you’ve made it!
What’s been up with me?
In May 2024, I graduated with my BFA in Musical Theater from Marymount Manhattan! This summer, I performed as a lead role in ON/OFF, a new work produced at Theatre Row in NYC through the Downtown Urban Arts Festival.
about me
I am Kait Dieppa, a NYC based actress, dancer, singer and director.
I grew up in the NYC boroughs surrounded by the best pizza, Italian ices, Central park walks, and of course, theatre. I was drawn from an early age to the world of performing and began singing when I was just nine years old. I began dancing even earlier as some of my first childhood memories are of my grandfather and I dancing the merengue and salsa together (he was insistent on making sure I learned the dances he fondly remembers dancing as a kid in Puerto Rico) and I am forever grateful.
My first vocal lesson is another one of those core memories. I was given…. “Part of Your World” from the Little Mermaid! Little Kait’s absolute dream. Ariel was totally my favorite Disney princess at time, and singing that song made me feel like the mermaid I was obsessed with on screen. I remember my mothers reaction to hearing me sing that song. I looked to see her eyes well up with tears, and there was this lightness to her, something I hadn’t seemed to unlock before. She had come alive. Surely my voice didn’t have that power, did it? As I studied, it became clear to me that performing could affect other people, and also be a calling for change. I could use my craft to inform and inspire others. So I did.
Performance art is my offering, and now as I graduate, it is still the power of theater that keeps me hooked.
At the age of 14, I moved out of my home to pursue my dreams of studying musical theatre at the Professional Performing Arts School in Hell’s Kitchen. It was the most daunting decision a mere 14 year old could make and yet, it was the best decision of my life. I was surrounded by teachers and peers from all over the city and remarkably, felt so at home. I had found my people.
While training during the day, most of my early high school nights were spent at Roundabout Theatre Company where other high school students and myself studied acting technique and collaborated with student playwrights. It was here that my love for new works began and my passion for theatre making really kickstarted. The ability to help a playwright clarify their vision was electric to me and I felt grateful and inspired to be surrounded by the writing of my generation.
In August of 2020, I began my journey pursuing my BFA in Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College. Throughout my years at undergrad, a new passion began to bubble up. Directing. In my junior year, I was assistant director and actor in our college’s production of First Daughter Suite. I worked very closely with the director on the historical dramaturgical work, technique and movement that transformed myself and my college-aged peers into the historic and iconic U.S. First Ladies. I led my peers through movement based warm ups, and helped on blocking and choreography. What excited me most was working meticulously on the beat to beat work and La Chiusa’s stimulating score. That experience was something that really helped my confidence not only as an actor but as a leader and director as well. I guided my fellow actors and with that experience, I only continued to seek out more directing opportunities.
MORE ON ME….
When not I’m not doing Musical Theater, I will find every excuse to be outside. I love the sun and nothing makes me happier than a warm summer day, (yes the sweatier the better). Though I am a Native New Yorker at heart, I love hiking, yoga and always enjoy a picnic with friends at the East River. When inside, you’ll find me watching plenty of reality television or obsessing over a new video essay on YouTube. When away from the city, I am visiting my long distance best friend in San Diego, enjoying the best sunsets and tacos. Sorry New York!
