Dooris Leeper Award
Steve MacKinnon
Steve MacKinnon is a dynamic theatre artist dedicated to crafting uplifting and inclusive entertainment and educational experiences that have the power to inspire, challenge, and transform our world. Recognized as "Central Florida’s go-to guy for musical theatre" by the Orlando Sentinel, Steve has made impactful contributions to renowned Central Florida institutions such as Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Orlando REP, Orlando Shakes.
On a national scale, Steve's versatile expertise spans roles as a theater director, teaching artist, music director, conductor, and vocal coach, with collaborations for Disney Theatrical, Radio City Entertainment, Telsey Casting, MTV, Virgin Voyages, Universal Creative, and more. For the past 16 years, he has served as a resident teaching artist for the Disney Imagination Campus: Broadway Magic workshops at Walt Disney World, collaborating with Disney Theatrical Group, Disney on Broadway, and Disney Cruise Line. These workshops, reaching students locally and globally, have touched lives in countries including South Korea, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and Kenya.
Additionally, Steve passionately fulfills the role of Artistic Director for with St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Here, he pioneers community arts initiatives centered around intergenerational and accessible arts programming, career mentoring, and arts education for Central Florida's children and families. Steve envisions Theatre at St. Luke’s as an artistic haven, uniting professionals, early career performers, students, volunteers, first-timers, and retirees to grow, connect, serve, and forge meaningful relationships and networks in the culturally rich hub of Central Florida.