Carol Ostrow ’77

Overview

President & Executive Producer, Stop The Wind Theatricals
New York, NY

• BA, Drama, Vassar College
• MFA, Theatre, Yale Drama School

The Obie and Drama Desk award-winning producer Carol Ostrow (she/her) creates a page-to-stage framework for the development of new work. Stop The Wind is a new and robust company for moving a play toward production. Currently in development are new plays by Tim Blake Nelson, Keith Reddin, Erin Courtney, Adam Rapp, and Rehana Lew Mirza. Carol began her producing career at Vassar, where she developed and founded the Powerhouse Theater. She went on to become the producing director of the award-winning Classic Stage Company, where she produced Sigourney Weaver and other notable artists in reimagining’s of the classics. In the wake of 9/11, Carol became the producing director of The Flea, where she produced over 150 world premieres, including plays by A.R. Gurney, Elizabeth Swados, Will Eno, Thomas Bradshaw, Adam Rapp, Sara Farrington, Taylor Mac, and Mac Wellman, amongst others. While producing at The Flea, she spearheaded the construction of a three-theater performing arts complex in Lower Manhattan. Carol has also been an adjunct professor of theater at Vassar, Chatham College, and McGill University.

Advice to Students:

Follow your heart, but think with your head. There are a lot of options for your work life out there, but you have to know what you want in order to go for it. Remember that life is long, and careers take time to build. Sometimes it’s not a straight shot. You cannot choose your boss, but if you find a good one, cling. Like a cherished teacher or coach, that person in charge can become a guide for life and a colleague, too. Developing relationships is as important as building your resume. Remember that your professors at Vassar are people, too, who can provide you with career advice. Don’t be afraid to ask them about what they did to get where they are today.