In elementary school, it’s typical for kids to bring in their favorite toys to show and tell. But for Musical Theater and Theater Major Miranda Keating, ’20, a toy wasn’t her first choice.
“My parents always tell me the story of getting a call from my preschool teachers and how entertained they were when all the other students in my preschool class brought their Barbies and their trucks (and) I brought a VCR of ‘Cats the Musical,’” said Keating.
Keating had an idea of what she would be doing in the future from a young age. Keating had been involved with theater since she was in elementary school. Her first real production was staring as Goldilocks in “Goldilocks and the Three Bullfrogs.”
“It was riveting,” said Keating.
After elementary school, her love for theater only grew. She performed in civic theater every summer. She would also perform in various school productions all the way through high school. Fast-forward to now being a senior in college, all of her hard work is paying off.
Keating had two opportunities this past summer. The first portion of her summer involved being a dance performer at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio.
“For Cedar Point, their mascots, of sorts, are the Peanuts characters, so I was a dancer along with the Peanuts characters,” said Keating. “Every day I had about six shows that I would perform … I would have a show and I would just dance my heart out with these Peanuts characters as part of the joy and the love of Cedar Point Amusement Park.”
Keating actually worked for Cedar Point last summer as well. They asked her to come back. Keating felt very fortunate to have returned. Mainly for the fact that it brought so much joy for her to make a positive impact on younger people.
“I dealt with a lot of kids who would fall in love with these characters and dance with us. It was so lovely,” said Keating. “My heart would just fill with joy with all these kids smiling and singing with these Peanuts characters.”
The second portion of Keating’s summer revolved around the research she was conducting. Throughout January and up until the summer, Keating was working on applying for her Richter Grant. It wasn’t easy, as a lot of focus, edits and the occasional tear would come into play. After doing four drafts, it was accepted.
“I was able to go to New York City and Chicago in order to interview actors and how physical spaces affect their perception of success within audition rooms,” said Keating.
This portion of Miranda’s summer was quite the experience. In Chicago, Keating quickly learned that commuting in Chicago is rough. But having to navigate through the city led to meeting many new faces.
“I learned so much … when I had to meet all these actors in coffee shops scattered throughout the city and I had about hour-long conversations with each actor and they were all just lovely people that I got connected to with through alumni, through professors (and) through friends who live in the city currently,” said Keating.
For New York City, Keating flew out there and stayed in a hostel for 10 days. This alone was an amazing opportunity. Students and young adults from across the world stayed at this hostel in order to see New York City. Keating was able to connect with so many great people at the hostel, but when it came to her research, Keating got to meet with many New York City actors. Along with meeting numerous actors and people around the world, Keating had the chance to see numerous Broadway shows.
“Through friends, and I have an old professor who is on Broadway right now, I got comp tickets to see … five broadway shows which is insane,” said Keating. “I got to go to all these amazing shows and talk to all these actors afterward, so seeing those shows and seeing people perform their art, it always inspires me and it reminds me of why I do this business in the first place, why I wanted to pursue this through the ups and downs of this career. So exploring New York City and getting to see those shows, that’s definitely a highlight of my trip.”
Interacting with multiple actors throughout the city was very inspiring for Keating. Talking with them and seeing why they do theater gave her a professional perspective to process and appreciate.
“I will always remember all of their answers and what keeps them going, because it’s sometimes hard to remember, especially being a professional actor, but then you look back at all the gifts that theater gives us and you’re like ‘that’s why I do it that’s what so amazing about it,’ it just touches so many people in such a beautiful way,” said Keating. “I will always remember that and I will always remember all the people that I met too and how the acting community is one big family.”
Since these wonderful summer experiences, Keating has remained busy. Keating has been directing North Central’s upcoming production of “Song for a New World.”
Composed by Jason Robert Brown, the musical “entails of people when they realize something new about themselves or the environment around them and seemingly find a whole new world to be explored in their life,” said Keating.
It has been a joy for Keating to direct this show. From the phenomenal cast to the incredibly talented musicians, Keating said she can’t wait to see the musical come to life.
“Everyone should come see the show because I feel like everyone could relate to the moments where you start doubting yourself, you start wondering what your next adventure is and the show helps remind you that we are in this crazy thing called life together and that you will never not have support,” said Keating.
Beyond directing “Songs for a New World,” Keating is getting ready for life after college. After the school year, there is a senior showcase that North Central College sponsors. Agents and casting directors attend the showcase. Seniors hope to be signed by showcasing their talents.
Keating hopes to become represented by a talent agency in Chicago and start doing professional auditions. Getting on a TV show is one of her potential career paths. After some time exploring the theater scene in Chicago, Keating has the long term goal of going to graduate school.
“Eventually, I do want to go to grad school in order to get a master’s degree or doc degree in order to become a professor in theater,” said Keating. “I definitely want to go back to school in order to teach theater because I love teaching just as much as I love performing. And I (would) love to spread my love and the knowledge that I have learned through my years of acting.”
