Biography

Kari Cherie Smith, a native of Nashville, has enjoyed teaching theatre and dance for over 24 years in the Middle Tennessee area. With a background in performance, dance, directing, education and choreography, Smith holds a Theatre and English Education degree from Lipscomb University and was a four-year member of the Vanderbilt dance team. She has a Master of Arts in Fine Arts and Theatre from Cumberland University and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education from Mississippi University for Women.

Smith taught Theatre, English, and Dance at Centennial High School and Ravenwood High School for eleven years before pursuing her masters degrees. During this time she also taught at several dance studios in the area, including Spotlight and Dancers E.D.G.E. as well as serving as an adjunct professor of Theatre and Dance at both Cumberland University and Trevecca University before coming to Lipscomb in 2013. From 2013-2018, Smith was the co-director of the Spotlight Awards, a partnership between Lipscomb and TPAC to promote, celebrate, and encourage local high school theatre programs.

Smith teaches Musical Theatre, Theatre Education, and Dance courses, and she is the Director of Lipscomb's Dance Company, Foundation Dance Theatre. She directs and choreographs shows in Lipsocmb's Theatre season, including the annual dance concert, Elevate.

Smith has enjoyed performing, directing, choreographing and working as a teaching artist at many universities and theatre companies around town, including Nashville Children's Theatre, Blackbird Theater Company, Springhouse Theatre, Chaffin's Barn, and Towne Centre Theatre. Recent roles include Kathy Selden (“Singing in the Rain”), Nancy (“Oliver”), Sandra (“All Shook Up”), Adelaide (“Guys and Dolls”), Lois Lane/Bianca (“Kiss Me Kate”), Lola (“Damn Yankees”), Mae (“Pajama Game”), Tess (“Crazy for You”), Tessie Tura (“Gypsy”), and the Witch (“Into the Woods”). Smith is a founding member of local Improv Comedy Troupe, Exit Stage Left.