Karen Johnson Mortimer
Associate Director
Karen began her professional career at the age of 15 in the Australian production of Anything Goes starring Toni Lamond. She recently remounted the 2016 Korean Language production of Wicked in Seoul and was the Associate Director for the Australasian tour of Wicked for 2014/2015. Karen was the Associate Director for the 2015 production of Dirty Dancing. She directed the 2012 Australian production of Annie starring Anthony Warlow and choreographed Turns starring Australian theatre legends Reg Livermore and Nancye Hayes. Karen directed the Rob Guest Endowment Finalists Concerts in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Karen was Resident Director for Chicago The Musical, which toured Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong throughout 2009/2010 and also held this position on Grease-The Arena Spectacular in 2005. In 2008 Karen was one of four Artistic Directors for the World Youth Day Festival Performances throughout Sydney. In 2004 she completed a Masters Degree at the University of Wollongong in Theatre Research and currently maintains her position as one of the Artistic Directors for CaSPA (Sydney Catholic Schools Performing Arts).
As a performer, Karen played Cassie in the original Australian production of A Chorus Line and has appeared in many productions for J.C.Williamsons and Sydney Theatre Company including Company, Conquest of Carmen Miranda, Dames at Sea, Kiss Me Kate, No No Nanette, Irene as well as GFO productions Cabaret and Footloose. Throughout the 80’s Karen was a regular solo guest artist on The Don Lane Show and The Mike Walsh Show.
Karen’s choreographic credits include: Grease-The Mega Musical (GFO), Stones In His Pockets (STC), Leader of The Pack – The Ellie Greenwich Musical (Star City), Irish Dance Spectacular Anzac Military Tattoo (Acer Arena), Opening Ceremonies for numerous Bledisloe Cups (Telstra Stadium Sydney & ANZ Stadium Brisbane), Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Opening Ceremony (Qld), Opening Ceremony- Fina World Swimming Championships (Melb 2008), Helpmann Awards (2007), Tin Symphony (Opening Ceremony – 2000 Sydney Olympics), Gold Medallists Gymnastic Gala- 2000 Sydney Olympics (NBC-USA), Kelly’s Republic (Sydney Festival), Oscar’s Turn To Sing, Wonder Woman (Reg Livermore), Sacred Cow (Reg Livermore), Norman Gunston Show (ABC TV) and Farnham & Byrne (ABC).
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