Theatre/Film Director, Actor, Producer SDC (associate), AEA, SAG-AFTRA
Biography
🎭 Directing Philosophy
With nearly 40 years of experience across the entertainment industry, I’ve learned that the heart of great storytelling lies in collaboration. I believe “the best idea in the room wins,” no matter who it comes from. Whether I’m working with a seasoned veteran or a first-time artist, I strive to create a space where everyone’s voice is valued and creativity thrives.
As the founding Producing Artistic Director of Transformation Theatre, I’ve found my true calling in developing new plays that uplift underrepresented voices. It’s been a privilege to champion stories that challenge, inspire, and reflect the diverse world we live in. Even when directing classics like Guys and Dolls, Cinderella, or contemporary comedies like Puffs, I’m always looking for ways to give voice to the voiceless and bring fresh perspectives to familiar tales.
A formative chapter in my journey was a summer of study in Ireland, where I interviewed artistic directors, playwrights, actors, and educators. Those conversations deepened my approach to new work—teaching me to listen closely, embrace nuance, and remain open to the unexpected.
I’m passionate about building ensembles that blend emerging talent with experienced professionals. That mix of perspectives sparks innovation and leads to work that is not only entertaining, but also meaningful, thought-provoking, and just a little bit educational.
🎭 Meet Carl Randolph
Founder & Producing Artistic Director, Transformation Theatre, Inc.
Carl launched Transformation Theatre, Inc. in April 2019 with a bold mission: to spotlight original, socially relevant plays that amplify underrepresented voices. Under his leadership, TT has become a collaborative space where emerging and established theatre artists come together to develop and produce new works that are by, for, and about communities often left out of the spotlight.
For Transformation Theatre, Carl has directed and helped develop a wide range of new plays including The Dragonflies by Kayla Hambek, American Divide and The Mimosa War by Maximillian Singh Gill, Runtime Error by Elana Gartner, Finding Fauci by Bob Bartlett, Tender by David John Preece (2023 Capital Fringe Festival), Proxima Centauri by David Whiteman, Always Wilde by Grant MacDermott, On Love and Robots by Kyle A. Smith, and Trolls and Men by Alex Wilkie.
Carl holds an MFA in Directing from The Catholic University of America and an MA in Producing Film and Video from American University. His thesis production—Lynda Radley’s Futureproof—was also the U.S. premiere of the play. He began his professional journey as Associate Artistic Director intern at The Washington Stage Guild and has since built a dynamic career spanning nearly four decades.
Whether directing, choreographing, performing, or designing special effects makeup, Carl brings passion and precision to every project. He’s a proud member of SDC (associate), AEA, and SAG-AFTRA, and served six years as the AEA Liaison for the Baltimore/Washington region.
His directing credits include beloved classics like A Chorus Line, My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls, and Terra Nova (which earned him Best Director at Burlington Footlighters in NJ). He’s also helmed world premieres such as Greg Jones Ellis’ All Save One and Audrey Cefaly’s Consider the Ficus.
On screen, Carl has taken on leading roles in films like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Fall of the Morningstar, Sorcerers of Stonehenge School, and Nocturne. His television appearances include The Prosecutors (Discovery Channel), Civil War Combat (History Channel), and Special Forces: GSG-9 (Learning Channel).
Carl’s stage performances have graced venues like the Kennedy Center (Shear Madness), the National Tour of A Chorus Line, Fulton Opera House, Signature Theatre, MetroStage, Round House (A Prayer for Owen Meany, Helen Hayes Award), Ford’s Theatre, Olney Theatre (A Chorus Line, Helen Hayes Award), and many more.
He also spent six years as choreographer and lead dancer with illusionists John Bundy and Morgan in their touring Halloween spectacular Spooktacular. As the former owner of Dragon Fire FX (formerly Morphaige), Carl is an award-winning special effects makeup artist whose work has appeared in national commercials (including Chevy Trucks with Cal Ripken Jr.), theatrical productions, and indie films like Never Dream: The Beginning (TIVA DC award), The Suffering, Nocturne, and Dark Therapy, as well as AMC’s The Walking Dead DC promo.