Published play · Co-writer
Hidden Inside
Co-written with Nambi E. Kelley and directed by Christopher Burris, Hidden Inside premiered May 19–21, 2023 at the Keen Teens Festival of New Work in Theater One at Theatre Row.
Harlem, New York · On stages & beyond
Daniel
Carlton.
Playwright. Director. Actor.
Storyteller. Poet. Teaching Artist.
Bringing history to life and people into conversation, from the theater to the classroom, the museum to the community.
Explore the work
Theater & performanceLiving historyPoetry & storytellingArts education
A few entry points
Stories that travel.
Original plays, collaborative productions, and performances that connect history with the present.
Poet · Spoken word · Verse plays
A story finds
its rhythm.
Poetry is part of the practice: in the voice, on the page, and in performance. Explore original poetry, spoken word, and theater written in verse.
Explore Daniel Carlton, Poet ↗The artist behind the work
Many disciplines.
One storyteller.
Rooted in Harlem. In conversation with the world.
Daniel Carlton is a Harlem-based actor, storyteller, playwright, poet, director, and teaching artist whose work brings performance, education, and public history together.
His practice moves between New York, national, and international stages and the spaces where everyday life happens: schools, museums, jails, homeless shelters, libraries, parks, and community centers.
From original plays and national touring productions to living-history performances and dance dramaturgy, his work creates room for voices, memories, and stories to be heard.
Writing & publications
From page to stage.
Scripts, commissions, and the collaborators who bring new writing into the room.
New work · Commissioning
Pigfoot Mary's Harlem Renaissance
Written and directed by Daniel Carlton. First Woman LLC's world premiere national tour is announced for January 11–February 23, 2027, following the project's development period.
Images from the work
In the frame.
Portrait, performance, and production artwork. Select an image to view it in full.
Explore the production ↗
Explore the historical performance ↗
Articles & coverage
In the press.
Articles & features
Pigfoot Mary's Harlem Renaissance national tour launches January 2027
First Woman LLC announces the world premiere national tour of Carlton's play, with performances January 11–February 23, 2027.
Read the announcement ↗‘The House of the Negro Insane’ places needed spotlight on mistreatment of Black people in this country
A review of the Negro Ensemble Company's production of Terence Anthony's play, directed by Daniel Carlton at 59E59 Theaters.
Read the review ↗The House of the Negro Insane
Critical coverage of Carlton's direction of the Negro Ensemble Company production.
Read the review ↗Hero: The Boy From Troy national tour creative team announced
Daniel Carlton directs the musical's second national tour, announced for January 15–March 6, 2026.
Read the announcement ↗June is Black Music Month: harlem is…Music ALIVE!
Community programming featuring excerpts from Daniel Carlton's verse play When Smalls Had It All at Harlem Hospital Center.
Read the article ↗Mad River Theater Works to debut March on Washington play
A look at Keep Marching, written and directed by Carlton, and the oral histories that informed the work.
Read the article ↗“Lights out. Lights up. Go!”
Reporting on Mad River Theater Works' Freedom Flight, its playwright Daniel Carlton, and the story of Addison White.
Read the article ↗‘Freedom Flight’ play to debut
A preview of Mad River Theater Works' play with music, written and directed by Daniel Carlton and inspired by the story of Addison White.
Read the article ↗Chicago Children's Theatre's ‘This Ability’ streaming play puts youth with disabilities in the middle of a superhero adventure
A feature on the accessible digital theater adventure directed by Daniel Carlton.
Read the article ↗University of Iowa theatre department creates ‘Breath Behind the Mask’
Coverage of the digital production developed with guest artist and director Daniel Carlton during the pandemic.
Read the article ↗Our 2019 National Black Theatre Festival Preview
A festival preview featuring March On and the origins of Carlton's work about the March on Washington.
Read the article ↗Kids Play a Role in Making Justice Happen in Jabari Dreams of Freedom
A review of Nambi E. Kelley's interactive play at the New Victory Theater, directed by Daniel Carlton.
Read the review ↗Day of Absence: Suddenly, Horribly Relevant Again
Coverage of the Negro Ensemble Company's 50th-season production, with Daniel Carlton in the role of John.
Read the review ↗Fringe Festival in Review: Chasing Heaven
Anita Gates reviews Leah Maddrie's Chasing Heaven, including Carlton's performance in multiple supporting roles.
Read the archived review ↗Profiles & event listings
Daniel Carlton
An artist profile and festival appearance for Let Freedom Ring! Music and Voices of the March for Civil Rights, Then and Now.
View the artist profile ↗2023 Keen Teens Festival of New Work
A festival listing including Hidden Inside, co-written by Nambi E. Kelley and Daniel Carlton and directed by Christopher Burris.
View the festival listing ↗Check Your Invite Too
Harlem Stage's archived live radio play listing. This older event page may no longer be available.
Visit the archived event page ↗Renaissance Rent Party
An archived Harlem Stage event page connected to Check Your Invite! A Renaissance Rent Party Remix. This older page may no longer be available.
Visit the archived event page ↗Historical background
Teaching & community
The room is a stage.
Performance and creative practice as ways to learn, connect, and hear one another.
In classrooms.
In community spaces.
In conversation.
Acting & theater residencies
Explore character, setting, conflict, and movement through theater workshops and longer residencies. Projects can include developing scripts, directing performances, and working with multimedia.
Storytelling & creative writing
Create and perform original stories, or bring folktales and myths into a contemporary voice. Poetry, role-play, and writing offer different ways to develop and share a story.
Conflict resolution & leadership
Role-play and writing help participants explore conflict triggers, alternatives to violence, and proactive negotiation. This work has taken place in schools, jails, group homes, and community centers.
History, voice & public speaking
Explore the Civil Rights Movement through writing and song, or build public-speaking skills through performance. Programs connect expression, history, and participation.
Classroom & residency resources
- Finding North Teacher Resource Guide · NJPAC (PDF) ↗
- Finding North workshops & curriculum connections · Holden & Arts ↗
- Hero field-trip & sensory-friendly performance listing · Mayo Performing Arts Center ↗
- Devised theater with young people · Yellow Springs News (2024) ↗
- Mad River summer residencies & community programming · Yellow Springs News (2025) ↗
The work, in context
A life across
many stages.
Explore performances, commissions, residencies, collaborations, and teaching projects. Follow the work by role, year, or the spaces where it happened.
Open the interactive timeline
2012When Smalls Had It AllJazz · Verse · Performance
2015–2019March OnPlaywriting · Directing
2019–2021Check Yo InviteHarlem Stage
2023Hidden InsideKeen Teens · Co-writing
projects in the archive · Confirmed dates and undated work
Bookings & collaborations
Let's make
room for a story.
For performance bookings, directing projects, storytelling, workshops, residencies, and creative collaborations.
[email protected]Opens your email app. Include your organization, proposed dates, and a little about your project.