Kristin Ward
I strive to be a voice in someone’s head that keeps them from giving up when their creative spirit feels diminished.
-Kristin Ward
Kristin Ward has been assisting in the Prop Department, from organizing to creating and supervising, since 2004. She gained full time status in 2017 and has since been an active member in Carnegie Mellon Women’s Association, currently serving as Community Service Club co-chair.
Kristin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Nazareth University of Rochester, NY. Arriving in Pittsburgh, her multifaceted skill sets flowed naturally into a career in props, first at Pittsburgh Playhouse and then at Carnegie Mellon University, where since 2004, she has collaborated closely with props managers and student designers.
Kristin finds immense fulfillment in her role within the educational theater community at CMU, guiding students through the intricate process of crafting everything from whimsical topiaries to lifelike taxidermy. Her dedication extends beyond prop-making; she served on CMU’s season steering committee from 2021-2023 and has been a vibrant presence within the Carnegie Mellon Women’s Association.
Beyond the university stage, Kristin serves as Assistant Head of Props for the Pittsburgh Opera and maintains active membership in IATSE Local 3 (Pittsburgh Stagehands) and the Society of Prop Managers.
When not behind the scenes, Kristin writes, produces and performs in her own original works that breathe new life into folklore, making it accessible and engaging for modern audiences. Her performances have resonated around and beyond Pittsburgh, from venues like the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh to esteemed festivals such as the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C.
In 2017, Kristin’s project, “Many Voices, One Story,” received acclaim with a Project Stream Grant from the PA Council on the Arts, showcasing her talent for weaving cultural narratives into compelling performances. During the Pandemic, she self-produced a YouTube series titled “Summer of Stories,” intertwining the art of folk telling with insightful interviews. Her storytelling prowess even earned her a spot as a featured storyteller on Season 6, episode 1 of PBS Kids’ “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.”
Kristin Ward’s career is a testament to her passion for storytelling, community engagement, and the transformative power of theater. Whether behind the scenes or center stage, she continues to inspire with her creativity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the arts.