Kari Barclay

Kari Barclay is an Assistant Professor of Theater at Oberlin College's College of Arts & Sciences. They hold a PhD in Theater and Performance Studies from Stanford University (2021) and a BA from Duke University (2016). Their research focuses on intimacy choreography, consent-based theater practices, and asexuality representation in performance. They authored Directing Desire (2023), exploring consent frameworks in theater, and created plays like CAN I HOLD YOU? (first U.S. play on asexuality) and STONEWALLIN’ (Southern Queer Playwriting Festival winner). Courses taught include Queer Performance Practice and Consent and Sexuality in Theater.

Awards include the Humanity in Action Fellowship and Samuel DuBois Cook Award. Their work integrates racial and gender equity advocacy with theater theory and practice.