Each Broadway actor starts their journey on a different stage. Kate Baldwin, a Shorewood alumna, began hers at the Shorewood High School auditorium, what is now the Barbara Gensler Theater for the Dramatic Arts. In an effort to pass on her musical wisdom to the next generation, Baldwin paid a visit last month to SHS drama students to offer insight on their upcoming show, Chicago.
Baldwin, a seasoned professional, with her notable work including, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Big Fish, Hello Dolly!, and her recent engagement as Roxie Hart in Broadway’ s Chicago.
Baldwin’s visit included a Q&A session with the cast, as well as the chance for the two leads of the show, Meera Antigua and Ellie Christian, to be taught the final two dances of the show, “Nowadays” and “Hot Honey Rag.”
“Getting the opportunity to work with Kate Baldwin was truly a life changing experience,” said Christian. “She is such a light and wonderful human being, who has been a major inspiration in my life.”
This workshop was not an uncommon occurrence for Baldwin, who has done numerous masterclasses working with and inspiring youth actors around the country.
“My favorite part of working with her was how she treated us like professionals, not like ordinary high school students,” said Antigua. “I could tell she didn’t see this as a chore but as an opportunity to work with young, striving actors.”
Baldwin even helped to connect Antigua with the current choreographer of Chicago, David Bushman, who met with Antigua in New York City and taught her the dances to “I Can’t Do It Alone” and “When Velma Takes the Stand.”
Adam Shaeffer, director of the SHS drama department, was a classmate of Baldwin’s in the 90s, and connected with Baldwin last summer when she was cast in Broadway’s production of Chicago as Roxie Hart. As both were students of Barbara Gensler, previous Drama teacher, they connected and began planning a way to give back to Shaeffer’s students.
“I believe in giving back and knew it would be fun for me and beneficial to the students to have some real world guidance,” Baldwin said. “I love Shorewood and teaching.”
This passion for teaching stems from Baldwin’s eagerness to connect with the younger generation of actors.
“I love hearing what they respond to and value in a story or song,” Baldwin said. “Our industry is changing rapidly and I love knowing what interests the students today because they will become leaders tomorrow.”
Additionally, Baldwin considers these sessions to be mutually beneficial. While she may be taking on the role of a mentor, Baldwin remains open to the new perspectives students share with her.
“I become a better actor when I have to explain what I’m teaching, because it forces me to slow down and consider each choice,” Baldwin said. “Younger actors can offer a take on a song or scene that surprises me, so often I learn something too.”
Moving to the Shorewood district in the second grade, Baldwin was greatly involved in many extracurriculars that exist to this day. This includes clubs such as Pegasus and Shorewood Ripples and participation in the marching band.
However, the activity that had the most impact on the trajectory of Baldwin’s career was her participation in theater. Over the span of four years Baldwin was involved in 12 shows, including Showcase, musicals, and productions of Shakespeare. Yet, the greatest influence came from her drama teacher, Barbara Gensler.
“Barbara Gensler put a copy of Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen into my hands and it changed my life,” Baldwin said. “The book is a manual for how to approach creating a character and storytelling, whether it is a play or a musical. [Gensler] taught us discipline, demanded commitment and encouraged us to tell the truth onstage, which was a fascinating concept to me. We also went to New York my senior year and saw Broadway plays and musicals which opened my eyes to the professional world and its high standards and thrilling possibilities.”