Theatre Director
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Carrie Klewin Lawrence

Resumes, Teaching Philosophy


A Director, On or Off the Stage

I don't coach. I direct — actors, ensembles, entrepreneurs, and the occasional classroom of skeptical undergrads. Thirty-plus years of finding the story that's actually there, making the hard choices, and rehearsing until it works.


Education

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Stage Directing

The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC

Master of Arts (MA) - Theatre and Performing Arts

New York University

International Arts Administration (Graduate Studies)

New York University

International Educational Theatre/Theatre of the Oppressed (Graduate Studies)

Kings College, London, England

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Marketing/Public Relations

Loyola University, Baltimore, MD

International Study Abroad

Thailand, England, Spain, Holland, France, Germany

Additional Study With…

Richard Schechner, Ralph Lee, Paata Tsikurishvili, Jon Klein, Ming Cho Lee, Constance Hoffman, Molly Smith, Moises Kaufman, Mark Bly, Gregg Henry

Teaching Skills

My teaching philosophy centers on active engagement and personalized learning, honed through diverse experiences and a commitment to unlocking each student's potential.

Dedicated Professor

For over 30 years and 50+ college courses, I've seen that students thrive when given real stakes. I teach a wide range of theatre disciplines, focusing on empowering students to critically engage with stories, building and refining their understanding through active participation.

Online & Flipped Classrooms

A pioneer in digital education, I transformed traditional lecture-based formats into dynamic, ensemble-style online learning environments long before it became common. My approach ensures students actively "do" theatre, fostering deep engagement whether in a studio or on a screen.

Bilingual (Spanish)

My fluency in Spanish is more than a credential; it's a tool for connection. I've taught acting, improvisation, and personal branding in Madrid, skillfully navigating language barriers to ensure theatrical concepts resonate deeply with non-native English speakers and diverse international audiences.

Curriculum Development

Every course I design is meticulously crafted, much like blocking a scene, starting with the desired outcome and working backward through structure and pacing. From intensives to multi-year programs, my goal is to create frameworks that guide students to their own profound discoveries.

Diverse Student Populations

With experience teaching ESL in Bangkok, Madrid, and New York, as well as graduate actors and community college beginners, I adapt my methods to each student's unique needs. My focus is on understanding their individual starting points and opening the specific doors they need for growth.

Workshop Facilitation & Teaching

A sample of rooms I've directed in — on three continents, in two languages.

Womentum Leadership Conference

What's Your Origin Story? — Keynote & interactive workshop

Director's Lab West

Your American Theatre Origin Story — Pasadena, CA

NEVO Conference

The Director's Actor, The Actor's Director — New England Voice Over

Milwaukee Rep, PlayPenn, Hollins

Personal Branding for Theatre Artists

Applied Improvisation National Conference

Improvisation & Ensemble Creation

Dog Tag Bakery & Fellowship (4 years)

Finding Your Voice — Personal storytelling

TAI University Madrid

Personal Branding for Professional Actors (Spanish & English)

International Institute of Madrid

Acting, Improvisation, Public Speaking (English & Spanish)

Professional Affiliations

SDC Member

Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

Directors Gathering

Community of theater directors

ATHE & AATE

Theatre in Higher Education and Theatre Education Association

Directors Lab West

Alumna of 2006 program

Clients of All Levels Welcome

I've run this exact process with high schoolers doing their first cold read and executives who haven't left their notes behind in a decade — and watched the same exercise work on both. The tools I use are the same tools I've used directing professional casts for thirty years.

I just change what we're rehearsing for, and the outcomes we are looking for.

Actor, entrepreneur, graduate student, corporate team — there's no prerequisite except being willing to make a choice and see if it holds up under real lights.

You won't leave with a slogan. You'll leave with a story you can say out loud, in a room, without reaching for a script.

What People Are Saying...


"The instructor, with her passion, intuition, mindfulness, and intelligence, delivered valuable insights on understanding and overcoming imposter syndrome. Her interactive approach involved team-building, critical thinking, and stimulating our creative abilities. This class stands out as a unique and impactful experience, leaving a lasting impression on my life journey."


"Carrie is awesome. Full stop."


Have a role, a room, or a story that needs directing?

Let's talk.

Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss potential collaborations or have any questions about my work.

Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss potential collaborations or have any questions about my work.