About Tom
Hello!
I have been a working theatrical professional for the past 45 years, working as an actor, director, scene designer, producer, and writer. Originally from Des Moines, companies credited to my resume include Charlie's Showplace Dinner Theatre, The Drake Opera, The Drama Workshop, The Old Creamery Theatre, The Iowa Theatre Artists Company, as well as many other arts groups around the state.
In 2014, my wife, Deb Kennedy, and I realized entertainment needs were changing; therefore we established TKM PRODUCTIONS. Our mission is to provide affordable entertainment that is as individual and unique as you. Whether you are planning a corporate event, or a family gathering, we can provide entertainment designed for your needs. Options range from dinner theatre productions, comedies, live music, or children's plays and workshops.
Tom Milligan and Humanities Iowa
I joined Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau 18 years ago with my one man show "GRANT WOOD: Prairie Rebel". Since then, I have added two more offerings -- "American Dreamer: The Life and Times of Henry A. Wallace", and most recently, "CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling" If you would like to book one of these presentations for your corporation, or non-profit group, you can do so at https://www.humanitiesiowa.org/speakers-bureau
CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit With Ding Darling
In 2016, Humanities Iowa partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to appoint Tom to write and produce a show about Pulitzer Prize winner and national conservationist, Jay N. D'ing Darling. This one act play was premiered at the 2016 Iowa State Fair, and has been in great demand ever since!
Photo: Tom as "Ding" at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel, FL PC: Deb Kennedy
Events & Testimonials
CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling
In this hour long presentation, Jay N. "Ding" Darling visits with the audience in his 11th floor office at The Des Moines Register. Beginning with his early years in Sioux City, where he became aware of the natural world around him, as well as his developing skills as an editorial cartoonist, he reflects upon his remarkable life journey. His story continues to include 2 Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoons for The Register, and a remarkable career as a nationally known conservationist. From the introduction of The Duck Stamp to the creation of the Natiional Wildlife Federation, Darling's influence was felt, not only through his cartoons, but through his actions as well. Considered by many to be one of the most influencial members of the modern conservation movement in the first half of the 20th century, the impact of his work is still felt today.
Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel
Grant Wood chats with the audience in this 45 minute, one man show, as if talking to an old friend across the backyard fence, or maybe at his home at Five Turner Alley in Cedar Rapids. He tells us about his life and how he changed the art world forever with his work. It is the man behind American Gothic that we hear and see, and the story of how he took the moments, the memories, and the people of our state, and showed the whole world the specialness of this place, Iowa. After the presentation, the audience is encouraged to ask questions about Grant Wood and his life.
American Dreamer: The Life and Times of Henry A. Wallace
In this one act play based on the award-winning book of the same name by Senator John C. Culver and John Hyde, Tom portrays Henry A Wallace, the agricultural innovator and founder of Pioneer Hi-Bred Seed Corn Company, who also became US Secretary of Agriculture, and later Vice President under Franklin Roosevelt. Admired by many and later branded as a Socialist during his controversial 1948 campaign for the presidency, Wallace always held out a vision for the future.
Testimonals
"His passion for both history and theatre is very evident during his presentations!"
"I learned more today from Tom's portrayal and performance than I did from any history class!"
"Outstanding. Professional. Captivating."
"Tom was very easy to work with, and very knowledgeable about his character. I loved talking to him after his performance."
"If you ever get a chance to hear Tom -- GO! You will be inspired!!! I was! I highly recommend it!"
"THANK YOU!!!....for all you do in delivering living history and conservation messages! Needed now more than ever!"
Upcoming Events
March 15, 2022 -- 12:00 PM
CARTOONS and CONSERVATION:
A VISIT WITH DING DARLING
Larkin Library & Envisioning Center
725 Main St.
Tabor, IA 51653
March 27, 2022 --2:00PM
CARTOONS and CONSERVATION:
A VISIT WITH DING DARLING
German American Heritage Center
712 W. 2 nd St.
Davenport, IA 52802
April 19th, 2022 -- 7:00 PM
GRANT WOOD: PRAIRIE REBEL
EE. Warren Opera House
156 Public Square
Greenfield, IA 50849
April 27, 2022 -- 3:00PM
GRANT WOOD : PRAIRIE REBEL
MorningStar at Jordan Creek
525 S. 60th St.
West Des Moines, IA 50266
April 28, 2022 -- 6:00 PM
GRANT WOOD : PRAIRIE REBEL
Friends of the Elkader Library
130 N. Main St.
Elkader, IA 52043
May 7, 2022 - 11:00 AM
AMERICAN DREAMER: THE LIFE and TIMES OF HENRY A.
WALLACE
People Active for Library Service
Stuart Public Library
111 E. Front St.
Stuart, IA 50250
June 24, 2022 -- 7:30 PM
GRANT WOOD : PRAIRIE REBEL
Scottish Rite Park
2909 Woodland Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50312
September 20, 2022 -- 6:30 PM
GRANT WOOD : PRAIRIE REBEL
Terrace Hill Historic Site
2300 Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50312
Booking Information
If you would like to book a presentation for your organization, contact me at least 2 months prior to your event, to make sure I am available for that date and for your location.
You can also do bookings thru Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau, and find more information at: www.humanitiesiowa.org
I hope to hear from you soon!