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.
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Jennia Iordanou
Welcome to NYWIFT, Jennia Iordanou! Jennia is a New York-based entertainment attorney with a passion for storytelling and the film/TV business. Over the past several years, she’s represented actors, writers, and other creative professionals, helping them navigate talent agreements, development deals and intellectual property matters. While she’s loved advocating for creatives, her experiences have inspired her to pursue a more hands-on role in the filmmaking process. She is currently transitioning into producing, where she hopes to help develop meaningful stories and bring them to the screen. As a new member of NYWIFT, she’s excited to connect with fellow members and continue learning from this incredible community. In our interview, Jennia discusses her fascination with the film world, her love for collaborating, and her transition into becoming a producer.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Sher Bautista
Welcome to NYWIFT, Sher Bautista! Sher Bautista grew up as a third culture kid in the Middle East and the Philippines. Her work centers on themes of identity, memory, and migration. She co-produced the award-winning feature Delia and Sammy which went on to screen at international festivals including Austin, All Lights, Ortigia, and Hanoi. She co-wrote the series The Boston: A Kitchen Musical and later directed Commune, which became a finalist at Tropfest 2015. Aside from her film projects, she is also a published author, having co-written the children’s book Tasha and Pierre. She has just completed her MFA in Film and her thesis, Tales My Father Told. In our interview, Sher discusses her leap to the film world, recent collaborations, and how her international upbringing impacted her creative work.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Jo Addy
Welcome to NYWIFT, Jo Addy! Jo Addy is the Global Film Director for Soho House, overseeing a team of cinema programmers globally. From London to New York and now Los Angeles, Jo leverages long-lasting relationships within the film industry to collaborate with the world's most prominent studios and distributors. Jo is the host of “Lights, Camera, Breakfast,” an interview series at Soho House spotlighting women in film and entertainment. A passionate advocate for emerging talent, Jo founded and created Soho House Shorts, a global incubator providing members with the opportunity, mentorship, and platform to turn their scripts into films.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Eleanore Pienta
Welcome to NYWIFT, Eleanore Pienta! Eleanore is an award-winning screen and stage actor, comedian, dancer, and filmmaker. Pienta has carved out a niche for herself by portraying uncompromising and complex characters in films such as Sundance Award Winner Josephine, A Different Man, Soft & Quiet, and many more. Filmmaker Magazine called her role in See You Next Tuesday: “…one of the most original, indelible, infuriating and truly felt movie characters in some time, a sister to Loden’s Wanda and Rowlands’ A Woman Under The Influence.” Pienta’s directorial debut, Ada, premiered at the New York Film Festival 2018. Her second short, Master of the House, premiered at The New/Next Film Festival 2024. In our interview, Eleanore discusses her motivations for the performing arts, her inspirations, and how her collaborations with others elevate her creative work.
READ MORE
Comments are closed