338/http://www.ourtruecolors.org/About/index.html About True Colors]}}. ''OurTrueColors.org''.</ref> He also appears in the "No More Fear" video, a part of the "AIDS Is Going to Lose" PSA project.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160405081054/https://zooppa.com/en-us/ads/chevron-aids-is-going-to-lose/videos/no-more-fear "No More Fear"]}}. [http://www.chevron.com/aids/ ''AIDS Is Going to Lose''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307093531/http://www.chevron.com/aids/ |date=March 7, 2020 }}.</ref>
He has also done additional performing. In 2014 in Seattle he performed at Mortified Live,<ref name=bww1010 /> and at A Guide To Visitors—The Best of Stories On Stage.<ref name=bww1010>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/seattle/article/Theatre-Off-Jackson-Presents-Kimball-Allen-in-GHOST-STORIES-20141010 "Theatre Off Jackson Presents Kimball Allen in GHOST STORIES"]. ''BroadwayWorld''. October 10, 2014.</ref> In November 2015 he performed a monologue in "Arctic Entries" for Alaska Public Media in Anchorage, where he had previously resided,<ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/anchorage/article/Arctic-Entries-Presents-Kimball-Allen-1110-20151109 "Arctic Entries Presents Kimball Allen Tonight"]. ''Broadway World''. November 10, 2015.</ref><ref>Gokey, Monica. [http://www.alaskapublic.org/2015/11/20/delusion-stories-of-seeing-things-defying-reality-and-sky-high-dreaming/ "Delusion: Stories of Seeing Things, Defying Reality and Sky-High Dreaming"]. ''Alaska Public Media''. November 20, 2015.</ref> and in March 2018 he performed in Phoenix, Arizona at a revue called Arizona Storytellers: Stylish Stories.<ref>Palmieri, Grace. [https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/events/storytellers/2018/03/06/arizona-storytellers-stories-fashion-march-phoenix-art-museum/386706002/ "Arizona Storytellers shares stories about the meaning of fashion"]. ''The Arizona Republic''. March 6, 2018.</ref>
In January 2017, Allen and his husband, who had both obtained 2017 Presidential Inauguration tickets in October 2016 expecting Hillary Clinton to win, attended the inauguration of Donald Trump.<ref name=flew>Brownstone, Sydney. [http://www.thestranger.com/slog/2017/01/19/24812167/this-gay-couple-got-inauguration-tickets-when-they-thought-hillary-would-win-heres-why-they-flew-to-dc-anyway "This Gay Couple Got Inauguration Tickets When They Thought Hillary Would Win. Here's Why They Flew to DC Anyway."] ''The Stranger''. January 19, 2017.</ref><ref name=protests>Brownstone, Sydney and Heidi Groover. [http://www.thestranger.com/features/2017/01/25/24821944/we-survived-trumps-inauguration-tear-gas-and-protests-bring-on-the-next-four-years "Scenes from the Trump Inauguration: 'Nazis Are Real.'"]. ''The Stranger''. January 25, 2017.</ref> After the couple's disappointment over the election results, Allen came to feel that attending the inauguration, holding his husband's hand, was an important way to represent out, proud gay couples in America, and that doing so was their way of protesting and of holding Trump accountable.<ref name=kqed/><ref name=brunner>Brunner, Jim. [http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-trump-inauguration-celebrations-marches-protests/ "Seattleites to mark Trump inauguration by some celebrations – but also marches and protests"]. ''The Seattle Times''. January 15, 2017.</ref>
Following a move to Scottsdale, Arizona, Allen began hosting a series of what he calls Casa Concerts, featuring local and touring musicians and comedians, in his home each month beginning in November 2017.<ref name=CasaOctober2017BWW/><ref>[https://www.broadwayworld.com/phoenix/article/Scottsdale-Casa-Concerts-present-MOB-VS-BALLOT-BOX-20171127 "Scottsdale Casa Concerts present MOB VS. BALLOT BOX"]. ''Broadway World''. November 27, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/event/scottsdale-casa-concerts-present-breakup-shoes-and-matt-storrs-9813604 "Scottsdale Casa Concerts Present: Breakup Shoes & Matt Storrs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625215051/http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/event/scottsdale-casa-concerts-present-breakup-shoes-and-matt-storrs-9813604 |date=June 25, 2018 }}. ''Phoenix New Times''. November 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.thegreaterpurposeproject.com/superhero-squad.html "Calling All Superheroes... Yes That's You!"]. ''TheGreaterPurposeProject.com''. Retrieved April 30, 2018.</ref>
==Personal life== Allen lived for many years in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle.<ref name=revgay>[http://revolutionarygaymagazine.tumblr.com/post/47916461782/kimball-allen-the-voice-of-reason "Kimball Allen: The Voice of Reason"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528100748/http://revolutionarygaymagazine.tumblr.com/post/47916461782/kimball-allen-the-voice-of-reason |date=May 28, 2014 }}. ''Revolutionary Gay Magazine''. April 13, 2013.</ref> He married Scott Wells in October 2016.<ref name=kqed>Leitsinger, Miranda and Guy Marzorati. [https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/01/18/wethepeople-meet-the-californians-in-d-c-for-inauguration-week/ "#wethepeople: Meet the Californians in D.C. for Inauguration Week"]. ''KQED News''. January 18, 2017.</ref><ref name=brunner/> As of late 2017, they live in Scottsdale, Arizona.<ref name=CasaOctober2017BWW>[https://www.broadwayworld.com/phoenix/article/Scottsdale-Casa-Concerts-Present-Breakup-Shoes-and-Matt-Storrs-Next-Month-20171025 "Scottsdale Casa Concerts Present Breakup Shoes and Matt Storrs Next Month"]. ''Broadway World''. October 25, 2017.</ref>
He is an Eagle Scout.<ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/boston/article/Oberon-Theatre-Presents-Kimball-Allen-in-MORTIFIED-LIVE-20161101 "Oberon Theatre Presents Kimball Allen in MORTIFIED LIVE"]. ''Broadway World''. November 1, 2016.</ref>
==References== {{reflist|2}}
==External links== * [https://www.dramatistsguild.com/memberdirectory/getmembership.aspx?cid=40768 Kimball Allen] at the Dramatists Guild of America (archived 2016) * [https://web.archive.org/web/20170706014407/http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsA/allen-kimball.html Kimball Allen] at Doollee.com (archived 2017)
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Allen, Kimball}} Category:1982 births Category:American gay writers Category:American gay actors Category:21st-century American dramatists and playwrights Category:Masters of ceremonies Category:Gay dramatists and playwrights Category:Writers from Idaho Category:Male actors from Idaho Category:American LGBTQ dramatists and playwrights Category:LGBTQ people from Idaho Category:Writers from Seattle Category:Male actors from Seattle Category:Former Latter Day Saints Category:Living people Category:People from Blackfoot, Idaho Category:American male dramatists and playwrights Category:21st-century American male writers Category:LGBTQ rights activists from Washington (state)