Karen Burthwright
is a Black Actor, Singer, and Dancer. Most recently, Karen won the 2020 Merritt Award for Best Supporting Actor for her portrayal of 'Shug Avery' in the Canadian Premiere of The Color Purple at Neptune Theatre in Halifax, NS.
CAEA, ACTRA, AEA, SAG/AFTRA
Karen is a Toronto born actor/singer/dancer/choreographer, who has lived in the US for the past 10 years. In 2016, she co-choreographed the Mickey's Storybook Express parade at Disney’s newest theme park in Shanghai. In both 2018, and 2020 Karen taught musical theatre workshops, dance intensives, was an MTI choreographer/Open Jar Institute representative, and judged/responded to the Irene Ryan Finals in Region 5 at KCACTF. Favorite Theatre credits include: The Color Purple 'Shug Avery' (Neptune, The Citadel/RMTC), Paradise Square (Berkeley Rep), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change 'Woman 2' (George Street Playhouse), Play Like A Winner 'Janet' (NYMF 2017), Broadway/Off-Broadway:Jesus Christ Superstar 'Soul Sister' (2012 Revival), Disenchanted 'Princess Who Kissed The Frog US/Dance Captain (Westside Theatre); Chicago: Sweet Charity 'Nickie' (Writers' Theatre), Ragtime, Hot Mikado, and Aida (DruryLane Oakbrook). Regional/Canada/1st National Tours: Sousatzka 'Swing/Dance Captain' (The Elgin Theatre), Cabaret (Cape Playhouse), Smokey Joe's Cafe 'Brenda' (FST), Jesus Christ Superstar 'Soul Sister' (La Jolla Playhouse/Stratford Festival), Dirty Dancing (Nat. Tour) 'Featured Female Vocalist', Hairspray (Nat. Tour)'Dynamite', Mamma Mia (Nat. Tour) 'Lisa'.
Instagram @kburth
Twitter @KBurthwright
visit Karen’s website here