LAREDO, TX- January,16th — Laredo Theater Guild International (LTGI) proudly announces the appointment of Karol Ann Batey as its new Artistic Director. Renowned for her exceptional portrayal of the Baker’s Wife and a distinguished history of artistic contributions, Karol brings a wealth of experience to this leadership role.
Karol’s artistic journey with LTGI has been remarkable, gracing the stage in 12 productions, including the first, “Man of La Mancha.” Her other performances in notable plays such as “Into the Woods,” “Blithe Spirit,” “Yerma,” and “The Crucible” have left an indelible mark on the theater community. Beyond her acting prowess, Karol has demonstrated her directorial talent in LTGI productions like “Disney’s Mary Poppins” and “God of Carnage,” with an additional credit as Assistant Director in the captivating “In The Heights.” Karol has been involved in Laredo theatre for over 30 years directing and acting around the community from a young age.
In addition to her contributions to the stage, Karol is the Associate Director for the Assessment, Research, and Planning Office at Texas A&M International University. Moreover, she works as a UIL One-Act Play Contest Manager for South Texas. Managing contests for both middle school and high school, she works with 4A, 5A, and 6A districts through region four contests. Her commitment to continuous growth is evident in her current pursuit of a Doctorate of Education in Learning and Organizational Change at Baylor University, which is expected to be completed this August. Her research focuses on the importance of educational attainment for the Latino community. Karol’s educational background is diverse, encompassing a B.A. in Theatre from Texas Tech University (2008) and a Master’s in Professional Accountancy from Texas A&M International University (2016).
Karol attributes her great love of theatre to her late mother Andrea “Andy” Batey who got her involved at Laredo Little Theatre as a child, and her love for the community of Laredo to her late brother Robert “Bobby” Batey. Additionally, she expresses her gratitude to her partner, Jesus Garza, for his unwavering support during her pursuit of telling stories. Her memorable performance in Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” serves as a testament to the unwavering encouragement she received. In a touching tribute, she acknowledges her daughter, Lucy Andrea, as a beacon of light and the driving force behind her every breath. Karol hopes the impact of her upcoming tenure as artistic director carries on LTGI’s mission to educate and inspire.
LTGI welcomes Karol Ann Batey as its Artistic Director with excitement and anticipation of a new era of artistic excellence under her leadership.
As the excitement builds for our upcoming production Hand To God, Laredo Theater Guild invites you to join us for Media Night tomorrow (1/17) at 7 pm, hosted at Laredo College at the Shoebox Theater. This event offers a unique opportunity for members of the media, to meet the talented cast and Director.
About Laredo Theater Guild International
Laredo Theater Guild International (LTGI) is a 501c3 nonprofit community-based theater organization presenting a season of quality theatrical productions at Texas A&M International University, Laredo Community College, and the Laredo Center for the Arts, further enriching the community by engaging its members of all ages to provide a rewarding experience for them and for Laredo theatergoers.
