Vinnette Justine Carroll facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vinnette Justine Carroll
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Carroll in 1979
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| Born | March 11, 1922 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | November 5, 2002 (aged 80) Lauderhill, Florida, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Long Island University New York University Columbia University |
| Occupation | Playwright actress theatre director |
Vinnette Justine Carroll (born March 11, 1922 – died November 5, 2002) was an American playwright, actress, and theatre director. She made history as the first African-American woman to direct a show on Broadway. This was her 1972 musical, Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope. For many years, Carroll was the only African-American woman nominated for a Tony Award for direction.
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Who Was Vinnette Carroll?
Vinnette Carroll was a groundbreaking artist. She used her talents to create new types of theater. She also helped many young actors get their start. Her work focused on showing the positive side of people of color. She gave a voice to communities that were often ignored in art.
Early Life and Education
Vinnette Carroll was born in New York City. Her father was a dentist and her mother was a strong influence. When she was three, her family moved to Jamaica, where she spent most of her childhood. Her parents encouraged her and her two sisters to study hard. Her father wanted them to become doctors. Vinnette chose to study psychology instead.
She attended Wadleigh High School for Girls in Harlem. She earned her first degree from Long Island University in 1944. In 1946, she received her master's degree from New York University. She also studied at Columbia University. Even though she studied psychology, she decided to follow her dream of working in theater. She found that her psychology studies helped her understand people better.
Building a Community Theater
In 1948, Vinnette Carroll received a scholarship. This allowed her to study theater at the New School for Social Research. She learned from famous teachers like Lee Strasberg. Later, she started her own group called the Urban Arts Corps. This was a nonprofit theater group. It brought together people of all races.
As the artistic director, she created a place for young actors. These actors came from communities that didn't have many opportunities. She put on over 100 plays through the Urban Arts Corps. The theater helped new playwrights show their work. It was supported by several important groups.
A Pioneer in Directing
Vinnette Carroll was one of the few women directing plays in commercial theater during her time. In 1972, she made history. She became the first African-American woman to direct a play on Broadway. This play was the musical Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope. Carroll helped create this show. It was nominated for four Tony Awards.
In 1976, she worked on another successful show. It was called Your Arms Too Short to Box with God. This play also received three Tony nominations. It was based on the Gospel According to Matthew.
Her Unique Style of Theater
Carroll developed a new kind of theater. She called it the "gospel song-play." This style combined music, theater, and dance. It showed the rich and varied experiences of life. Her work often used gospel music to express identity. She wanted to challenge negative ideas about Black people. She created works that showed people of color in a positive and artistic way.
Vinnette Carroll once said, "They told me that I had one-third less chance because I was a woman; they told me I had one-third less chance again because I was black, but I tell you, I did one hell of a lot with that remaining one-third.” This shows her determination and success.
Acting Career Highlights
Vinnette Carroll first appeared on stage in 1948. She performed in many school plays. Her first professional role was in Androcles and the Lion. She also taught theater arts at the Performing Arts High School in New York City for 11 years.
She performed in London in 1958. She won an Obie Award for her role in Moon on a Rainbow Shawl. Carroll also worked in films and television. She appeared in movies like Up the Down Staircase (1967). In 1964, she won an Emmy Award for a show called Beyond the Blues. This show brought to life the works of Black poets.
Later Years and Legacy
In the 1980s, Vinnette Carroll moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There, she started the Vinnette Carroll Repertory Company. She continued to direct and produce plays. She worked there until 2001, when her health declined.
Vinnette Carroll passed away on November 5, 2002, at age 80. She died from heart disease and diabetes in Lauderhill, Florida. Her contributions to theater were immense. She opened doors for many and created powerful, meaningful art.
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