John Cariani
National Impact Award

​John Cariani is a celebrated American actor and playwright whose work has left a

lasting imprint on both stage and screen. His play Almost, Maine, which the theater proudly produced last season, has become one of the most widely performed contemporary American plays, with over 5,000 productions at high schools, colleges, and community theaters across the country. It’s also enjoyed nearly 100 professional stagings and has been translated into more than a dozen languages for audiences around the world. Beloved for its heartfelt storytelling and universal themes, Almost, Maine has earned its place as a modern American classic.

 

As an actor, John is equally distinguished. He’s widely recognized for his role as

forensic expert Julian Beck on Law & Order, and he earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance as Motel the Tailor in the 2004 Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof. His Broadway credits also include standout performances in Something Rotten! and the Tony Award-winning musical The Band’s Visit. Whether writing or performing, John brings warmth, humor, and humanity to every role he takes on.