Meet Richard Carter …
Richard Carter grew up in Portland, Oregon, the son of a doctor and a dancer. Since 1986 he has made his home in the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State. He received his BA in English from Vassar College and his MFA in playwriting from the University of Washington.
In 2003 – together with Susan Wilson – Richard co-founded the Community Shakespeare Company and began adapting and directing Shakespeare for actors in elementary, middle and high school. His adaptations are now internationally recognized as an ideal stepping stone to Shakespeare’s original text: with just enough modern language and humor to make the plays instantly accessible for all ages, yet faithful to the language, rhythm and spirit of the original. His work is constantly being produced in K-12 classrooms, in summer camps, community theaters and in senior organizations throughout North America and overseas. His scripts introduce Shakespeare to English Language Learners in the U.S. and abroad.
Richard’s original plays for general audiences – available on request – include the award-winning historical drama, Blood and Iron; the holiday, sea chantey musical, Winds in the Morning; and the biographical one-person plays, Mark Twain Unplugged and Dear Professor Einstein.
Richard teaches English and Drama in grades 6-12. He lives with his wife, school counselor Jeanna Carter, and their Australian Shepherd, Skye, on a small sheep farm on Lopez Island.
