Kari Hayter is a professional director and educator based in Southern California. Kari has directed plays and musicals for La Mirada Theatre/McCoy Rigby, 3D Theatricals, Chance Theatre, After Hours Theatre Company, Musical Theatre West, Palos Verdes Performing Arts, Summer Repertory Theatre, Cal Rep, the Valley Performing Arts Center and South Coast Repertory. Most recently, Kari directed Grease at La Mirada/McCoy Rigby, Tick Tick...Boom! at International City Theatre, Carrie the Musical for USC, A Light in the Piazza for CCAE Theatricals (San Diego Critics Circle Nomination for Best Direction of a Musical) Striking 12 at the Chance Theatre (Orange County Theatre Guild for Best Director of a Musical) and Marry Me a Little (Robby Award Nomination for Best Direction of a Musical). Many of her productions have been noted as a Los Angeles Critic’s Choice and she was nominated for the LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award (Best Direction of a Musical) for her productions of Parade (Chance Theatre) and Urinetown (Coeurage Theatre). Kari was also nominated for the LA Drama Critics Circle Award for Theatrical Excellence in Direction and was named Director of the Year for STAGESCENE LA. Kari is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
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