About this Artist

Pronouns: she/her

Ms. Kathie is an American/Dutch performing artist who has been living and working in the Netherlands for most of her career. She has taught drama and theater arts in Dutch public schools for many years, pioneering the concept of using performance arts to enhance required curriculum studies. She co-founded Avalanche Arts in 1986. Current programs focus on using creative arts to teach students, young and old, to throw trash away where it belongs and how important recycling is for our future. ‘Kettie de Klown’ was her alter ego for 25 years, when she toured schools, theaters and community centers in the Netherlands performing in a clown duo with her Dutch husband. She has extensive experience performing and teaching improvisation theater, inspired on the work of Keith Johnstone, Loose Moose Theater in Calgary, Canada. Kathie graduated as a drama/dance major from Bard College in upstate New York.

Artist Statement

Using performance arts as a teaching tool in schools, with an accent on enjoyment, has been a driving force in my work. When people are relaxed they learn better. When laughter is added, students retain more. Having fun together when the group dynamics are healthy combines this all and makes for a respectful, thus successful, learning environment. That’s why we choose ‘learning through laughter’ as our company motto.