Talkback Tuesdays – with Keith Livingston!
At Starling Voice Studio we are adding a new feature, which will focus on various members of the Starling Voice Community!
Our first interview is with Keith Livingston, a current voice student and professional actor —
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I’m from Rockland County, NY which is about 40 minutes north of Manhattan. I’ve been exposed to music and theatre from a young age and I always knew that I would have a career related to music.
Tell me about what you’re working on now.
I’m currently working on Romeo & Juliet with the Lantern Theatre Company as part of their educational outreach. We’re performing the show for about 6,000 Philadelphia middle and high schoolers.
How is this character like you? Different?
Benvolio and I are listeners. We both try to be there for our friends and family.
What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
Since Benvolio listens to the woes of Romeo and the rants of Mercutio, I have to make sure that I’m actively listening to the other characters and stay in the scene. If I zone out, we will lose the audience.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
“My poverty, but not thy will, consents.”
If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?
Maybe Mercutio. I would definitely need more confidence in Shakespeare’s text before I took on that role tho.
What kind of roles do you prefer?
I love ensemble-ly roles that allow the cast to really work as a unit.
When was your first role as a performer?
In the 3rd grade I was in a little production about a Greek hero and I was one of the sidekicks.
What do you love about your voice?
I love when I get to showcase the lower bass notes.
How has Starling Voice Studio helped you?
By grounding me and keeping me focused on my goal. And reminding me that I can in fact sing and I should literally focus on anything else but singing while singing.
What’s your vocal goal this year?
To not lose it. To listen when it’s tired or hurt and then give it rest.
