Blayne Wiley is an accomplished theatrical actor, director, producer,  and the Artistic Director of  New World Shakespeare Company (NWSC) based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Known for bringing a modern, socially conscious perspective to classical theatre, Wiley co-leads the company alongside creative collaborators Dustin Kennedy, and Élise C. Hanson, in association with Lee Hollaar and Umbrella Theatre Company.

Theatrical Career & Vision

Through his work with New World Shakespeare, Wiley focuses on adapting classic scripts with modern interpretations that mirror and comment on contemporary societal issues. A core component of his artistic mission is community impact; each NWSC production is uniquely tied to a charitable campaign or local cause that directly correlates with the themes of the performance. Wiley's directing and production portfolio spans a wide array of reimagined classical works, including:

• A Midsummer Night's Dream: Directed a darker, more eldritch autumn take described as "Narnia for adults".
• Romeo and Juliet: Helmed a highly praised, age-flipped 2022 production set in a retirement community to emphasize the timeless and breathless nature of passion.
• Julius Caesar & Antony and Cleopatra: Directed and produced multi-faceted stagings of Shakespeare's Roman plays.
• The Seagull: Produced, acted, and served as the set designer for an adaptation of the Anton Chekhov classic.

Professional & Personal Life

Outside of the theatre community, Wiley has a long-standing career in professional instruction and program management, serving as the Program Administrator for the Massage & Bodywork program at Eagle Gate College in Salt Lake City, and Director of Education at Healing Mountain Massage School. He resides near Liberty Park in Salt Lake City with his husband and frequent theatrical design partner, Dustin Kennedy, along with their two cats, Dot and Jack. In his personal time, he is an avid hiker, gardener, and ocean enthusiast.

Community Integration

True to his philosophy of bridging local art with community support, Wiley’s productions actively coordinate with and extend gratitude to regional community pillars, charitable venues, and safe spaces—including partnerships and acknowledgments historically shared with supportive networks like the Whole Way House Integrative Therapies and Space to Shift.