ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

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Katie Kerwin is a distinguished professional in the performing arts with a wealth of experience both on stage and behind the scenes, holding a B.F.A. from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts CAP21 Conservatory. With over 30 years of experience working with both youth and adults, Katie has emerged as a key figure in cultivating aspiring performers and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts across generations.

Throughout her career, which spans more than 25 years of performing professionally and teaching voice and dance, Katie has developed a mastery in a wide array of styles, including classical vocal training, musical theatre/pop vocal performance, Theatre Jazz, Broadway and contemporary tap dance technique, and dance education. Her proficiency in dance technique enriches her vocal and musical theatre instruction, providing a comprehensive performing arts education that caters to beginners through advanced students.

A Bay Area native and an alum of the Westlake School for the Performing Arts, Katie has devoted the past 14 years to leading its Musical Theatre Program, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in arts education. Her experience in early childhood development further enhances her ability to connect with students of all ages, encouraging their development as both performers and confident, creative individuals.

Katie’s career boasts significant accomplishments, including her role as an assistant to the Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre in Florida. Her talents have been showcased on national stages, notably in the TONY award-winning production of Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS, and she is featured in the ensemble of the Broadway cast album released in 2006.

A highlight of Katie’s career has been her work directing and choreographing Broadway-caliber talent, a testament to her exceptional skills and vision in bringing theatrical productions to life. Her award-winning musical theatre and Broadway vocal programming have earned acclaim for their excellence and transformative impact on participants.

Furthermore, through her Leadership program, Broadway Babies and Kids, and the non-profit organization Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids, Katie has made significant strides in making the performing arts accessible to all. These initiatives underscore her belief in the arts as a powerful tool for personal development, community engagement, and social change.

Continuing her impactful work at the Westlake School for the Performing Arts and as a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association, Katie Kerwin’s legacy in the performing arts is marked by her innovative educational programs, dedication to her students, and her significant contributions to the professional theater community.