Keely Baisden Knudsen

CEO

Keely is an arts leader, educator, and advocate with more than two decades of experience building inclusive programs and leading mission-driven organizations. A graduate of NYU Tisch (BFA, first in class) and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (Master’s on full scholarship), she has taught at Fairfield University, Hartt School, Quinnipiac, and other universities and previously served as Director of Education for the Elm Shakespeare Company. Co-Founder and former Artistic and Executive Artistic Director of The Legacy Theatre (LegacyTheatreCT.org), Keely led the organization from its inception for 15 years. Her tenure included the restoration and operation of a historic theater with a successful 5 million dollar capital campaign, which was awarded Best Theatre on the Shoreline (2021), Best Nonprofit of the Year (2024), and Best of CT (2025). Under her leadership, the company produced professional seasons, Broadway concerts, festivals, community performances, and included a conservatory and educational outreach. She also founded Rewls Productions to develop and produce new works for the stage, and in 2018 established the Wheel Life Theatre Troupe (WheelLife.org) to provide tuition-free classes and performance opportunities for people who use mobility aids, an initiative rooted in her commitment to accessibility and equity. As a composer and lyricist, she has written book and lyrics for Ladies M (Latea Theatre/ NY Theatre Festival) and Joan Joyce (Seven Angels Theatre and Legacy Theatre), and created original music and adaptations for realized productions of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge and Marley, Peter and Wendy, and The Tales of Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh. Her published works include two editions of Monologue Book for All Ages… with Pointers (Kendall-Hunt) and Joan Joyce: the Wonder Girl, which has been published in two languages. Keely was honored to be awarded the “Women of Excellence” award by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce in 2021 and to receive the “Legacy Spotlight Award” in 2025. As CEO of the Stuttering Association for the Young, Keely draws on this background in creative expression, education, and advocacy to advance SAY’s mission of empowering young people who stutter and affirming that every voice deserves to be heard.