Kait Kerrigan

Kerrigan grew up in a musical household and began writing songs as a teenager. She attended the University of Michigan, where she studied musical theatre and met Brian Lowdermilk in a songwriting class. Their first collaboration, The Bad Years, was written while they were still students and later premiered at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2004.

The duo's partnership is characterized by Kerrigan's sharp, emotionally resonant lyrics paired with Lowdermilk's eclectic pop-influenced scores. Their musicals include The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown (2011), The Bad Years, and We Aren't Kids Anymore. Their songs have been recorded by artists such as Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes, and are staples in audition rooms.¹

Beyond the duo, Kerrigan has written lyrics for film and television, including songs for the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World. She has received the Fred Ebb Award for Songwriting and a Jonathan Larson Grant. Her work has been praised for its contemporary voice and theatricality.

Kerrigan is also a sought-after teacher and mentor, having led workshops at NYU Tisch and the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. She has written songs for the TV series Nashville and contributed to the charity album Broadway Sings for Pride. Her early musical Henry and Mudge, based on the children's books, remains a favorite in youth theatre.

Librettist

The writer of the book or text of a musical or opera.

Fred Ebb Award

An annual award recognizing excellence in musical theatre songwriting.