Kenneth Lane

Kenneth Lane is an actor who delivers. I was amazed by Kenneth’s stage energy and sheer love of performing that came through in his every scene stealing moment on stage as Lefou in the Firehouse Theatre’s recent Beauty and the Beast. His winning personality and outstanding vocals gave the supporting role star power. I attended both the opening and closing performances of the show and Kenneth wowed me both times. Kenneth is most definitely on the path to an outstanding career in the performing arts. Take a few moments to learn more about this very talented young man.

 When was your first time on stage?

 My first time on stage was probably with my preschool class as a billy goat in a children’s production of The Sound of Music. I was 4 I believe. It might have been earlier in a program at my church. Regardless I’ve been performing on stage as long as I can remember, and it has always been a huge part of my life. 

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

 My earliest memories involve me singing and dancing in front of the tv while watching Barney, The Wizard of Oz, and several Disney movies on VHS tapes.  Before I really understood the difference between what was make believe and what was reality, I knew I wanted to do that. That is do whatever the characters in the movies and tv shows I watched were doing. I certainly would try. I would perform "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” for random people in the grocery store at age two. At age four I saw my first live theatre performance at Casa Mañana and have been obsessed with theatre ever since. In fact, my mom would take me to shows there for years after. Thank you, Mom! In elementary school I played several small roles in school plays before I really knew and understood what being an actor was. I had so much fun performing, but it really set in that I wanted to be a professional actor at age ten. I was cast as the lead role of Little Boy Blue in a children’s church musical. I was singing my solo on stage in the church sanctuary looking up at the lights and in that moment I just knew. I knew right then and there at the age of ten that I wanted to be singing, acting, and performing the rest of my life. At age twenty-four I truly know who I am and what I am capable. I now believe I have the drive and talent to truly find success.

 Who is your greatest mentor?

 I simply can’t name one person I have had too many mentors over the years that deserve credit. First, I’d like to say Noelle Mason and David Stanley for really being the ones to get me into theatre. I wouldn’t be doing this today without their belief in me as a young child. Second, I’d like to say my voice teacher Dr. Karen Rees from Sam Houston State University where I earned my BFA in Musical Theatre. Dr. Rees was my cheerleader before I was even a part of the program and pushed me to new heights as a singer. I’d also like to say my professor Penelope Hasekoester from SHSU. Ms. Hasekoester gave me the confidence and encouragement to audition for my first professional theatre job while in college. She made me see that I was a good actor and had so much to offer this world. Every show I’m in I learn something new from the people I work with. That’s one of my favorite parts of theatre. The training never really stops and certainly doesn’t end in your BFA program. 

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

 I think I will always go back to my favorite role from college, Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. That was the first time I felt like I had full permission to truly make a character my own and I did. I love the character so dearly and am dying to play him again.

 Do you have a dream role?

 I have several. Maybe too many. I really would like to play Marius in Les Misérables or Anthony in Sweeney Todd to show people my more classical sound and my ability to play a romantic leading man. I typically play more awkward/goofy leading men like Matt in The Fantasticks or Mark in Rent. I also play character roles like Leaf Coneybear or most recently Lefou in Beauty & the Beast. I’m not so sure what my “type” is. I just audition for what feels right for me. Other dream roles of mine include playing Jack in Into the Woods (before I get too old), Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Younger Brother in Ragtime, Monty Navarro in Gentleman’s Guide, Lucas in The Addams Family, anyone in Spring Awakening, Nicky and/or Princeton in Avenue Q, and Cornelius Hackl in Hello Dolly just to name a few too many. 

What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?

 I would really love to share the stage with Eva Noblezada. Ever since she was in Miss Saigon I have been utterly obsessed with her. I made a fan video on YouTube for her with now 191 k views back in 2020. I made it out of sheer boredom with the world being shut down. If you search her name on YouTube, it’s one of the first things to pop up. Eva is a fantastic actress and stellar singer. My favorite of the stage. I’d also love to be in a play with my favorite Hollywood actress Sarah Michelle Gellar. She did some professional theatre as a child, and I’d love to explore her return to the stage by her side. Anyone and everyone from my cast of The SpongeBob Musical at the Firehouse Theatre I’d kill to work with again. That cast had some of the most talented, hardworking, and hilarious people I’ve ever met in my life. Finally, one day I HAVE TO sing and perform on stage with my favorite band in the world Paramore. Outside of being a performer I have dedicated so much of my life to being a super fan of that silly little band. 

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

 Some of my favorite shows I’ve seen over the years include Catch Me If You Can at The Firehouse Theatre, Little Shop of Horrors at Theatre Three, Once On This Island at SHSU, The Fantasticks at Stages Repertory Theatre, and any Paramore concert I’ve ever been to. Other concerts that truly impressed me were Pink, Miley Cyrus, Greta Van Fleet, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Doja Cat. 

What are your career goals?

 I would really love to get to a point where acting and singing gigs were my only job and what is the only thing paying my bills. I’d also really love to work on a horror related project and would like to do more comedy. I’d like to dive into voice acting, tv, film, and commercials. I’d like to direct, and stage manage as well. All these dreams and goals aside. Theatre is where my heart truly is and as long as I am doing theatre for the rest of my life, I will be content. 

What would people be surprised to learn about you? 

 I’m a big ole nerd for anything spooky and campy. Way too into Halloween as a holiday. Horror is my favorite genre. If comedy is mixed in there it’s a total win. I love the Scream movie series and tv shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Recently been obsessed with the movie Pearl starring Mia Goth that came out last year. I was raised on/currently obsessed with anything starring Scooby Doo if that tells you anything about the kind of person I am. If you’d like to see more of my life you can follow my Instagram @kennethlane.actor