About Carl

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Carl grew up in the small town of Hawley, MN where he started performing in high school plays, church skits, family productions with his Aunt Julie (see picture below), and summers at Trollwood Performing Arts School. Carl attended the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point where he graduated with a BFA in Acting. Carl currently resides in Minneapolis, MN and has performed at various theaters around the city. He has also performed at multiple theaters throughout the country while on the National Tour of

NOEL the Musical. When not performing Carl works at Starbucks and as a speech coach at Eastview High School. Carl is also an avid golfer, movie enthusiast, and is obsessed with the show Survivor. 

Press

If/Then - Sept. 2018

"Carl Swanson, is very

funny even if his character 

is a puzzle." - The Star Tribune

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"Carl Swanson plays Lucas, 

I found him funny, sweet, complex, and likable."

- Play Off The Page

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"Carl Swanson is funny and natural as Lucas." 

- Cherry and Spoon

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"Carl Swanson plays Lucas with disarming aplomb and bubbly humor​."

- Broadway World

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Chess - Dec. 2017

"Carl Swanson is great as 

Anatoly, and sings the heck

out of this score."

- Cherry and Spoon

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"Swanson’s finest solo piece is the end of Act I, with the simply named “Anthem” – a paean to apolitical patriotism and liberation."

- Twin Cities Arts Reader

Latest News

Now Playing: November 8th - January 5th, 2019

Carl is very excited to be making his debut at the Children's Theatre Company this Christmas in their production of Cinderella!

Click here for details. 

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Upcoming: February 22nd - March 8th

Coming next year Carl will be playing Peter in Theatre Pro Rata's production of Silent Sky. This site specific production will be performed in the observatory of the Bell Museum.

Click here for details.  

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Past:

September 6th - 29th, 2019: 

Carl is thrilled to be returning to Lyric Arts for the regional premier of Bright Star! 

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August 2nd - 10th, 2019: Carl is joining the cast of Atlas ¯\_(ツ)_/¯: An Objective Musical. A part of the Minnesota Fringe Festival! 

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June 24th - August 9th, 2019 : Get ready to dig!

Carl will be joining Side Kick Theatre for their summer kids show The Fantastic Mr. Fox.

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May 10th - 25th, 2019: We could play at questions... because Carl will be appearing as Rosencrantz in Fearless Comedy's Production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead!

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Awards

Eagle Scout Award: Boy Scouts of America

Carl received the Eagle Scout award in 2009. His service project involved installing benches outside of the community pool in Hawley, MN.