The charming and handsome Richard Kaldenberg has been snatched up by Barnyard Theatre for their Kidz Rock the Hits production.
Although he is only 18 years old, Kaldenberg has already started his performing arts career with a bang. He is currently in Grade 12 at Rand Park High School and also a member of their band, Basement 8 – a tough balancing trick for any young man.
“I have always had a huge love for performing arts and although I was a part of my school choirs, I never really took a serious interest until about Grade 9,” said Kaldenberg. That year he taught himself to play the guitar by watching YouTube videos. He has been a member of Basement 8 for three years, which he claims helped him develop his musical skills.
Check out his new YouTube channel at Richard Kaldenberg. View one of his videos here:
But don’t be fooled by Richard’s boyish good looks. His talent hails from a long bloodline of talented musicians. “My grandparents actually met in a choir and I will never forget my father trying to get my sister and me to learn the guitar. My mum also taught herself to play the piano… I guess it’s in my genes,” said Kaldenberg with a laugh.
He auditioned for the show about three months ago and was recruited on the spot. “Once they viewed my videos and had seen my audition they immediately said ‘we need to have you’. I was really taken aback because it all happened so quickly.”
He has managed to create a perfect balancing act between school and the show practices. “It is difficult but I am so happy for this opportunity. Grade 12 is all work, so having this show helps me stay in tune with my musical side.”
Kaldenberg says he owes his love for performance to Rand Park’s previous musical director Fiona Hebrard. “She’s the reason that I finally decided that performing arts was what I wanted to do.”
Tracy Workman-Davies, deputy principal and dean of culture at the school said, “We are very fortunate that our previous music teacher encouraged Richard to explore the performing arts and [showed] him that his future lies in this area. He is an incredibly talented young man who has the potential to make a real name for himself in the industry.”
Next year Richard hopes to take a gap year and dedicate his time to his craft and the band.
