Kristi Schultz
Los Angeles,USA
Summary
Dynamic theatre maker, director, performer, and teaching artist with extensive experience engaging students aged 10 to adult through innovative performance practices. Expertise in group dynamics, diverse learning styles, classroom management, and production team leadership fosters a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and dialogue. Passionate about utilizing interdisciplinary, movement-driven techniques to reinterpret classics, adapt literature, and devise original works that emphasize the human experience and the importance of presence. A lifelong commitment to inquiry and research into process and philosophy informs a deep understanding of cultural shifts within both commercial and avant-garde sectors, driving impactful project development.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Theatre Faculty, Artistic Director
MARLBOROUGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS
08.2020 - Current
- Marlborough Ensemble Theatre, Theatre Faculty
- Director/Choreographer All School Productions and MET Company Productions
- Productions include MACBETH, SENSE & SENSIBILITY, MACHINAL, MAMMA MIA, LORD OF THE FLIES, MATILDA, RADIUM GIRLS, ALICE BY HEART, CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME, URINETOWN
- Ensure artistic vision aligns with educational objectives.
- Collaborate with faculty to integrate other academic disciplines into performing arts curriculum, enhancing community engagement and creativity.
- Manage budgeting and resource allocation for productions, optimizing financial outcomes while maintaining quality standards.
- Cultivate relationships with guest artists and organizations to enrich student experiences.
- Oversee casting processes, implementing fair practices that promoted inclusivity and representation in performances.
- Mentor students in skills that include stage management, directing, choreography and playwriting, in addition to performance, fostering confidence and enhancing their artistic development resulting in numerous accolades and recognition for the company.
- Evaluate production outcomes, identifying areas for improvement to refine future performance strategies effectively.
- Oversee and create rehearsal schedules, ensuring efficient use of time while maintaining high artistic standards throughout the process.
- Facilitate communication between all team members, fostering a positive work environment for creativity to thrive.
- Guide young artists in honing their skills and support their application process for successful acceptance rates at highly competitive institutions.
- Establish strong brand identity by developing a unique artistic vision that sets the Theatre Department apart.
Dance Department Chair, Drama Faculty
Ann and Jerry Moss Theater @ Capshaw/Spielberg Center for Arts and Educational Justice at New Roads School
08.2008 - 06.2020
- Resident Director/Choreographer. Shows include: CHICAGO, SWEET CHARITY, IN THE HEIGHTS, CABARET, WEST SIDE STORY, GUYS & DOLLS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, HAIR, LARAMIE PROJECT, ROMEO & JULIET, MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, ANTIGONE, THE CRUCIBLE
- DANCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR/DRAMA FACULTY: Created K-12 Dance Program. Produced/Directed all Dance Events. Increased visibility for School, invited Master Teachers
- Created Dance program with growth from 8 students to a full MS/US program with over 80 students and 3 Dance Faculty from 6th - 12th
- Created a successful Musical Theatre Summer Camp program for ages 10 - 17
- Created visibility for the Theatre program by participating in the Jerry Herman Awards, with 1 win for Staging and Choreography and 7 nominations between 2017 -2019
- Created and implemented a Performance based social justice workshop initiative called Dance in Action
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary curriculum projects.
- Led professional development workshops focused on innovative teaching methodologies.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, enhancing student learning through interdisciplinary connections.
- Facilitated student-led, inquiry-based activities in classroom to enhance learning experience.
Artistic Director, Director, Performer
ZOO DISTRICT THEATRE COMPANY
01.2006 - 05.2010
- Award-winning LA Ensemble Company: worked in collaboration with The John Anson Ford Theatre and LA County Arts Commission on the Ensemble Theater Collective Initiative
- Director: World Premiere of THE DESTRUCTION OF THE 4th WORLD by Murray Mednick commissioned by Padua Playwrights,
- Producer/Actor: World Premiere of THE DEFENDERS by Brian Frette @Inside the Ford LA & Fury Factory San Francisco
- Director: THE SUBMISSION and THE FUTURE IS IN EGGS by Eugene Ionesco
- Director, Writer, Performer - SOTTO VOCE by Kristi Schultz
- Producer, Creator, Curator - SHOT IN THE DARK FESTIVAL @Inside the Ford
- Producer - 365 Plays by Suzan Lori-Parks @Inside the Ford
- Organized special events as fundraising opportunities, successfully generating resources needed for continued operations.
- Wrote and received grants to support strategic planning and new play development
- Developed innovative programming that enhanced audience engagement and increased ticket sales.
- Mentored emerging artists, fostering professional growth and skill development within the company.
Associate Producer
SDC Directors Lab West
01.2020 - 06.2024
- Supported Steering Committee in curating and designing the themes and content of annual Director's Lab
- Used personal network to make connections between artists, facilitate recruitment, and creatively collaborate on an engaging week of sessions
- Promote and represent the Director's Lab West during the week of the lab by being present and offering support and guidance to participants and visitors from outside the area
Director, Co-Creator
HIT & RUN Productions
09.2015 - 11.2015
- Curated, created and performed in an evening of original works of song, puppetry, and dance SEEING RED
- Created opportunities for artists to showcase and premiere their work
Director, Producer
New Roads School Kaleidoscope Fundraising Events
03.2017 - 05.2019
- Led production team in executing large-scale events, ensuring seamless coordination and delivery.
- Oversaw all aspects of pre-production planning, ensuring smooth transition into production phase.
