Biography and Press

This dual citizen is originally from California, and grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She has performed and trained across the US and Canada at some of North America's top theatre schools including Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia), Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, California), and the prestigious Sheridan Institute Musical Theatre-Performance Program [Honors Graduate] (Oakville, Ontario).

Since graduating from Sheridan, she has joined both CAEA and ACTRA, she has booked film roles for Netflix, Lifetime, Showcase, CityTV, CBC, TVTropolis, and more, and has worked for Neptune Theatre, Two Planks And A Passion, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Chester Playhouse, The Georgian Theatre Festival, etc. 

Kiki is passionate about creating work for herself and her peers, and is the co-founder of 521 Films; most recently having written/ directed/ produced a series Pilot called "The Sunny Daye Show", in which she plays the title character, and "Kiki Show", a sketch comedy vlog most known for her original character, Kaitlyn Ogilvie.


Kirstin is the daughter of Robin and Beth Howell, and has one sister, Nisa Renault.
Photo credits: www.521photography.com

Press: 

The Chronicle Herald Review of The Highest Tides at The Chester Playhouse: HERE.

The Chronicle Herald Review of God Of Carnage at The Chester Playhouse: HERE.

 "As Billie, Howell is perfectly pitched as a panicked woman too nervous to grip her gun... Bound and gagged, don't miss Howell trying to open a door.  Also don't miss her as Billie has to recount the day's goofball situations; Howell shoots through the day like that Fed Ex talker on a mission to make you scream with laughter." The Sierra Lodestar review of Unnecessary Farce

"Making a remarkable SRT debut, Kirstin Howell gives an indelible performance as Eric's endearing undercover partner, Billie, who makes up in enthusiasm what she lacks in policing skills.  Howell is particularly adept at physical comedy and makes the most of her character's hilarious antics...  This well-executed and perfectly timed farce delivers wacky, unrestrained fun and prologed laughter." The Union Democrat review of Unnecessary FarceKathie Isaac-Luke. Full review click HERE.

Chronicle Herald Article about Kirstin's roles in Lizzie Borden and Mimi: click HERE.

"Kirstin Howell and Ann Doyle as the wicked step-sisters are exquisite.  They’re at once gigantic presences and subtle comedians, completely alive in their own evil world." Read the whole review HERE.

"The journey from cold skepticism to belief is most strongly told in Rose’s journey. Howell does an amazing job of slowly transforming her character from a hardbitten, city girl to a deep thinking and feeling young woman. Her confusion and internal changes are beautifully read on her face and in her large, clear eyes. Howell has a great, expressive voice." Read the whole Chronicle Herald review of The Miracle ManHERE.

"... and Kirstin Howell bring emotional heart to the play in their respective portrayals of Mr. And Mrs. Banks, creating characters that the audience can empathize with." Read the whole review from The Coast HERE.

"Kirstin Howell as his actress-turned-society wife is a very sympathetic character, beautiful in her creamy Edwardian dresses and yearning for approval and affection." Read the whole Chronicle Herald review of Mary Poppins Here.

"Kirstin Howell, her beautiful face beneath a towering blond wig, is a striking Mimi. She has a vivid stage presence and highly expressive face and voice. She is quick on the comedy and fierce when she needs to be." Chronicle Herald review about Mimi: click HERE.

"Kirstin Howell’s Mimi is delightfully insouciant and saucy. " Read the whole review of Mimi from The Coast HERE.

"The dynamic between Kirstin Howell’s Heidi and Ann Doyle’s Susan is brilliantly funny...  Howell’s Heidi has a distinctive professionalism about her, strength of character and smarts which makes her a worthy counterpart for “corporate whore” Susan. I hope to see much more of Howell and Doyle working together in the future; they are a dynamic duo."  Amanda Campbell, TWISI Blog, about her role as Heidi in [title of show] (TheatreSpeak). 

"Kirstin Howell sparkles as Z from the second she turns her wide eyes on the man, A... Howell's whole demeanour is of sunlight, and despite her lower-class accent, Z's confidence and intelligence make her capable of shrewd observations.  Howell's character is charming..."  Elissa Barnard, THE CHRONICLE HERALD, about her role as Z in VILLAGE WOOING (Chester Playhouse)  thechronicleherald.ca/ArtsLife/1198005.html