Kathi Chaplar
Kathi Chaplar, an actress, vocalist, pianist, artist, musical director, and composer, is a Los Angeles native, who escaped the West Coast for a brief stint at Boston University where she studied English Literature and vocal performance / conducting. As a vocalist, Kathi has performed in Carnegie Hall under the direction of Leonard Slatkin, and with the Pasadena Pops, Pasadena Symphony, as well as with the LA Philharmonic under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel.
Regional theater credits include: Little Buttercup, the kindly Vulcan, in Crown City Theatre Company’s (CCTC) USS Pinafore, Ida Delahey in I’m Just Wild about Harry (CCTC), Shepherdess in Amahl and the Night Visitors (Pasadena Playhouse), as well as the standby for Julie in Group Rep Theatre’s world premiere of A Dull Pain Turned Sharp. Kathi is currently originating the role of Mamai in the GRT World Premiere of Mourning Song, directed by Mareli Mitchel-Shields.
A classically trained pianist, Kathi has also worked as Musical Director for over 30 productions in both educational and regional theater, including Pippin, Assassins, and The Phantom of the Opera. She is the composer / lyricist for A Journey of Angels, a musical based on the true life of a young girl’s survival of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the rock musical 22% Fear. Kathi is skilled both on and off the stage, also serving as Musical Director for GRT’s production of Promises, Promises and scenic designer for Could I Have This Dance?.
Kathi currently teaches theater, musical theater, and AP Art History at Crescenta Valley High School.