Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca L. Hargrove.
Rebecca, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a performer. My family always supported my artistic endeavors so I was placed in piano, voice, and acting lessons. It was at Baltimore School for the Arts that I was exposed to Opera and Art Song. At BSA, I was nurtured in the classical art form and encouraged to go to college for voice. I attended Oberlin College Conservatory and Mannes the New School for Music, respectively for my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
After getting my education, I was stuck. Here I was with two degrees in music and no bookings, contracts, or jobs whatsoever. It was by the grace of God that I landed a position at a major record label where I learned the business side of music. While there, I was still able to audition and perform outside of work. I booked my first off-broadway show within that first-year post-grad and that experience would change my life. I was in the company of Cabin in the Sky at New York City Center and my broadway veteran cast-mates encouraged me to broaden my career to include acting (one of my first passions). Since 2016, I have not only continued to sing at companies like New York City Opera, The Metropolitan Opera, and Carnegie Hall, but I have also included theater, commercial, and TV/Film work as well.
As of this spring, I had the pleasure of becoming a fulltime freelance performer in shows like Porgy and Bess at The Metropolitan Opera, Evita at New York City Center, Acquanetta at Bard Summerscape, The Mikado with the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, and In the Parlour at The National Black Theater.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has never been easy. The hardest struggle is to not wrap your self-worth up in the rejections or acceptances of the business. Sometimes there will be a season of constant work and bookings and sometimes your phone won’t ring at all. In the meantime, you still have to support yourself and your craft.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My specialties are in classical/legit singing and acting on stage/on camera. I would say that I am most known for my voice and I am very proud of my accomplishments as a singer. What sets me apart from most classical singers is that I branch out into other genres like musical theater, straight theater, voiceover, and film.
What were you like growing up?
I was a plum fool as a child. My favorite TV show growing up was Martin. I used to tell people that I wanted to be just like Martin Lawrence when I grew up. You could usually catch me doing my best Shanaynay impression in the living room. He is probably the reason why I love to act. The best part is playing dress up and transforming into another person.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RebeccaLHargrove.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/@rhargrov
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/@rhargrov
Image Credit:
#3 Joey Min
#7 Daniel Wolf
#9 Dar Es Salaam Riser
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