Kristen Ballard (Nishikawa) is a writer with a background in comedy, directing, and performance. She trained in improv, sketch, and character work at the Upright Citizens Brigade.

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Her work has appeared on Funny or Die, WhoHaHa, and Good Morning America. As Executive Producer/Director of Forgotten Umbrella Productions, Kristen created comedy shorts, music videos, and branded content that screened at festivals including the NYC Independent Film Fest and the Always Happy Video Comedy Bop featuring Phoebe Robinson. Her shorts have also been recognized as finalists at the Austin Micro Short Film Festival, Houston Comedy Film Festival, and Battle of the Sketches. Through Micro Mania Film Fest, she joined a panel on “Comedy in Micro” hosted by Mark Duplass.

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After stepping away from production due to a heart condition, Kristen has returned to her first love: writing. She is chronicling her health journey on Substack in Old at Heart and is developing a comedy feature and a collection of comedy plays for kids, both slated for completion in early 2026.

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Kristen earned her BA in Theatre from Transylvania University in Lexington, KY (not Romania). She has also taken courses with Robert McKee, The Second City, Script Anatomy, Intimacy Directors International, Screen Artists Co-op, and the Society of American Fight Directors. She is bicoastal and happy to write in either LA or NYC. Kristen recently married her husband and looks forward to many more days together of eating octopus balls and hoarding tchotchkes.

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Seeking Representation