• B.F.A. in Theater from New York University 
• M.F.A. in Producing from the Peter Stark program at USC

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, Katie Garagiola earned a B.F.A. in theater from New York University and later an M.F.A. in Producing from the Peter Stark program at USC. She has produced short films, music videos, online content and live theater. She’s currently producing her comedy feature, Strapped, with local New Orleans production company, Cuppa Joe Films. Katie has worked both within the studio system as well as out in the trenches. She spent time at Walden Media, the Kennedy/Marshall Company, HBO and Fox. Between 2011 and 2015 she worked on Oz the Great and Powerful (Detroit, MI), Into the Storm (Detroit, MI), Solace (Atlanta, GA), Split (New York), Devil’s Due (New Orleans) and From Dusk Till Dawn (Austin, TX). Katie is also a SAG/AFTRA voice actor and mother of three little boys.

Why study with me?

I went to school at NYU and USC. I then worked for HBO, Walden Media and Fox. So, I studied under great mentors and worked for remarkable filmmakers.  

I have experience in all facets of filmmaking. I've worked on $300M Disney movies down to $2000 short films. I've worked in both film and tv. I've worked in development and in physical production. I can authentically speak about most filmmaking opportunities.  

My approach to teaching is friendly, encouraging and relatable. I am a woman. I am a mom of 3. I am an artist. I've lived in 6 different states. Traveled internationally. Driven Uber and waited tables. When I speak to my students, it comes from a place of understanding, compassion and comradery, not superiority. My students sense that. And it gives them the space to be vulnerable.