In this episode Humility and Confidence, we engage in a rich and thought-provoking conversation with acclaimed theater director, writer, and educator Karin Coonrod. Known for her innovative adaptations of classic works and her commitment to reimagining traditional spaces, Karin shares insights into her creative journey and philosophy on leadership, collaboration, and the power of storytelling.
A Creative Journey
Karin begins by recounting her unconventional path to becoming a director. Although she was not raised in a theater-centric family, her early love for literature, music, painting, and dance set the stage for her creative endeavors. A pivotal moment at the ancient Greek theater in Epidaurus, where she felt a profound call to pursue directing, ultimately changed her career trajectory. Karin describes how her first directing experiences at a boys’ school, with productions like Fiddler on the Roof and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, shaped her approach to leadership and her belief in taking creative risks.
Transforming Spaces into Theaters
Throughout the conversation, Karin reflects on her passion for transforming everyday spaces into immersive theatrical environments. She shares stories of staging productions in unexpected locations, from medieval Italian streets to basketball courts, always aiming to shift the audience’s perspective and foster deeper engagement. For example, she vividly describes her production of the medieval mystery plays in Orvieto, Italy, where she turned city streets and cathedral courtyards into stages, blending English, Italian, and Latin to create a powerful and inclusive theatrical experience.
Balancing Humility and Confidence in Leadership
Karin also shares her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of balancing humility and confidence. She believes that effective leadership in creative settings requires vision, but also a willingness to listen, collaborate, and adapt. Karin values the input of her collaborators and encourages actors and designers to bring their ideas to the table, though she remains deeply committed to the essence of what the project “wants to be.” She explains how her directorial approach is rooted in a profound respect for her team, clear communication, and a recognition of each individual’s strengths.
The Ephemeral and Eternal Nature of Theater
One of the central themes of the episode is the ephemeral yet eternal nature of theater. Karin explains that live performance, much like the Sabbath described by theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel, occupies a sacred space in time, allowing for moments of profound connection and reflection. This concept drives her pursuit of what she calls “radical presence”—a state in which actors and audiences alike are fully immersed in the shared experience of storytelling.
Teaching and Directing: Two Sides of Leadership
The conversation also explores the parallels between teaching and directing. Karin acknowledges that both roles require a form of performance and a deep sense of authenticity. She likens directing to guiding actors inward, helping them explore their characters with intellectual and emotional depth. Similarly, teachers must balance their roles as performers with the responsibility of creating meaningful connections with students. Steve and Anne reflect on the shared challenge of keeping audiences—or students—leaning forward, engaged, and participatory.
A Mentor’s Lasting Influence
Toward the end of the episode, Karin pays tribute to her mentor, Liviu Ciulei, whose poetic vision and mentorship profoundly shaped her as a director. She recalls assisting him at the Guthrie Theater and describes their close bond as one of mutual respect and inspiration. Karin’s story illustrates the lasting impact of a mentor who sees and nurtures an individual’s potential.
Final Reflections
This episode offers listeners a captivating exploration of creativity, leadership, and resilience. Karin’s reflections on the transformative power of theater and her thoughtful approach to collaboration provide valuable lessons for anyone in a leadership role. Whether you are a theater enthusiast, a teacher, or simply someone who appreciates the power of storytelling, this conversation is sure to resonate.
You can access the transcript and the captioned episode on YouTube:
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Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humility-and-confidence/id1651979285?i=1000684132906
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