For Karen, performing is not just a job; it is a full commitment.  She feels grateful to have found her niche at this stage in her life. It wasn’t until she discovered the performing arts that she was truly able to tap into her raw talent. She is forever grateful to the late Ron Pomykala for encouraging her to act. When he cast Karen in her first play, Our Town as Mrs. Soames, it was life altering.

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Karen continued performing within the local theater community, portraying such roles as Mary Titfer in Hat Trick Theatre’s Talking With and Sarah in Plymouth Community Theatre’s The Christmas House.

 

Karen decided to transition her craft toward film and began the changeover under one of New England’s top acting instructors, Kevin Lasit. She has also had the privilege to work with acting coach, Albert Cremin, Sherman Roberts of the Burt Reynolds Institute; and Steve Blackwood from Days of Our Lives.

 

She immediately started landing several roles like Grandma Rosa in Providence Lycium’s Device, Anne in Last Dance with Morty, Meredith in Angelwood Pictures’ The Girl in the Attic, Mrs. Griffiths in New TV’s The Folklorist, and also featured in Atlas Entertainment’s American Hustle with Bradley Cooper. She has also appeared in numerous commercials such as Cape Cod Gold and Silver, Melissa Atwood Real-Estate, Vagisil, and Multiple Sclerosis Medication.

 

In addition to acting, Karen loves to sing, and has performed in several musicals, operas, and revues. She has sung on recordings, as well, and has even penned her own children’s song “Loveberries.” She has had years of vocal training and also attended master classes with the legendary Marilyn Maye.

 

In 2017, Karen was crowned a national title of America’s Miss Pageant Exquisite Queen in the America’s Miss Pageant competition at the Sheraton Bucks County Hotel in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. The pageant is a scholarship pageant organization for women and girls of all ages created to refine life skills & build self-esteem. Her title was geared for women ages 50+.

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Her platform was about helping people realize that even at an “older age” they can still live out their dreams and pursue their passions.  Judging by how much she has already accomplished in the short amount of time since she has been pursuing acting, teaches us that late is always better than never.

 

She also likes doing work that can touch people and help them through difficult times, as they relate to the character or situation she is portraying.  Additionally, she admires the brilliance and artistry of the young, emerging filmmakers she has had the pleasure to work with.  Last year, Karen began hosting a talk show called City Nights with Backlot Studios. She interviews a variety of artists and showcases their work on the broadcast.

 

When Karen isn’t acting, she is also a huge advocate for animals volunteering her time to help, enjoys playing golf, making jewelry, painting, but is mostly busy spending time with her large family.  In fact, Karen has even inspired others in her household to try their hand at acting, proudly taking her granddaughter and her grandson, under her wing; acting as their role model and mentor.

 

 “Endless energy, motivation, and drive makes me more alive than ever before. This is what I am meant to be doing. I have arrived and I am here to stay.” – Karen Ann Martino