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Kari Barclay
Visiting Assistant Professor at Oberlin College
Professional Background
Kari Barclay is a dynamic theater director, writer, and educator whose vibrant career spans multiple disciplines intersecting the arts, education, and politics. With a strong commitment to effecting change, she collaborates with various stakeholders to dream new cultural narratives forward. Currently serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Theater at Oberlin College, Kari has cultivated a robust career that emphasizes the importance of the arts in fostering a more equitable society. Her experiences range from directing and serving as a playwright to working as an intimacy director, showcasing her multifaceted expertise in the theatrical landscape.
Prior to her current role, Kari has held numerous pivotal positions that have contributed significantly to her professional repertoire. She was previously an adjunct faculty member in the Performing Arts department at Saint Mary's College of California, where she imparted her knowledge and passion for theater to a new generation of artists. Kari’s academic journey is complemented by her active participation in various organizations and initiatives that advocate for the integration of the arts into community engagement and political awareness.
Education and Achievements
Kari's educational background is as notable as her professional endeavors. In 2021, she earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theater and Performance Studies from the prestigious Stanford University. This advanced degree equipped her with profound insights into the complexities of theatrical performances and their sociopolitical implications. Before this achievement, she attained her Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Political Science from Duke University, where she laid the foundation for her dual passions for art and advocacy.
Expanding her academic prowess, Kari also engaged with contemporary political philosophy during a transformative study at the University of Oxford. Simultaneously, she participated as a Human Rights Fellow at Humanity in Action, a position that illuminated her commitment to social justice and human rights through the lens of performance art. Furthermore, she has enriched her directorial skills through the La MaMa International Symposium for Directors, enhancing her practical knowledge in a global context.
Notable Contributions
Kari’s influence in the arts community extends beyond teaching and directing. She has served as the Co-Chair of the Stanford Graduate Student Council, where she helped advocate for student rights and interests within the university structure. Her earlier work as a Community Engagement Coordinator with the San Francisco Mime Troupe exemplified her dedicated effort to intertwine theatrical endeavors with community activism, fostering connections between art and social movements.
In the realm of theater direction, she has played a critical role in various organizations, including her impactful work as a Theatrical Director and Head of Programming for the Me Too Monologues, where she championed the voices of survivors through powerful storytelling. Her diverse experiences as a directing intern at Manbites Dog Theater and marketing/production intern at GALA Hispanic Theatre demonstrate her versatility and adaptability in differing theatrical environments. Through these roles, Kari has honed her ability to navigate the often-challenging waters of production, engagement, and community outreach while remaining focused on her mission to uplift artistic expression as a vehicle for change.
Kari Barclay is committed to being at the forefront of cultural discourse, utilizing her skills as a director, writer, and educator to inspire and facilitate dialogue among artists, audiences, and communities. As she continues her journey in academia and the arts, her vision remains clear: to make a significant impact at the intersection of the arts, education, and politics.
tags:[
theater director
writer
educator
PhD Stanford
performing arts
community engagement
human rights
duke university
arts advocacy
political philosophy
Stanford Graduate Student Council
Oberlin College
San Francisco Mime Troupe
Me Too Monologues
intimacy director
La MaMa International Symposium
Location
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