ALIX COHLER

PERFORMER

LONG STORY SHORT

Brooke McCarthy tried to live a normal life—got an accounting degree, became a CPA, did the whole corporate thing—but the theatre gods had other plans. Bitten by the theatre bug at age 5, she eventually traded spreadsheets for spotlights and never looked back. Now she's an award-winning solo artist, acting teacher, and full-time theatre nerd who empowers the next generation to be better humans—through comedy, connection, and just the right amount of jazz hands. Whether it’s an acting class or freshman orientation, Brooke helps others take center stage in their own lives—and own the spotlight of their future.

THE REST OF THE STORY

Brooke McCarthy is a performer, playwright, and educator originally from NJ, now based in Charlotte, NC. She loved college so much, she went back for more—and would honestly stay forever if they'd let her. She earned her B.S. in Business Accounting from Monmouth University and her MFA in Acting from the University of Georgia. She completed her post-MFA teaching residency at Virginia Tech where she passionately honed her love of teaching and gleefully frolicked around campus with today’s thinkers and tomorrow’s leaders. That’s why Collegiate Empowerment is a perfect match for Brooke. She gets to blend her two favorite things—performing and teaching—while connecting with brilliant, soon-to-be-world-changers.

Brooke is an award-winning solo artist, and tours her original musical comedy shows that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt around the US. Her award-winning show How to Be an Ethical Slut (yes, you read that right) has been celebrated at fringe festivals across the country sweeping up awards like Best of Fest, Solo Performer of the Year, and Audience Choice Award. Her latest creation, Gaslighting: The Musical! dives into the “circus of the mind” with humor, heart, and a few belted high notes.

Whether she’s in a theatre, a classroom, or a college auditorium, Brooke loves to spark connection, ignite curiosity, and remind people that their story matters...and you better believe she’ll make you laugh along the way.

REAL GPA

Empowering others to embrace their quirks and harness emotional truth through play. Passion: all things theatre and especially creating bold, hilarious, and heart-centered stories that spark connection. Achievement: developing her award-winning show How to be an Ethical Slut and becoming an MFA-trained educator who’s performed and taught across the U.S. and internationally.

OUTSIDE OF CE

When she’s not teaching or performing, Brooke enjoys crafting cocktails and mocktails, watching comedy, and breathing in that life-sustaining fresh air! She’s also a proud member of Charlotte’s thriving arts community and loves crafting shows inspired by real-life relationships (yes, she’s the Taylor Swift of fringe theatre).

SIGNATURE MOVE

Her infectious energy will captivate you from the moment she walks in the room.