Karen Nee Planden is a seasoned theatre professional with over three decades of experience in various aspects of the industry. Her multifaceted career has seen her excel as an actor, producer, director, designer, writer, and arts administrator. She is also the proud owner of the historic Sunset Theatre in Wells, British Columbia, which she acquired in 1999 using her credit card while still serving as the Executive Director of the Vancouver Fringe Festival.
Throughout her illustrious career, Karen has worked in various theatres across Canada, including Toronto, Stratford, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, where she currently resides. Her experience also extends to Nashville, where she lived in a tent and pursued a career as a country and western singer. Additionally, Karen has worked on high-profile projects, such as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics as the Manager of Village Plaza Events, and the 2015 Canada Winter Games, where she produced an 18 Arts and Cultural Festival.
Karen has a deep connection with the First Nations community and has recently collaborated with Juno Award nominee Marcel Gagnon on a fusion of theatre, ceremony, concert, and storytelling. Her extensive experience has also seen her work extensively with the First Nations community, creatively facilitating and directing various projects.
Aside from her professional pursuits, Karen is a devoted mother and has two stepchildren, Daniel Jeffery, a filmmaker, actor, editor, and Michaela Jeffery, an award-winning playwright. Her younger children, Kelk Jeffery, who is attending the University of British Columbia in violin performance, and Lucy Jeffery, an incredible singer-songwriter, will be attending Studio 58 theatre school in the new year.
In her free time, Karen enjoys acting, which remains her first love. She has managed to perform in various small productions and films, balancing her passion for theatre with her responsibilities as a mother, theatre owner, producer, jewelry maker, artist, and breadwinner.
