Charles Ira Karchmer ’68
Charles Ira Karchmer ’68 passed away at home in New York City on April 3. He came to Dartmouth from Woodbridge, New York. A drama major, he was active in Dartmouth Players, band, WDCR, and Casque & Gauntlet. After graduation he studied with Joseph Papp at Columbia University, was a founding member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre, and directed numerous shows. Charlie went on to become an award-winning director and coach in New York and regional theater for more than 40 years. He worked at Juilliard, Atlantic Theatre Acting School, Playwrights Horizons, Manhattan Punch Line, Ark Theatre, and American Jewish Theatre, among others. His production of Love! Valour! Compassion! for Philadelphia Theatre Company garnered five Barrymore awards, including outstanding direction. Along with classmates Bob Reich and Bill Zarchy, Charlie is part of “The Picture,” a photo taken on the lawn of Casque & Gauntlet at graduation. They repeated the photo at their 10th in 1978 and vowed to continue the tradition. When Charlie missed the 25th, Bill and Bob took the picture without him. By their 50th reunion they couldn’t remember who stood where, other than they were in order by height, with Charlie between, so they took the shot both ways. Both photos can be seen on the class website. Charlie was a dog lover, professional pianist, and crossword puzzle enthusiast. Devoted to his mother, Zelda, and loyal to his many friends, associates, and cousins, he was predeceased by his longtime partner, David.