- Spearheaded creative direction for high-profile event, leading to increased engagement
Director/Choreographer
ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER CHILDREN’S THEATRE
07.2006 - 11.2009
- Guest Faculty, Movement Director- Summer Theatre Academy
- Devised original works with text and music: CHILDREN OF BELFAST, ORIGINS, CAFE' D'AMOUR PERDU, GOREY STORY
- Directed the Mainstage Season production of HERCULES by Alan Keith Smith
Director, Producer
My Hero Project Ceremony
09.2014 - 10.2014
- My Hero Project - honoring military Veteran Ron Kovic in the Moss Theater
- Managed project timelines effectively, ensuring all milestones met ahead of schedule for multiple events.
- Developed and implemented creative concepts for ceremonies, enhancing audience engagement and overall experience.
Choreographer, Dancer
FARMER’S DAUGHTER HOTEL PROMO VIDEO
Coordinator
LA Stage Alliance Ovation Awards Ceremony
04.2009 - 05.2009
- Developed and maintained detailed timelines for event planning and execution.
- Collaborated with volunteers to ensure efficient on-site operations during events.
Choreographer
REMBIKO Project
- TROJAN WOMEN Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Co-Creator, Dance Captain
THIRD RAIL DANCE
- SPUN NY Int’l Fringe Festival
Choreographer
YALE DRAMA SCHOOL CABARET
09.2001 - 11.2001
- Choreographed ROCKY HORROR SHOW for Yale Drama School Cabaret Ensemble. Dir: Tamilla Woodard
Founding Member/Director/Choreographer
THE HUNGER ARTISTS ENSEMBLE
- Jose’ Quintero and Kraine Theater, NY
Director/Choreographer
THEATRE STUDIO, INC.
Curator/Producer/Performer
SON OF SEMELE ENSEMBLE
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Quick Creation Festival 2019, Virtual QCFestival 2020
Education
B.F.A -
Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama
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British American Drama Academy at Oxford
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SITI Company
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Movement Theatre Studio NYC
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Frantic Assembly TRAIN & CREATE
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Dell’Arte International
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SDC Director’s Lab West Alumni
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- People management
- Operations management
- Project management
- Team management
- Creativity and innovation
Affiliations
Actor’s Equity Association, Member Network of Ensemble Theaters, CMU Alumni Association, Piano, Read Music, Alto, Google Suite, Mac & Microsoft, Type 90 wpm, Spelling Bee Champion
Languages
French
Limited Working
Italian
Elementary
Interests
- Documenting and sharing travel experiences
- Sharing travel tips, recommendations, and insights with fellow enthusiasts
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
- Food Tourism
- Adventure Travel
- Historical Exploration
- Yoga
- Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
- Mindfulness Practices
- Hiking trails and natural wonders
- Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness
Timeline
Theatre Faculty, Artistic Director
MARLBOROUGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS
08.2020 - Current
Associate Producer
SDC Directors Lab West
01.2020 - 06.2024
Curator/Producer/Performer
SON OF SEMELE ENSEMBLE
01.2020 - 01.2021
Director, Producer
New Roads School Kaleidoscope Fundraising Events
03.2017 - 05.2019
Director, Co-Creator
HIT & RUN Productions
09.2015 - 11.2015
Director, Producer
My Hero Project Ceremony
09.2014 - 10.2014
Coordinator
LA Stage Alliance Ovation Awards Ceremony
04.2009 - 05.2009
Dance Department Chair, Drama Faculty
Ann and Jerry Moss Theater @ Capshaw/Spielberg Center for Arts and Educational Justice at New Roads School
08.2008 - 06.2020
Director/Choreographer
ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER CHILDREN’S THEATRE
07.2006 - 11.2009
Artistic Director, Director, Performer
ZOO DISTRICT THEATRE COMPANY
01.2006 - 05.2010
Choreographer
YALE DRAMA SCHOOL CABARET
09.2001 - 11.2001
Choreographer
REMBIKO Project
Co-Creator, Dance Captain
THIRD RAIL DANCE
Founding Member/Director/Choreographer
THE HUNGER ARTISTS ENSEMBLE
Director/Choreographer
THEATRE STUDIO, INC.
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British American Drama Academy at Oxford
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SITI Company
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Movement Theatre Studio NYC
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Frantic Assembly TRAIN & CREATE
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Dell’Arte International
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SDC Director’s Lab West Alumni
Choreographer, Dancer
FARMER’S DAUGHTER HOTEL PROMO VIDEO
B.F.A -
Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama
ADDITIONAL TEACHING
- CALARTS INTERIM GUEST ARTIST ‘Devising Original Ensemble Work' BFA & MFA
- BLUEPALM ARTS @ MUSIC CENTER K – 5 Arts & Literacy through Movement LAUSD
GRANTS & AWARDS
1996 British American Drama Academy Midsummer at Oxford Scholarship
2005 - 2006 Network of Ensemble Theatres Special Opportunities Grants
2006 - 2008 The Flintridge Foundation Ensemble Grants
2007 Association of Performing Arts Presenters, Travel Grant (San Francisco - Fury Factory)
2006 - 2009 LA County Arts Operations Grants - Zoo District
2017 Jerry Herman Award for Staging & Choreography + 4 Nominations including 'Best Production'
2019 Jerry Herman Award 3 Nominations - Best Production, Best Music Direction, Best Staging & Choreography
2020 Center for Cultural Innovation Quick Grant
2023-24. Marlborough School Professional Growth Awards - Frantic Assembly