Kathy Coudle-King
Official Site of Award-winning
Playwright & Author
Bio
Born in West New York, NJ, Kathleen Coudle-King completed high school in Miami, Florida and graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in Dramatic Writing, later earning a M.A. in English from the Univ. of ND.
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Kathleen has one foot in education and the other deeply submerged in theatre. She has been an indie theatre producer, an executive director for a community theatre, and is currently the Managing Artistic Director for the Empire Theatre Co., as well as the founder of Theatre without Walls.​
Kathleen has written more than 50 plays, enjoying productions around the U.S. Her main focus is on social justice issues and women's role in history; however, she also has a lighter side and enjoys a silly comedy, taking inspiration from Mel Brooks and Monty Python.
She has received multiple commissions to create pieces for college campuses about dating violence and domestic abuse, as well as for conferences on topics such as mental health care in rural communities, breast feeding, and children with siblings with disabilities . She is currently open to new commissions. ​
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Kathleen is also an Associate Teaching Professor of writing at the University of North Dakota,where she lives on the prairie with her family. Kathleen is a member of the Dramatist Guild.
Artist Statement
Stories well told can build bridges, transport us to the past and the future, explore the here and now, record today for tomorrow, heal the storyteller and the audience, awaken the sleeping, inspire the despondent, ignite revolution.
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I have worshipped story from the time my mother sat me on her knee and read to me over and over until I’d memorized the words. I have devoured stories from the time my deaf brother shared his love of the Hollywood musical with me. I’ve sought refuge in story amid family chaos. I came to playwriting through acting out the stories of others. And when I did not see my stories on the page or the stage, I began to write them. I discovered I could also use my ability to craft story to serve as a vehicle for others who might not have had the same privilege to learn the craft, or the opportunities to share their stories with an audiences.
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I am actor, writer, director, producer, and educator – and I am a thousand and one stories -- and counting.
Awards & Honors
Women Playwrights Series - Finalist Centenary College - NJ for "Not It!" 2026
Special Projects Award ND Council on the Arts 2025
Artist Fellowship ND Council on the Arts 2025
Special Projects Award ND Council on the Arts 2023
Winner - "Clothespins" Association of Theatre in Higher Education 2021
10-Minute Play Award
Professional Development Award ND Council on the Arts 2011, ’16, ‘17
Winner – New Play Award for Companeras Larry Corse – Columbus State, GA 2011
Diamond Award, Hip Hop Daddy Filmmakers 2010
Artist of the Year North Valley Arts Council Award 2009
Winner - Ghost Town/Off the Map Bush Foundation Dakota Creative 2009
Connections
Winner - Companeras ATHE 2008
Finalist, St. Bette’s Panowski Award – U. of Michigan 2008
Finalist, St. Bette’s Sienna New Play Award 2007
Finalist, Trees Dayton FutureFest 2007
Winner, Trees Fullerton College 2007
1st place, Shrimp Po’boy Marco Island Film Festival 2002
Semi-finalist, Shrimp Po’boy Nicholl’s Fellowship 2002
Semi-finalist, Shrimp Po’boy Chesterfield Fellowship 2002
Contact
For any media inquiries, please contact Kathy Coudle-King
| katking33 "At" gmail.com
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