KARIN DE LA PENA
First Artistic Director, 1995-2003

Karin delaPena has a lifelong devotion to fine writing, the performing arts, and education. During a 15 year sabbatical from an international career as an actress, singer and dancer, Karin earned an MSW (LCSW), and conducted a seven year private psychotherapy practice in New York City . She is also a published journalist and writer.

Karin was the first Artistic Director of Speaking of Stories. Guided by her artistic vision, Speaking of Stories’ ‘Fine Actors Perform Great Literature’ thrived locally for eight seasons. Karin also devised a dynamic educational program, which Speaking of Stories uses under the name of Word Up! Word Up! is taught to people from all socio-economic and educational backgrounds, and has been particularly successful in its application to at risk youth through Santa Barbara ’s Juvenile Probation Department, and to students at Santa Barbara City College --particularly those in the English Department.

Karin is the founding partner of Grace & Competra, through which she teaches the same technique (under the name Well Read!) outside of Santa Barbara . Most recently, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, she taught Well Read! at several universities in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia . She also directed Beautifully Read!, a high quality theatrical performance in the style of Speaking of Stories, in Kuala Lumpur , which was attended by the U.S. Ambassador. Karin is currently in negotiations with the U.S. Embassy for a return trip to Malaysia , adding on other Asian countries.

Each winter holiday from 1999 to 2002, Grace & Competra (through Panto Productions) also brought professional Panto to Santa Barbara . Productions included Jack and the Beanstalk, the Panto!, Goldilocks, 3 Bears and Then Some! And Puss in Boots, the Panto! at the Lobero Theatre.

Karin has enjoyed being a cast member in a few select productions over her years in Santa Barbara , including the Ensemble Theatre’s Private Lives, in 1999. She will perform in two plays in the Ensemble’s 2002-03 season, including Communicating Doors and Moon Over Buffalo .

Karin has served in a volunteer position since 1998 on the Santa Barbara ’s Arts Advisory Board. Her educational program was honored by a prestigious California Artist in Residence grant, and she has received three Independent Theater Awards. 

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