Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Kata
Hi Greg, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
GREG KATA Bio
Originally from Cleveland, OH, Greg Kata found his love of performing from the young age of five, when he was working as a child model for Sears and decided to turn his runway walk into an interpretive dance of sorts, complete with an internal monologue and full-blown meltdown.
Deciding to turn his melodramatic demeanor into a career choice, he attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where he received his BFA in Acting. His professional performing career has spanned over twenty years and in all media, including originating the role of Boots the Monkey in Dora the Explorer LIVE, the original Las Vegas company of Mamma Mia!, guest appearances on General Hospital and Veronica Mars, and most recently the New Orleans premiere of the Off-Broadway hit Buyer and Cellar.
Greg’s work has extended off-stage as well, having worked extensively as a director and choreographer. His work has been seen in some of the world’s finest performing spaces, including Radio City Music Hall, The West End, and The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Teaching, however, has always been at the forefront of Greg’s career. Having owned his own acting and voice studio for over 20 years, he has also been a teaching artist with organizations such as Camp Broadway, Bravo TV, as well as numerous Master Classes at colleges and universities across the country.
He returned to academia in the Fall of 2017 to earn his MFA in Musical Theater from Tulane University in New Orleans. During his tenure he helped run the BFA Musical Theater program; teaching classes in Musical Theater performance, directing and choreographing MainStage productions, and preparing students for a life in the entertainment business through personal coaching and mentorship. He currently is head of the Theatre Department at Holy Name of Jesus School in New Orleans.
Proving that success can come at any time and in any way, Greg found a new outlet for creative expression in March of 2020 when he downloaded TikTok. Branding himself the “accidental influencer,” he encourages his 2.7 million followers to “find their joy” through his account @gregisms. From his observational humor visiting major department stores to his stories about the elementary school children he teaches, Greg’s “gregisms” are the relatable content you never knew you needed.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his partner, spending time with is nieces and nephews, and playing in the Stonewall Sports league in New Orleans.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think it depends what you mean by “smooth” – I’d be skeptical if the road was too smooth. I think what defines us as human beings is how we navigate the not-so-smooth parts of life. However, I can’t say the road has been incredibly difficult – I can only say that every experience I have had has brought me to this moment. Every decision, every choice; I own them, I’ve learned from them and I have no regrets.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I refer to myself as the “accidental influencer” – this was never a plan. I’m an over 40 gay male living in New Orleans – becoming an online content creator wasn’t on my five year plan. But I think what sets me a part and what has continued to fuel my audience is my authenticity – I am unapologetically myself and I think that comes through in the content I create. I’m known for my observational humor and am often told that I say what people are thinking but either are afraid to say out loud or embarrassed to say out loud. My goal is to find humor everyday – and if you look hard enough the world is hilarious.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I’m STILL learning lessons. But I think what allowed me to thrive during the crisis is that I didn’t stay stagnant – I didn’t look at it as a “pause” as many people did. Life will and has to continue – but sometimes that requires you to pivot and change your plans.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gregisms.store
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregismsofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregisms
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gregisms
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gregisms
