Kaf Warman died on Sept. 16 at Woodhaven Health and Rehab Center in Monroeville, Pa.

Kaf was born Oct. 27, 1949 in New York City to the late Reginald and Jolanne K. (Winston) Warman.

At the beginning of her artist journey, Kaf attended Goddard College in Plainfield, Vt. After graduating with a masters in movement and theatre, she studied movement in Paris under the internationally known master acting teacher Jacques Lecoq. Monsieur Lecoq recognized that there was a brilliant teacher in Kaf.

Teaching was indeed her passion. She moved to the Island in the late 1980’s. She was an associate artistic director at Island Theatre Workshop for years, where she directed many plays. She also directed at Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse. Kaf led theatre workshops, from commedia dell’arte and personal clown to neutral mask and acting. Islanders may remember seeing her big smile while volunteering at The Yard, Wintertide Coffeehouse or Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse.

In 1997, she joined the staff at the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama in Pittsburgh, Pa. as the associate teaching professor in movement, physical acting and improvisation. In the summer, she returned to her beloved home on Martha’s Vineyard. There, each year, she offered one or two CMU students an internship at Island Theatre Workshop’s children’s summer camp and encouraged her students to audition for and act with Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, particularly in their outdoor Shakespearean productions. It was a life changing experience for these students.

Kaf was a well-loved teacher and a beautiful friend to many people on the Vineyard. Her artistic talents and love of life will be forever treasured.

She is survived by her brother, Jon Christopher Warman, her stepson, Kjel Johnson, and her dear friend, Jennifer Schellhammer.

Donations be made to Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse or Island Theatre Workshop in memory of Kaf Warman.

A celebration of life service will be planned for the spring of 2025. Details will be announced at a later date.