Karl Barbee
Born in Rocky Mount, NC, Karl graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in archaeology. While at the university, he also discovered the love of his life — performing arts. Karl started his theater career over 40 years ago, primarily as a dancer, performing in numerous venues throughout North America and Europe (dancing and choreographing, including two performances at the White House, a showcase at American Theater of Actors, and even helping found and direct a new dance company in Iceland) before tiring of the NYC base from which he worked and moving west to “find something green.” Landing here, he continued dancing, teaching, and choreographing, but slowly transferred his focus to musical theater — performing in, directing, and choreographing shows throughout NEPA. Some favorite roles he has played are The Monster in “Young Frankenstein” at the Ritz Theater in Hawley, both Herod and Caiaphas in two separate productions of “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Act Out Theater in Taylor, Stephen/Jesus in “Godspell” at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, The Adult Man in “Spring Awakening” at Little Theater of Wilkes-Barre and Theater at the Grove in Nuangola, Roger DeBris in “The Producers” at the Corner Bistro in Carbondale, The Wizard in “Once Upon a Mattress” at Marywood University, Mrs. Bumbrake/Teacher in “Peter and the Starcatcher” at DM Performance Works Factory Theatre, Lurch in “The Addams Family” at Act Out Theater, and Miss Trunchbull in “Matilda” with the Ritz Mainstage Platers. Karl has also performed named roles in three feature-length films, numerous shorts, and two web series.
Participation in an acting class is not just about memorizing lines or reciting a monologue. This is where children are encouraged to think creatively. This is where they develop self-confidence as they step out of their comfort zone in an environment where they are allowed (and encouraged!) to make mistakes and learn from them. Through experiences in acting class, children learn to break down…
Singing produces benefits and results that might surprise you. The urge to sing- and to hear others sing- is in our genes. Singing, like laughter, play, sunshine and exercise- helps maintain our well-being and happiness. Singing is therefore fundamentally enriching. Through group music making, especially singing, children take an inner experience and move it into a shared creative experience.
While dance is a good source of fun exercise for young children, it is also an important creative outlet for imagination and emotion. Through dance, children learn to interpret the effect their movement has on the world around them. Coordination improves through dance, which is vital in developing skills learned in other parts of life. It also develops strength and endurance from an early age.
Testimonials
My son has been at CaPAA for a few years now and all I can say is WOW! From the first time he stepped into the doors he was welcomed with open arms and felt so involved in all aspects of everything they do. He first started with their plays (which is his absolute favorite) he loves the energy and immediate response from the audience! Then he got involved in acting techniques and some dancing and singing. Because of his start at CaPAA, he has done films, commercials, TV shows, PSA’s and modeling! We owe a lot to Sheri and Mike and our CaPAA family
My daughter, Jolie started with CaPAA when she was just 6 years old as a little orphan in Annie Jr. She is just days away from 10. It’s amazing how much she has grown in these last few years with the acting and singing instruction she has received at CaPAA. These years of having the most fun, building great friendships and developing lifelong skills while at CaPAA will surely go down as some of the best years of our lives!
When I started my daughter at CaPAA, I thought it would be where she would learn to sing, act, and dance within the theater world. Little did I know, it would become a place where friendships are forged and my family has increased by several hundred. CaPAA is beyond amazing, with an incredibly talented, supportive, and loving staff. We couldn’t be happier.
Our son’s music teacher suggested we try a CaPAA summer camp, and we were blown away. Our 9 year old son immediately fell in love with CaPAA and couldn’t wait to sign up for the next show. The staff and environment at the theater is beyond professional. Our teenage daughter saw how happy her brother was, so she decided to give CaPAA a try. She has now also found her home on stage at CaPAA . =We couldn’t ask for a better place to send our children to learn and have fun!
My daughter has been involved with CaPAA for 5 years. She cannot wait to go to rehearsals as she feels completely comfortable with her castmates and with all of the staff that run the programs. She has found a place that not only teaches her the skills of theater and dance but also how to work with a team. She has said she loves CaPAA and that it is like her home.
As a parent, I am blown away by the professional way the programs are run. From the audition process to the rehearsals, to the way the children are taught and treated is incredible. The staff treat the children as young professionals and with respect and teach them to be respectful of others and themselves. The shows are amazing and so well put together in such a short period of time. I would highly recommend CaPAA for any child interested in theater and /or dance. What a wonderful atmosphere of a kind, caring professionals. I’m so happy to be a part of the CaPAA family.
If someone told me 15 years ago that my first-born was not going to play sports, I would’ve laughed and certainly doubted them. My son tried so many different things, but it wasn’t until he walked through the doors at the Ritz, for a Summer Camp at CaPAA in August of 2018, that he found his niche. The staff at CaPAA saw something in him, and truly believed in him, and he hasn’t looked back since! He has been in several shows and has found a home up on that stage! CaPAA has been so welcoming to him. The staff has pushed him to be the best that he can be. His confidence has soared and we have never seen him happier. The arts are a whole new world to us, but I have to say that they have opened not only our ears and our eyes, but also our hearts! I know this is mostly about our son, but our daughter also goes to CaPAA and loves to shine on that stage too!!! We are forever grateful to CaPAA for all that they have done for not only our kids, but all of the CaPPA kids!!!