Carl Pariso

Carl Pariso is a performer, songwriter, composer, and educator whose career is rooted in authentic storytelling across musical theatre and contemporary music. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Carl combines professional performance experience with a passion for developing original work and mentoring the next generation of artists. 

A graduate of the University of Delaware, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition with a minor in Theatre Performance, Carl graduated magna cum laude and was awarded First Place in the Delaware Choral Composers Competition for his original composition Autumn Fires. His professional theatre career includes portraying Cliff Bradshaw in the Broadway national tour of Cabaret, along with leading roles in regional productions including Once, Camelot, and To Kill a Mockingbird. 

Beyond performance, Carl has dedicated much of his career to creating original work. His musical theatre compositions were featured in a New York City showcase directed by Travis Greisler, Associate Director of The Cher Show. He also co-founded an independent New York theatre company devoted to developing original productions and creating opportunities for emerging artists, reflecting his belief that artists should actively create opportunities for themselves and others. 

As an educator, Carl has taught songwriting, guitar, and piano to students of all ages and has led master classes in acting through song, audition technique, storytelling, and creative development. His teaching philosophy emphasizes emotional authenticity, artistic curiosity, and practical industry insight, encouraging students to move beyond technical proficiency to become confident, thoughtful storytellers. 

Today, Carl continues to write and perform original music while developing educational workshops that explore the intersection of musical theatre, songwriting, and artistic entrepreneurship. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, his mission is to help artists discover their authentic voice, tell meaningful stories, and build fulfilling, sustainable creative careers.