Bio

Karli Jean Lonnquist is a multidisciplinary theatre artist and scholar passionate about developing new theatrical works and conducting research based in the intersection of performance studies, constructivist theory and mass atrocity conflict.  In her work, Karli often explores the macabre, the grotesque and the absurd.  A current third year student at Chapman University, Karli will graduate with a BA in Theatre (Dramaturgy, Playwriting and Literary Management) and a BA in Peace Studies in 2026.  Karli has been honored as an outstanding student contributor to the Theatre Departments at both Jesuit High School Portland and Chapman University, having won the singular Departmental Theatre Award in both 2019 and 2022 at Jesuit, and at Chapman, the Outstanding Freshman of the year award (2023) and the Excellence in Research and Scholarship Award (2025).  As a playwright, Karli’s work has been produced at companies in both Oregon and California, including Chapman University College of Performing arts (COPA), Lakewood Theatre Center, The Young Professionals, Jesuit High School Portland, Real Toads Theatre Project, and Cross the Line.  Karli’s play Hunter/Hunted, a socio-political confrontation of the gun violence epidemic in the United States, was a 2023 ENOUGH! Plays to end Gun Violence Finalist.  The script was workshopped and reviewed by artists including Lauren Gunderson and David Henry-Hwang.  Hunter/Hunted was later the first student-written play produced for the Chapman University Department of Theatre mainstage season.  In 2023, Karli founded the Chapman Student Playwrights (CSP), aiming to foster a creative space for new playwrights to explore the script development process.  She currently serves as the organization's Executive Producer and Literary Manager.  So far, Karli has developed and produced ten plays with CSP and has no plans to stop anytime soon.  Karli is also an emerging dramaturg.  Her recent credits include The Storm in the Barn (Chapman COPA), Alma (Chance Theater), Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (Chapman Student Organized Productions), and Uncle Vanya (Chapman COPA).  When not creating or studying, Karli can be found competing in or training for triathlon, crocheting and trying out new escape rooms!