Kate Rigg is a highly accomplished and versatile individual within the Asian American community, distinguished by her exceptional talents as a comedian, a captivating speaker, a talented actor, and the lead vocalist of the acclaimed band "Slanty Eyed Mama", which has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim for its unique blend of music and cultural commentary.
Kate's formative years were spent in the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada, where she quickly became a familiar face on the popular CBC television program "What's New?", a teen-focused news show that showcased movie reviews penned by and for her peers. This experience not only honed her skills as a critic, but also provided her with a platform to share her opinions with a wide audience.
In addition to her work on "What's New?", Kate also made a notable appearance in the CTV drama series "The Campbells", further demonstrating her range as a young actress. Moreover, her impressive writing and acting abilities earned her numerous accolades during her high school years, a testament to her natural talent and dedication to her craft.
Throughout her formative years, Kate's passion for the performing arts was evident, and her early successes served as a springboard for her future endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Kate pursued further education in Melbourne, Australia, at the prestigious University of Melbourne, her father's alma mater, where she had the opportunity to hone her skills and expand her knowledge in a vibrant academic environment.
During her time in Australia, Kate remained active in the performing arts, writing and directing numerous plays outside of her college commitments, thereby showcasing her exceptional talent and creativity.
One of her notable achievements during this period was earning the esteemed Comedy Festival Award at Melbourne University, a testament to her exceptional skills in the field of comedy.
Additionally, Kate received an Australia Council Grant for her first one-person show "m/Other/land", a remarkable accomplishment that demonstrated her remarkable abilities as a writer, director, and performer.
The success of "m/Other/land" led to its production at La Mama Theater in Melbourne, a renowned institution for experimental and avant-garde performances, and subsequently at the Tarragon Theater in Toronto, a prestigious venue that has hosted a wide range of productions and artists from around the world.
Kate's academic journey began with an acceptance into Australia's renowned National Institute of Dramatic Art, located in the vibrant city of Sydney, where she was presented with a prestigious opportunity to hone her craft. However, Kate ultimately decided to pursue a different path, choosing to attend the esteemed Juilliard School in New York, a decision that would ultimately lead to her receiving the Interarts Award for her outstanding work in inter-disciplinary arts.
Upon completing her studies at Juilliard, Kate embarked on a successful career in off-Broadway productions, showcasing her talents in a variety of roles. One of her notable performances was in the production of "Dogeaters" at the Public Theater, expertly directed by Michael Greif. Kate also had the privilege of working on the iconic "The Vagina Monologues", directed by the talented Joe Mantello, as well as several regional plays, further solidifying her reputation as a talented and versatile performer.
Kate has successfully expanded her artistic repertoire beyond acting, venturing into the realms of stand-up and sketch comedy, and has made a notable impact in this field.
Kate's theatrical debut, the thought-provoking play "Birth of a nAsian", garnered significant attention and was subsequently invited to be showcased at the esteemed Smithsonian Institute, a premier cultural institution in the United States.
In addition to this notable achievement, Kate further solidified her reputation as a talented playwright by penning three more plays during her time in various residencies at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, a renowned theatre company known for its innovative productions and commitment to nurturing new artistic voices.
When not actively engaged in acting, Kate remains deeply involved in the Asian/Pacific Islander community, leveraging her versatility as a comedian and speaker to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all backgrounds.
