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Carolyn Downing Headshot

Carolyn Downing

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BIO

Carolyn Downing is an accomplished actress with an impressive resume in both theater and television. Born and raised in New York City, Carolyn developed a passion for acting at a young age and went on to study theater at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.
After graduating, Carolyn began her career in theater, making her Broadway debut in the 2001 production of "The Producers." She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "Hairspray," "Legally Blonde," and "The Little Mermaid."
In addition to her work on stage, Carolyn has also made a name for herself on television. She has appeared in a number of popular TV shows, including "Law & Order: SVU," "The Good Wife," and "Orange is the New Black." Her film credits include "The Devil Wears Prada" and "The Wolf of Wall Street."
Despite her success in other mediums, Carolyn remains committed to the theater. In 2018, she returned to Broadway in the revival of "My Fair Lady," playing the role of Mrs. Higgins. Her performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, with many noting her impeccable comedic timing and effortless stage presence.
Offstage, Carolyn is known for her philanthropic work. She is a longtime supporter of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and has been involved with several other charitable organizations throughout her career.

Productions

 
[West End, 2025]
Sound Designer
 
[West End, 2025]
Sound Designer
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Sound Designer
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Sound Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Sound Designer
 
[West End, 2022]
Sound Designer
 
[West End, 2021]
Sound Designer
 
[West End, 2019]
Sound Designer
 
[West End, 2019]
Sound Designer
 
[West End, 2019]
Sound Designer
 
[West End, 2017]
Sound Designer
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Sound Designer
 
[West End, 2016]
Sound Designer
 
[West End, 2015]
Sound Designer
 
[West End, 2013]
Sound Designer
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Sound Designer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Sound Design of a Play

Carolyn Downing, Life of Pi


winner
Olivier Awards - 2014 - Best Sound Design

Carolyn DowningChimerica

Videos

News


Further Cast Set For The Royal Shakespeare Company 's THE BFG
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2025

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), Chichester Festival Theatre and the Roald Dahl Story Company, have announced further casting for The BFG.   Learn more here!
John Leader to Star in THE BFG at RSC
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 1, 2025

The Royal Shakespeare Company, Chichester Festival Theatre and the Roald Dahl Story Company, revealed that John Leader will step into the oversized shoes of Roald Dahl’s beloved character, the BFG. Learn more!
Joe Layton and Hannah Sinclair Robinson Join Cast of LOST ATOMS
by Emmy Rice - Jun 21, 2025

Mercury Theatre in Colchester’s Associate Company Frantic Assembly are delighted to announce today that Joe Layton and Hannah Sinclair Robinson will star in the company’s 30th anniversary production Lost Atoms written by Anna Jordan.
Frantic Assembly Will Bring Back Talent Development Programme, Ignition
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 20, 2025

Frantic Assembly announced that following a major fundraising campaign to save Ignition, sufficient funds have been reached to bring the programme back in 2025. 
Clare Slater Announces Her Final Season as High Tide Artistic Director
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 20, 2025

Artistic Director/CEO of HighTide, Clare Slater has announced her final season, completing her tenure which has seen a huge transformation for the East of England company. We have all of the details here!
LOST ATOMS World Premiere and More Set for Frantic Assembly 30th Anniversary Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 19, 2025

Frantic Assembly has unveiled a dynamic 30th anniversary season, highlighted by the return of its groundbreaking Ignition programme, the world premiere of Lost Atoms by Anna Jordan, and a powerful new collaboration with Aurora Orchestra for the BBC Proms.
Review: LIFE OF PI Comes to Vibrant Life at OC's Segerstrom Center
by Michael Quintos - Jun 6, 2025

There is definitely an easy-to-surmise draw behind the now-touring version of the Tony Award-winning play LIFE OF PI, now currently enchanting audiences at OC's Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa through June 15, 2025. Filled with innovative visual trickery and remarkable, human-powered puppetry, this impressive, great-looking drama—playwright Lolita Chakrabarti's admirable stage adaptation of Yann Martel's bestselling novel—wows with its non-stop eye-popping theatrics that combine technical cleverness with breathtaking human physicality. And though the play's central narrative conceit—teen boy gets stuck on a lifeboat with a tiger—is fairly simple, its dazzling execution is its primary, most valid reason to experience this play in person.
Review: BEN AND IMO, Orange Tree Theatre
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Apr 28, 2025

