Adrienne Kress is an actor and writer with an honours BA in theatre from the University of Toronto and is a graduate of LAMDA’s post-graduate classical acting programme in the UK.
She’s the author of over a dozen award winning and internationally published children’s and young adult novels, including, most recently, her middle grade absurdist adventure trilogy The Explorers (Random House). Her latest YA novels based on the Bendy and the Ink Machine video game, (Dreams Come to Life, The Illusion of Living, The Lost Ones and Fade to Black) were Adrienne’s first foray into writing horror.
Her first graphic novel Ghost Circus, illustrated by Jade Zhang, comes out in 2025 (Union Sq & Co).
Her most recent screenwriting credits include My Singing Monsters: Fandemonium with Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, and the indie horror film The Devil Comes At Night (co-written with Scott Leaver and Ryan Allen). Her plays include A Weekend In The Country (Edinburgh Festival Fringe/Summerworks) and Sleepy Hollow, which was nominated for a Dora Award.
Also an actor, Adrienne has appeared in numerous plays, films and television shows, some of the latter include The Expanse (SyFy), The Hot Zone (Nat Geo), and American Gods (SyFy).
She currently lives in Toronto with her two guys: her husband Scott, and her cat Atticus. She also really likes cheese. And hot chocolate. But not necessarily together.
Presentations can be geared to any audience, for example, Writer’s Craft classes, writers’ groups, book clubs. The length of the presentation varies according to the needs of the group, but is most often 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours in length. The content can be individualized to suit the interests of the group, but usually covers topics like the trials and tribulations of getting published (including how to get a literary agent), the writing process, working with an editor, identifying your audience, trends in modern literature and the importance of studying past works and authors.
“It was all amazing, Adrienne Kress is a fantastic author and person, she is very engaging and super nice.”
“I really liked all the exercises, and how all the exercises really make you think. I think it really helped with my writing!”
— MASC Young Authors & Illustrators Participants, 2023
Workshops can be geared to any audience, for example, elementary school students, Writer’s Craft classes, writers’ groups, book clubs. The length of the presentation varies according to the needs of the group but is most often 1 1⁄2 hours to 3 hours in length, though it can be expanded. The content usually covers topics like honing your writing skills, creating your own voice, creating a “world” for your writing, the use of dialogue, humour – its types and where to use it – identifying your audience, etc.
"Adrienne first visited our school for a book reading and discussion about her writing career. We were so impressed with her dynamic and engaging approach to children that we immediately looked for other opportunities to bring this very talented individual back to the school. The almost-instantaneous connection she has made with our students is a testament to her extraordinary ability to work with young people. She has truly been a breath of fresh air, and I would very strongly recommend her to your programme, or any other in which she has the opportunity to share her expertise and her enthusiasm with children."
- Jonathan Harris, Head of School, Fieldstone Day School
Readings are 45 minutes to 11⁄2 hours in length depending on needs. Adrienne is comfortable with any group size. She has spoken to small groups in a cozy huddle on the floor in a library and to large groups of a couple of hundred in gyms and auditoriums.
As a passionate author, professional actor and teacher, Adrienne brings a large array of skills to her readings. She starts with a short talk about “how a book gets published” and “working with your editors is like working with your teacher,” continues with a dramatic reading from one of her books and ends with a question period and a book signing opportunity. When her session arises from one of her more swashbuckling books, Adrienne is happy to add a fencing lesson (no swords required!).
Virtual Visits consist of a reading and a lively Q & A.
