Biography


Kate Beckman has developed a reputation as a versatile performer and an audience favorite.  She puts her personal touch and unique style into programs which combine the best of the musical theatre, concert, and cabaret venues.  The press has reviewed her as, “The most compelling performer…Her deep rich voice coddles her songs.  More important, she invests each with emotional urgency.”  Audiences have said, “Each new show outdoes the last.”  “She puts you in the palm of her hand and never lets go.”

Kate is at home as an acting coach, free-lance production photographer, and performer.  With varied and extensive experience as a producer, director, designer, and stage manager, performing is her first love.  Her work has taken her throughout the United States and England with favorite projects and roles in Carmen, Kiss Me Kate, Tintypes, A Moon for the Misbegotten, A Little Night Music, and Nunsense.











Kate enjoys a busy concert and cabaret schedule including Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, Landmark on Main Street, Danny's Skylight Room and Theatre 315 in New York City, Odette's in New Hope, Pa., the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, Dystonia Medical Foundation, Sponsors Event for the East End Food and Wine Awards, Town of Oyster Bay Distinguished Artists Series, Patrons of the Arts, and Penn State Men's Glee Club.  She also created the role of Nan Edwards in the world premiere of a new musical, Fair Liberty's Call.  In July 2018, Kate directed an updated chamber version of Fair Liberty’s Call. Kate joined with her original company members, in July 2011, to perform in an anniversary production of the Bicentennial Wagon Train Show at Fort Roberdeau in Pennsylvania.  She was a member of one of the original companies that toured the United States as part of the Bicentennial celebration.

When not on stage, Kate has spent over thirty years teaching theatre and speech on the faculty of Hofstra University, St. John's University, Nassau Community College, Molloy College, and NYIT. She has held the positions of Director of Theatre, and Assistant Director/Interpretative Coach for the St. John's University forensics team.  Kate has also mentored interns in the research, development, and portrayal of 19th century characters as part of the living museum at Old Bethpage Village Restoration.  As an educator, she has been honored by her students in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, the Primo V. Amato Memorial Award, Teacher of the Year Nominee, and Who's Who of Women in Education. Kate is a personal speech consultant and frequent guest speaker presenting Master Classes and workshops in the performing and communication arts to organizations including the Nassau County Library Programmers Association, the Suffolk Y JCC, the Molloy Institute for Lifelong Learning, and the Nassau Community College Faculty Roundtable.  A list of available cabaret programs and workshops may be found under Programs.

Kate worked with historical organizations developing family programs and events to bring history alive.  She created and presented
Holiday Baking in the 18th century, the Stories and Then Some series, and Cabaret in the Parlor.  Kate owns Beckman Productions LLC and produces cabaret with the goal of expanding this art form and developing cabaret artists, audiences, and venues. 

 

katebeckman

singer actor director

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