Carolyn Michelle Smith is an Actor, Educator, and Producer recently known for her work as “Deja” on Season 5 of the Hillman Grad-produced, acclaimed Showtime series: “The Chi”. A Washington, DC native Carolyn trained at Juilliard and Fordham University at Lincoln Center. Selected by the Hillman Grad team for her work as a private coach to actors in both Hollywood and New York, Carolyn has led performance workshops across the country training emerging artists from such programs as: Yale, Juilliard, NYU, and Columbia University. Former Faculty member for Tom Todoroff Studios, The Shakespeare Society, and Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory, Carolyn’s expertise is in deepening an actor’s relationship to text, and helping them create an empowered mindset for sustained career success. Carolyn continues to thrive on both stage and screen. She made her Broadway debut in “Romeo and Juliet” starring Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad. Select TV credits include: “Russian Doll”, “Cherish the Day”, “House of Cards”, “Law and Order”, “Luke Cage”, and “How to Get Away w/ Murder”. Film credits include: “Tankhouse”, “He’s Way More Famous Than You”, directed by Michael Urie “Reboot Camp”, “Sunny Daze”, and “Proof of Loss” co-starring Dylan McDermott. In addition to her work as a Coach and Educator, Carolyn is currently producing her first feature now in development: The Untitled Calypso Project. She’s also a founding member of the Juilliard Black Alumni Association along with fellow members: Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins, and Teyonah Parris. The JBAA actively supports young black artists entering the Juilliard Drama Division and beyond. Carolyn is based in Los Angeles.