Meet the Next On Stage Finalists: Keita Kawahara

Just weeks ago we learned which talented contestants will move forward to the finale of Next On Stage, sponsored by AMDA and Atlantic Acting School! The Top 3 are getting ready to show us what they've got in New York City, as they prepare to perform at the famed 54 Below.

Learn more about the competition.

Who will win the competition? You'll have to tune into the live finale on Sunday, January 18 (12pm ET) to find out! Until then, we are getting to know the students one by one. Meet HIgh School contestant Keita Kawahara from New Orleans, Louisiana.

What do you love the most about performing?

Performing was my outlet for complete self expression growing up. I had a hard time putting down my walls for most of my life but when I was performing I was able to put them down and let my heart out. Performing has become my top passion in my life and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What's a role that you'd love to play someday and why?

My dream is to play a female character as those are the almost always the most fun roles in a show. Some that immediately come to mind are Elphaba and Fanny Brice.

Is there a theatre educator who has had a big impact on you as a performer?

My very first real acting teacher, Daniel Pruksarnukul fundamentally changed the way I approach any new piece now. I had no idea how to act beyond just like furrowing my eyebrows on the sad part before him. His coaching style is also very blunt and direct which was really really helpful in my foundational years.

Share a fun fact about yourself! 

I really really love pink, I wrote my college essay about it and I plan on wearing pink to all of my college auditions.

Watch Keita's performances so far...

Week 4:

Week 3: 

Week 2:

Week 1: