Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
2 weeks ago
Karla Puno Garcia is an Emmy Award-winning choreographer and dancer known for her work on Broadway, television, and film.
Karla Puno Garcia was the 2024 Musical Theatre Program Choreographer for The School at Jacob's Pillow.
Karla Puno Garcia is an Emmy Award-winning choreographer and the first Filipina and woman of color to choreograph the Tony Awards (76th Annual). She is also a faculty member.
Karla Puno Garcia is one of Dance Magazine's 2024 “25 to Watch.” As a Filipina-American artist, she emphasizes musicality.
Karla Puno Garcia will serve as director and choreographer for its local production of A Chorus Line, opening March 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
A social media post promoting Karla Puno Garcia's choreography for the “Businesswoman's Special” from Romy & Michele's High School Reunion.
Karla Puno Garcia is a professional choreographer whose work is seen in the 2023 Tony Awards Opening Number and Netflix's Tick, Tick… Boom!.
Karla Puno Garcia '07 (BFA, Dance) was recognized by Dance Magazine for her outstanding work as a musical theater choreographer.
Karla Puno Garcia was born in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She began her career as a competition dancer at Fran’s Studio of Dance. Her early career included participation in season five of “So You Think You Can Dance.” She later performed on Broadway, notably as a swing in “Hamilton” for six years. Prior to “Hamilton,” she appeared in Broadway productions of “West Side Story” and “Gigi,” as well as national tours of “Wicked” and “Addams Family.” Her television credits as a dancer include “Smash” Season 2.
Garcia has developed a significant career as a choreographer. She co-choreographed “Days of Wine and Roses” on Broadway and at the Atlantic Theater, and “The Connector” at MCC. She also choreographed the 76th Annual Tony Awards opening number and the Joel Gray/Kander tribute, with the broadcast being unscripted that year. This work earned her an Emmy Award, making her the first Filipina and woman of color to choreograph the Tony Awards. Her choreography can also be seen in “Power Book III: Raising Kanaan” on the Starz Network, where she served as lead choreographer for Season 3. She choreographed additional scenes in the Netflix film “Tick, Tick… Boom!”, directed by Lin Manuel Miranda.
In addition to her work in theater and film, Garcia has choreographed for various other productions. These include “Somewhere” at the Geva Theatre, the musical “Noir” at the Alley Theatre, “Other World” at Delaware Theatre Company, and “Senior Class” at the Olney Theatre. She also received an Artsie for Best Choreography for her work on “In the Heights” at Virginia Rep. Her short film “Bustin’ Loose” was selected by multiple film festivals, including the LA Film Festival, KalKari Film Festival, Indie Cinema Awards, and Cannes Indie Shorts. Garcia graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and has worked with choreographers such as Kyle Abraham, Bridget Moore, and Dwight Rhoden.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