After running at the RSC's Swan Theatre last year, Erica Whyman's quietly captivating production of Mark Ravenhill's play Ben and Imo now makes its way south to the Orange Tree Theatre.
Photos: Jonathan Bailey and More Behind the Scenes of RICHARD II
by Stephi Wild - Apr 17, 2025

London Theatre Company has released behind the scenes photography from Richard II, starring Jonathan Bailey and directed by Nicholas Hytner. Check out the photos here!
Video: Jonathan Bailey-Led RICHARD II Trailer
by Stephi Wild - Apr 11, 2025

London Theatre Company has released an all new trailer for Richard II, starring Jonathan Bailey and directed by Nicholas Hytner. Check out the video and learn more about the show here!
LIFE OF PI is Coming to the Ahmanson Theatre in May
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2025

Center Theatre Group will present LIFE OF PI, the Tony Award-winning theatrical experience at the Ahmanson Theatre. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
LIFE OF PI is Coming to The Paramount Theatre in April
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2025

LIFE OF PI, the Tony Award-winning theatrical experience is coming to The Paramount Theatre this spring. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets here!
Tickets to LIFE OF PI on Sale This Week at the Hobby Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 11, 2025

Tickets for LIFE OF PI, the Tony Award-winning theatrical experience, will go on sale for the Houston Engagement this week. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
LIFE OF PI Tickets at Wharton Center Now on Sale
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 4, 2025

Wharton Center has announced that tickets for LIFE OF PI, the Tony Award® winning theatrical experience that has wowed audiences around the globe, are available now.
Tickets to LIFE OF PI at Winspear Opera House to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2025

Tickets for LIFE OF PI, the Tony Award-winning theatrical experience will go on sale this week for performances at the Winspear Opera House as part of the 2024/2025 Broadway series presented by Broadway Dallas. Learn more!
Review: RICHARD II, Starring Jonathan Bailey
by Cindy Marcolina - Feb 18, 2025

A nation in need, an unsuitable king, banishments, murders, attempted coups. Richard II has it all and so does Jonathan Bailey. He might be dancing through Hollywood and hanging out with the biggest celebs, but he proves that he’s still one of us with this triumphant return to the stage.
Photos: Jonathan Bailey and More in RICHARD II
by Stephi Wild - Feb 14, 2025

London Theatre Company has released photos of Richard II. Starring Jonathan Bailey and directed by Nicholas Hytner, this fresh take on Shakespeare’s subtle, caustic and powerful play is currently playing the Bridge Theatre until 10 May 2025.
LIFE OF PI Tour is Coming to Wharton Center in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 11, 2025

Tickets for LIFE OF PI, the Tony Award winning theatrical experience, at The Wharton Center are now available. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Frantic Assembly Announced LOST ATOMS Tour Dates
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 30, 2025

Full tour dates have been announced for Frantic Assembly's brand-new production Lost Atoms, written by Anna Jordan.
Review: LIFE OF PI at Connor Palace/Key Bank Series
by Roy Berko - Jan 10, 2025

Yann Martel is noted for his ability to write tales filled with adventure, survival and spirituality.  His novel, LIFE OF PI, sold more than 15 million copies and won numerous awards. The novel has been translated into a film and now a stage play by Lolita Chakrabarti.  It is on stage at the Connor Palace Theatre, as part of the Key Bank Broadway Series.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Carolyn Downing been nominated for?

Best Sound Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Life of Pi and Best Sound Design (Olivier Awards) for Chimerica.

What awards has Carolyn Downing won?

Carolyn Downing has won the Tony Award for Best Sound Design of a Play for Life of Pi and the Olivier Award for Best Sound Design for Chimerica.

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Videos