Carly Kalivas – Performing Arts Educator, Lexington Public Schools

Carly Kalivas is a theatre artist and educator based in Middlesex County with over 20 years in the performing arts and 12 years in public education. She holds a BA in Drama from Ithaca College, an MA in Theatre Education from Emerson College, and a Massachusetts K–12 Theatre Teaching License. Now in her 9th year teaching performing arts for Lexington Public Schools, Carly centers her work on “teaching through theatre,” using creative practice as a differentiated and trauma-informed approach to learning. Her classroom fosters emotional safety, collaboration, and self-expression, empowering every student to learn in ways that honor their individual strengths and experiences. A strong advocate for a process-over-product philosophy, Carly believes that the rehearsal room and drama classroom are spaces for healing, growth, and connection, helping students to become more confident, compassionate, and resilient learners both onstage and beyond.