James C. Carver
Biography
James Carver comes from a long line of theatre people: his grandparents and his parents were professional actors. He claims to have learned his craft by osmosis from the back row of the theatre where his parents propped him up while they rehearsed. Educated at Michigan State University, he worked in television for a while before he joined the staff of The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre in 1958. As a Production Assistant he built and painted scenery, taught classes and started directing. In 1974 Jim was named Managing Director. Under Jim's guidance the theatre grew to be one of the largest in the country, presenting twenty-two productions a year with a staff of seventeen and eight hundred volunteers. Jim has directed hundreds of plays and acted in almost that many roles. He has developed an international reputation as a director: two of his productions were selected in national competition to represent the United States in international festivals including the prestigious World Amateur Theatre Festival in Monaco. He has adjudicated countless festivals for The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT), including twice at the national festival. He is in constant demand as a director and workshop leader. Jim has served as President of AACT and from that group has received its highest award for lifetime leadership in community theatre. He recently published CARVER S MANUAL FOR DIRECTING COMMUNITY THEATRE. Jim presently lives in Colorado and directs for community theatres nationwide.
Civic Credits
The Grapes of Wrath
Jesus Christ Superstar
Fools
The Boys Next Door
Dancing at Lughnasa
Equus
Little Me
Sugar Babies
Fiddler on the Roof
