We've been busy getting ready to start rehearsals for Twelfth Night, so have taken a little break from our Friday Spotlights. This week's featured friend has been especially busy planning out our musical numbers for the show, as he's done for all of our performances since The Wizard of Oz. He even composed and recorded original music for our film The Curse of the Tempest Jewel, and is working on a killer theme song for our upcoming movie The Spy Who Knew Me. He leads our classes as one of our key teaching artists, and in performances, he also leads our audiences as our trusty narrator, helping to guide everybody through the story, introduce key characters, and take us through scene changes. He's a busy guy and an instrumental Part of our organization, so we're proud to introduce you to....

Peter Van Kempen

Birthday: December 20

Tell us a bit about your performing and/or teaching background: I have a background in music education and have performed with any possible music ensemble you can imagine (band, choir, orchestra, drum line, flute choir…)

Between acting. singing, and dancing, which is your favorite way to perform?: Singing (preferably with an instrument in my hands)

Do you have a hidden talent? I can hum and whistle at the same time.

Who is your favorite actor/performer? What do you like about them?: Hugh Jackman. He can sing and dance and he’s Wolverine.

How Long Have You Been With ABLE?: I had my starring role as Auntie Em in The Wizard of Oz.

Why did you start working with ABLE? Have you done this type of work before? I watched the Holiday Showcase and saw how much fun the kids were having, and I wanted to be a part of it. “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” was my favorite part.

Favorite ABLE memory from class or performance? Jack as the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz, Ben as the White Rabbit in Wonderland, Travis as the helicopter in Such Stuff as Dreams are Made On.”

What’s your go-to dance party song? “Uptown Funk”