Katie is a New York-based director and educator. Raised in a family of teachers, she was drawn to theater for its power to make stories more complicated less reverent than they seemed on the page. Whether in schools or on Broadway, Katie’s process centers playfulness, flexibility, and close observation the world. She seeks the momentous in the mundane and the coexistence of multiple truths that might be otherwise overlooked.

“McGerr…guides her cast to be patient with the characters, not to let their tactics and stereotypic personalities overwhelm the humans beneath them.” (syracuse.com)

Katie heads the B.F.A. Acting Program at Syracuse University, where she leads an annual collaboration with CENTRO University for Design in Mexico City. Recently, her work for young audiences was featured by New York Pops Up! and she associate-directed the Outer Critics Circle-nominated Broadway premiere of Birthday Candles. In 2025 she directed The Flick for Redhouse Arts Center and will direct My Robot for Syracuse Stage.

Born with a rare autonomic nerve condition, Katie is experienced at leading processes that meet collaborators’ individual access needs. She believes equity in the profession starts with inclusivity in the classroom. Katie holds a B.A. in theater studies from Columbia University and an M.F.A. in directing from the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale.