“It’s remarkable to see the world through someone else’s eyes,” says 2012 YoungArts National Merit Award winning singer, dancer, and actor Katherine Fried. This performer communicates the human condition in the most honest, compassionate terms. Choir teacher Paula Holmberg says Katherine’s “thirst for artistic integrity and engagement are extraordinary,” and theatre director Kent Knutson adds she is a “gracious, fearless” performer. Katherine has elegantly and bravely taken on many demanding roles, including Vivien Bearing, a woman dying of cancer, in the play Wit.
Katherine knew early on that she was destined to be a performer. As a kindergartener she sang a love rhyme at her uncle’s wedding, and in sixth grade she was cast in High School Musical, where she found her love for the theatre. Katherine has been an integral part of Minnetonka’s productions ever since, playing roles like Elle in Legally Blonde and Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera. She helped lead the Minnetonka one-acts to the highest Star Rating at State competitions for three consecutive years. She has also received three Spotlight Awards for Outstanding Performances in a Supporting Role and Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role. She most recently played the title role in Minnetonka’s production of Aida.
Katherine prepares for any performance by paying attention to the text. She feels that “everything is written the way it was written for a reason” and that the artist must “let it become what it was meant to be.” This professional approach and her keen sensitivity will serve her well as a student in the University of Minnesota’s Guthrie BFA Program next year.
Broadway bound, Katherine also plans to travel the world. One of the places she hopes to visit is Kenya, where she can fulfill her lifelong dream of caring for orphan elephants.
Written by Barb VanPilsum
