Randye Kaye
Actor/Speaker/Author/Radio Host
short:
Our guest today brings her work as a professional theater and improv actor to create spaces and teach skills for human connection and emotional intelligence.
She’s also a radio broadcaster (formerly with STAR 99.9 and now with WSHU, a local NPR affiliate), corporate trainer, podcast host, voiceover talent, audiobook narrator and author of two bestselling books, Happier Made Simple and Ben Behind His Voices.
She’s currently working on a solo show tentatively titled, “Cracks and All” by studying with comic Lisa Lampanelli.
longer version:
Randye’s love of performing began in summer camp, where sports seemed like torture and the “drama building” was a magical place. It was cemented by her parents’ collection of Broadway Cast albums, and she still knows all the words to Professor Harold Hill’s rap, “You Got Trouble.” She worked her way through college with her guitar, singing original and cover songs in eclectic coffee houses, then returned to her theatre roots for a decade of professional work in NYC, Los Angeles, and on tour.
Lotsa good stories here, from living in Beckley, West Virginia in a house with a haunted toilet (regional theatre gig), to tap dancing with Ann Miller (National Tour), to making an entrance from a magician’s “empty” Pyrex box and then singing “Could it be Magic” as the opening number of an act. Yeah. No kidding.
All that was B.C. (Before Children), of course. Since becoming a wife and parent, Randye has kept her career choices closer to home in Connecticut and NYC. Radio personality, theatre actress/singer, voice talent and coach, film/TV, Cabaret performer, professional MC – it all adds up to mortgage payments, continued professional growth, and a happy family. Her kids grew up backstage in regional theatres, and learned how to stay completely silent when the “On Air” sign was lit in broadcast and production studios. And ate lots of macaroni and cheese.
Now, it’s work in radio (currently News Anchor/Local Host All Things Considered for WSHU Public Radio in CT), audiobook narration (approaching 200 titles), theatre (mostly as Equity Guest Artist), voiceovers, and the occasional role on camera.
She still listens to Broadway Musicals as she attempts to cook (usually wearing overalls) with her three young grandchildren.
