I am so honored to introduce you to Katie Ann Harvey. Katie will be performing the role of Ulla in The Producers at The Palace Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire where she previously performed in Flashdance (Alex Owens), A Chorus Line (Cassie), Grease (Rizzo), and Rock of Ages (Sherrie u/s). This triple has also performed Off-Broadway in Bayside! The Musical! (Kelly Kapowski), and Nationally and Internationally in the tours ofRock of Ages and The Addams Family. She also has performed in Tokyo, Japan in Broadway's Christmas Wonderland. I think the word triple threat can easily be thrown around in our industry but anyone who comes across the talent that is Katie will truly see what a triple threat is all about. She truly brings such amazing energy to every role she plays. The audiences in Manchester are truly in for a treat and it is a complete honor to have the chance to feature Katie!

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?

I've always loved performing and grew up watching musical theater, but I didn't have my "aha! " moment until I was 20 years old (I'm a late bloomer!). I was watching the Wicked First National in Charlotte; NC and I had an out-of-body experience watching Carmen Cusack's The Wizard and I. From that moment, I knew I wanted to take my passion and turn it into a career.

Where did you study? Are there any mentors who helped you become the wonderful performer you are today?

I got a bachelor's in Dance Studies at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. Once I graduated, I moved to New York to continue my education through AMDA's Conservatory Program. I have been so lucky to have had many supportive mentors in all stages of my life. My first big impact came from Renae Hubbard, my high school musical director. I had many teachers who believed in me, but she was the first who helped me believe in myself.

CongratulationsonThe Producers at The Palace Theatre in New Hampshire. How does it feel to be back on stage at a theatre where you have performed previously in some amazing shows?

Thank you!! I am so excited to open this show. Tech starts tomorrow and I cannot WAIT to be back on a stage that feels like home. The energy exchange between actors and the audience during live theater is the most magical thing in the world. Human connection through art is incredible and I'm so thankful to help even just a small part.

Are there any moments, stories, or memories in your career that sticks out and will always be near and dear to your heart?

On this same stage, I had a pivotal moment in my life during the opening night of A Chorus Line. I had been recovering from several injuries as well as general wear and tear that came from decades of being a gymnast-turned-dancer. I had mentally started to tell myself that maybe it was time to transition into the next phase of my career. Having always identified as a dancer first, this was terrifying. I knew performing Music and the Mirror was a true test to see if my body and mind were still capable. My director Carl Rajotte believed in me, but I had to truly believe I was capable. My family was in the audience, close friends were standing at the back of the house, all cheering me on. Hitting that final lunge, to know not only that I did it, but that my body still CAN do it, is indescribable. Playing Cassie moved my soul and that experience will be the nearest to my heart.

What advice would you give any aspiring artist who wants a career in the performing arts?

Be authentically you! You can't please everyone (a self-journey I'm still on), but the people who like you, are going to LOVE you and be on your team!

The Producers opens on April 22ndand will be running until May 15th. For more information, please visit - www.palacetheatre.org; and to learn more about Katie make sure you visit her official website at - www.katieannharvey.com

Katie Ann Harvey discusses performing at The Palace Theatre (NH) & Being "Authentically You"!

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