about

 

Based in NYC from 1988 to 2004, Karen Sherman now lives in Minneapolis and works out of both cities. Her work is noted for its visuality, rigor, and commentary on the human emotional landscape, while her movement invention, adventurous approach to performance, and bucking of dance orthodoxy have won her recognition from artists, audiences and critics across a range of aesthetic leanings.

Her work has been presented by P.S. 122, the Walker Art Center, The Southern Theater, Danspace Project, Movement Research at the Judson Church, Dixon Place, the Improvisation Festival/NY, Highways Performance Space, ODC, The Puffin Room, Red Eye Theater, Links Hall, Studio 303, Philadelphia Dance Projects, and many other spaces across the U.S. and Canada. Her work has received financial support from the Jerome, Puffin, Bush and McKnight Foundations as well as commissioning support from NYFA, NYSCA, the Walker Art Center and the Southern Theater.

She has received numerous awards for her work as a choreographer, performer, and designer, including a 2007 Bessie Award for her performance in Morgan Thorson's Faker; McKnight Foundation Fellowships in Choreography (2006) and Dance (2009); a Bush Foundation Artist Fellowship (2009); Sage Awards for her work as a Performer (2006) and Scenic Designer (for her 2008 show, copperhead); Minneapolis-St. Paul City Pages' Best Artist Awards as a Dancer (2007) and Choreographer (2009); two MacDowell Colony Fellowships (2010, 2003); a Movement Research Artist Residency (1999-2000); and a Bogliasco Foundation Fellowship and residency in Liguria, Italy (2010).

She has worked and collaborated with many fine artists, including Sally Silvers, Nami Yamamoto, The National Theater of the United States of America, Morgan Thorson, Dan Hurlin, Lisa D'Amour, Emily Johnson, Katie Pearl, Clarinda Mac Low, Cydney Wilkes, Hijack, Tanya Gagné, The Love Everybody Players, Circus Amok, The Body Cartography Project, and the feminist punk pop band, Le Tigre (as choreographer for their 2004-2005 world tour).  

She holds a BFA in Acting from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts (with a double major in Women's Studies) and is also a singer, fifth-generation lasso spinner, and former student of the flying trapeze. Her background in these areas, as well as her work in nearly every facet of arts production as a producer, curator, production manager, technician, and designer, informs each aspect of her artwork.  As Administrator and Production Manager of New York's legendary Judson Church, she co-created, produced, and curated START, a multi-disciplinary series integrating politics and arts. Her writing, including essays and poetry, has been featured on many live stages and print forums including The Movement Research Performance Journal and the live-cast Culture Bodega.  

For more information on specific shows or to view photos, please see the projects page ......

 

 

© 2011 karen sherman