By Farah Qureshi
Welcome to NYWIFT, Carol Welter!
Carol grew up in the United Kingdom, steeped in classical theatre, before crossing the Atlantic in 1977 and making the United States her home. Trained on the English stage from girlhood, she spent years acting and directing before discovering that writing was her true creative playground. Through Masters-level workshops and decades of artistic exploration, she turned her talents toward stage plays, screenplays, and poetry—crafting stories that blend imagination, humor, and heart.
A woman who has worn more hats than a Shakespeare festival costume rack, Carol has directed, designed, and shaped productions from the ground up. Now a spirited senior storyteller, she writes across continents and galaxies, drawn to tales of transformation, unlikely heroes, and tender love stories.
In our interview, Carol reflects on her journey from the stage to the page, the themes that inspire her work, and the new projects she’s most excited to share.
NYWIFT Member Carol Welter
Welcome to NYWIFT! Could you give our readers a brief introduction to yourself?
I was raised in the United Kingdom, steeped in classical theatre, where I happily lived under stage lights — acting, dancing, and breathing in the magic of live performance.
Now at 70, my spotlight has shifted. I’m drawn to the delicious solitude of writing — crafting stage plays, screenplays, and poems that feel like grand new adventures. The stage was my first love. The page is my lasting romance.
What brought you to NYWIFT?
The call of women being heard — loudly, clearly, unapologetically. The idea of standing shoulder to shoulder with a network of sister storytellers was irresistible. There’s power in collective voices, and I wanted to be part of that chorus.
Carol Welter interviewing on set of the short Belle
What initially drew you to storytelling for the stage and screen?
I’m drawn to stories of acceptance and transformation — stories about those often overlooked or underestimated. A character with a physical challenge. Someone misunderstood. Someone dismissed. I love giving them an epic adventure where they become seen, valued, even heroic.
And then there’s fantasy — slipping inside the mind of an animal or an unexpected being and seeing the world through their eyes. What do they value? What do they fear? What do they teach us? That imaginative leap never stops thrilling me.
Carol Welter on the set of Hamlet
Are there particular themes that inspire your work as a writer and director?
Social change. The hero’s journey. Humor wrapped around something deeply meaningful. And always — always — a tender, lasting love story. I believe audiences can laugh, reflect, and fall in love all at once. That’s the sweet spot.
Carol Welter on location for the short Belle
As a dramaturg and writer, what challenges have most shaped you artistically, and what lessons have stayed with you?
As a dramaturge, I’ve learned the discipline of restraint — allowing writers to tell their story, not the one I might prefer. Structure matters. A strong narrative arc is everything.
As a writer, I’ve learned the power of stillness. The quiet, meditative moments are essential. I interview my characters like a therapist would — gently, persistently — until they confess who they really are. I don’t always like them. Especially the villains. But understanding them is non-negotiable. If I can see their humanity, the audience might too.
Carol Welter plotting out the blocking for the premiere of her stage play Cranes
With several new publications and projects on the horizon, what kinds of stories are you most excited to share with audiences next?
I’m currently part of the Solidarity Festival in Atlanta, directing one of several powerful new plays. I’ve also submitted two films to festivals — which feels both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
And I’m deep into the third rewrite of my stage play Tillie of Bright. Tillie is a sprite — mischievous, searching, brave. It’s a fantasy and a hero’s journey that has taken me on my own in-depth exploration. Rewriting is excavation work — and I’m loving every surprising discovery.
Follow Carol Welter’s latest projects at caroldwelter.com and learn more about her work with Atlanta Dramatists at atlantadramatists.org.
(All images courtesy of Carol Welter)
Farah Qureshi
Farah Qureshi is an intern at NYWIFT with a background in public relations, event coordination, and journalism. She holds a Master’s degree in Media, Culture, and Communication from New York University, where she also served as Co-Director and Head of Programming at the Fusion Film Festival. She is passionate about advancing diversity and inclusivity in media and leveraging innovative storytelling to drive meaningful cultural and social impact across the industry.
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