Karen Andrew

A multi talented artist and performer, Karen Andrew has been extensively trained in New York and Los Angeles and is pleased to be re-based in Toronto. Formally trained as an actress, singer, and dancer, Karen's professional accomplishments, span decades and continents.

With countless professional Theatrical and Film and Television credits to her name, Karen is proud to have been an original cast member of the Tony Award-winning Broadway Musical RAGTIME. While on Broadway, Karen performed in concert with Chita Riviera, Julie Andrews, Liza Minnelli, Glenn Close, and Rosie ODonnell.

One of Karen's most memorable Musical Theatre accomplishments was working with the late Gwen Verdon in the Tony Award-winning Musical FOSSE. Following her time in New York, Karen went on to play Anita in the Stratford Festival of Canadas production of WEST SIDE STORY which brought her recognition for her triple threat abilities and a spectacular reference from the GLOBE AND MAIL.

Since returning to Toronto, Karen has enjoyed playing numerous roles on both television, and in film. Karen played Angela bassets girlfriend Bootsie in RUBYS BUCKET OF BLOOD; Ally Sheedys prison inmate Tina in THE WARDEN; James McDaniels daughter Tiffany and Timothy Huttons client in DELIBERATE INTENT; Wood Harris sister Cakes in PAID IN FULL; and also appeared in the Academy Award-winning film CHICAGO with Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere. Most recently, Karen has appeared on 'Degrassi', 'The Ron James Show' and shared the screen with Atto Esandoh (Jango Unchained)  in the BBC Drama "Copper".

As Artistic Director of Aurora Live Inc. (Toronto Based Professional Dance Studio and Dance Company), Choreographer, Canadian Actors Equity Association Dance Captain, and Arts Educator, Karen has received the highest accolades from the professional dance world who have benefited from her vast knowledge and experience of dance and movement for more than 15 years.

With formal piano, saxophone and extensive dance training as a child, music and dance had a profound  influence on Karen's decision to pursue what has become an immensely successful career in the entertainment industry. With somewhat of a departure from the world of professional musical theatre, July 2011 marked the beginning of a musical journey for Karen with a direct focus on writing and recording original material. Following this time, the journey has seen Karen and her heavily experienced band, perform her brand of acoustic guitar driven, roots/rock, singer/ songwriter, groove heavy material. Being referred to as 'a new school version of Tracy Chapman meets Melissa Etheridge', this new material  showcases Karen's earthy vocals with a touch of soul from some of her most influential female soul predecessors. (Gladys Knight, Mavis Staples and Tina Turner) 
Following a chance introduction to Doron Zor (Grammy Nominated Guitarist and Producer), the foundation for a strong musical partnership emerged and the two began writing together. This meeting of the minds was a success. It created a strong direction for a budding musical project which resulted in the current recording of Karen's debut solo EP "MYSELF". Gathering Drummer Marito Marques( European #1 Drummer), Keyboard player Joel Joseph (Nelly Furtado), and Bass player Yash Preswalla, this current project is on track to be one of Karen's greatest accomplishments to date. With a continued focus on live performance, Karen looks forward to continuing to share her brand of groove focused, soul stirring music to audiences in her home base of Toronto, across Canada, and internationally.