29/05/2024
With opening a fortnight away, it’s time to meet the illustrious and celebrated cast of ‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]’. First up, Keith David Sebastian Claverie, Esquire as KEITH
Known in some circles as the Laurence Olivier of Jefferson Parish, Keith Claverie is an actor/singer/“moves well” born and raised adjacent to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Keith’s academic pursuits began at an early age at John Calvin Playschool. From there, his Transcontinental journey continued to St. Ann – it would be there that the acting bug officially infected the Metairie Mariner. Memorable performances include Herald in the annual holiday pageant and the titular role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – the latter would be talked about on the Vacation Bible School circuit for years to come.
Keith has read upwards of five Shakespeare plays, beginning with Julius Caesar in the 10th grade. For his performance as the ill-fated ruler, Keith’s English teacher/Brutus praised his ability to “stay awake” and “always know what page we’re on.” Keith’s appreciation for the Bard deepened junior year after hearing a recording of Macbeth he described at the time as “transformative.” A five-year member of the Archbishop Rummel High School Genesian Players, Keith would take on the multi-faceted roles of Joe Crowell (Our Town), Man 1 and Man 2 (Sorry, Wrong Number) and Keith (Circle), among others. Drama-club moderator, and Broadway veteran, Charles Guajardo once commented to Keith, “People tell me you’re good.”
Keith matriculated at Louisiana State University studying Theatre (minor) and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Though he never formally performed on the stages of Baton Rouge (aside from Improv 101 and the one production he left over “creative differences”), Keith did spend summers in Kenner and at Jazzland playing Harold “Stinker” Pinker and The Grinch in By Jeeves and Seussical, respectively.
These days, the four-time Storer Boone Award nominee can be found screaming at various venues throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Keith currently resides off Airline Drive with his two dogs, Fred and Ginger, and patient wife, Leslie.
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