KAREN ROOT
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PROFiLE
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For me, theatre is a seductive combination of activity and outcome. A reflective and truthful process can result in entertainment, transformation, even activism. I am privileged to be a part of that transformative power.
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EXPERiENCE
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PRINCIPAL
KAREN ROOT DESIGN; WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT, 2000-present
Design sets for theatre and television. Involved in all aspects of the creative process—from negotiation and budgeting to on-location services.
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ASSISTANT SET DESIGN, SCENIC ART, PROPERTIES
CHENEY DESIGN; STRATFORD, CONNECTICUT, 2001-03
Most frequently functioned as an assistant designer and scenic artist at this scenic design and scenic art studio. For television, worked on location for the entire shoot—managing all set changes and on-camera prop use. Usually worked with the principal on location, but also managed numerous shoots alone as lead designer.
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THEATRE EDUCATION
Design student productions for youth theatre organizations, including Something Good in the World, Penny Lane Players, Child’s Play NY, Core Collaborative, Greenwich Arts Council, T.EA.C.H., and others.
Organize Shakespeare workshops, design workshops, and theatre history classes.
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EDUCATiON & TRAiNiNG
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University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario — Honors B.A. Drama and English, summa cum laude, 2001
Graduated as top student in the Theatre Department, winning more than 11 awards and scholarships
Elected Student Representative for University of Toronto UC Drama Program Design students, 2000-01
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State University of New York, Purchase —Watercolor, 2002, Life Drawing, 2002
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VOLUNTEER WoRK
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FOUNDER
CORE COLLABORATIVE; GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT, 2013-17
Founded Core Collaborative to provide a rigorous peer learning environment for homeschooled students. Developed a scope and sequence based around core subjects—world history, science, and physical education—and carefully curated electives, including Macbeth Scene Study with Child’s Play NY. Taught world history. Negotiated with YMCA Greenwich for a beautiful, light-filled space, oversaw a teaching staff of about 15, and an average student body of 20. As Core's founder, was invited to speak at educational conferences; presented “How to Make History a Favorite Subject and Why You Should,” at the Westchester Education Forum at Manhattanville College, and “Curating Your Kids’ Education” at the Fairfield and Westchester County Homeschool Conference.
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CHAIRPERSON
FRIENDS IN AFRICA; GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT, 2000-13
Traveled to Dakar and surrounding rural areas, spoke at events, raised funds, organized an annual 10k run, and oversaw quarterly two-day medical and dental clinics and feeding programs.
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SKiLLS
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​​digital (ProCreate) and hand rendering (pen, charcoal, watercolor, illustration marker, pencil), hand drafting, AutoCad, scenic painting, scenic carpentry, scale model construction, carving, faux finishing, mask making/leatherwork, casting, dying, hand & machine sewing, theatrical makeup , score reading, conversational French, Microsoft Office​, curriculum development
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AWARDS & SCHOLARSHiPS
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EMMY NOMINATED NATURE SERIES: DISCOVERY CHANNEL, ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE AWESOME
(assistant set design & properties)
PARENTS CHOICE AWARDS FOR NATURE SERIES: DISCOVERY KIDS, ZACH'S ULTIMATE GUIDE
(assistant set design & properties)
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THE JOHN WOLFE MCCOLL MEMORIAL AWARD IN DRAMA
Monetary award given for graduating with the
highest cumulative grade point average in the Drama Specialist Program
MONTREAL THEATRE FESTIVAL TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded to students most likely to pursue a career in theatre
JOHN NATTRESS WATSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
For academic excellence
REGENTS IN-COURSE SCHOLARSHIP
For academic excellence, 1997 & 1999
VALPARAISON UNIVERSITY TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP
For academic excellence
DEAN'S LIST SCHOLAR IN THE FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Each year, 1997-2001
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SELECTED CREDiTS
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