
Kathy Coudle-King
Official Site of Award-winning
Playwright & Author
Bio
Born in West New York, NJ, Kathy 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.
Kathleen has one foot in education and the other deeply submerged in theatre. She holds a
B.F.A. in Dramatic Writing from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and an M.A. in English from the Univ. of North Dakota. She has been an indie theatre producer, an executive director for a small nonprofit theatre, and is currently the managing artistic director for the Empire Theatre Co. Somehow she has managed to write more than 50 plays, enjoying productions around the U.S.. Her main focus is on social justice issues and women's role in history. She is also a writing professor at the University of North Dakota, where she lives on the prairie with her family. She is a member of the Dramatist Guild.
Artist Statement
Story is my religion. I have faith in story. 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. Story can reveal what has been hidden and give voice to what’s been silenced. 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’ve poured over stories to show me the way. There is holiness in the pause of a comma, the use of a period. There is communion in the semi-colon. Finally, 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 other’s who might not have had the same privilege as me to learn the craft, or the opportunities to share their stories with a wider audiences. I am actor, writer, director, producer, and educator – and I am a thousand stories. I serve no other gods but Story.

Awards & Honors
Resume/C.V. - 2023
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