Today we’d like to introduce you to Will Keating.
Will, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I come from a family of animated story tellers. I learned how to tell stories listening to my Dad and Grandfather spin tales at the dinner table. I am the oldest of 19 cousins, just on my Dad’s side of the family, which has provided me opportunity to hone my skills of story-telling, teaching, and entertaining children.
I grew playing saxophone and guitar. After my bachelor’s degree, I picked up the guitar again while pursuing an MBA. While teaching AWANA at church, I discovered the joy of puppetry. I found that puppets are an amazing way to teach and connect with children.
I began immersing myself in puppetry, writing, music, and film. I made videos, taught at church, and performed at local coffee shops to hone my craft.
I recently got laid off and took the opportunity to pursue my dream of entertaining and teaching children via puppetry and music. In August, I will be releasing an album containing some of my most popular songs.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love Atlanta! It is a great place for children’s entertainers. Atlanta has a vibrant local theater community and many opportunities to perform for children. My recommendation to new performers looking to get started in Atlanta is to find out what makes you unique and own it. Also, look at the other acts and see how you can make your show different. Differentiating yourself will really help you get started.
Getting to know other performers to discover how they got started will really give you a leg up.
Keating Entertainment – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an EDUtainer, and I am known for using music, humor, and puppetry to teach children. Throughout the year, I perform for birthday parties and special events. During the summer, I perform variety shows with music, ventriloquism, and puppetry at libraries, daycares, and venues throughout the southeast. This year’s show is The Golden Ruler. The theme is anti-bullying and the Golden Rule: “treating others the way you want to be treated.” During the school year, I offer a character development program called Learn. Grow. Repeat., at daycares for children ages 2-5.
Learn. Grow. Repeat. really sets us apart from other teachers and entertainers by combining music, movement and puppetry. I used my degree in Psychology and MBA to create a character development program and teaching philosophy.
My teaching philosophy is simple:
1. Prepare to learn
2. Learning is FUN!
3. Understanding is the goal of learning
This program is offered on a weekly basis at daycares in the Atlanta area. The program emphasizes discipline and self-control while simultaneously focusing on monthly topics such as: safety, etiquette, manners, sharing, The Golden Rule, patience, eating healthy, formal parties (how to behave and interact with adults), imagination, and routines.
Learn. Grow. Repeat. is a philosophy that children are constantly learning, growing, and repeating this process hundreds of times per day. As parents, teachers, and adults, it is our job to ensure that children grow and develop into mature and productive adults.
I’m really excited about the new CD I have coming out in the Fall! It contains all of the hit songs that the kids love such as: “Walkin’ Through the Jungle,” “Big Blue,” and “Learn. Grow. Repeat.” Children love the dance moves and imagery in the songs.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment was when I saw a three-year-old boy hold the door open for the girls after my show. My show was on manners and I used music, movement, and ventriloquism to teach the children to say please and thank you. I also taught the boys that as gentlemen we should open the door for ladies.
It was even in my song. After the show, this little boy rushed to the door to hold it open for the girls. I was very proud to have been able to have an impact on him.
It’s great when you see the effect of your teaching!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.KeatingEntertainment.com
- Phone: 678.852.7647
- Email: willkeating@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keatingwill/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keatingentertainment
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeatingEnt
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
