For those of you that are into hot Anime shows like Naruto, Bleach, and Code Geass, then you've heard the work of this voice actress. Kate Higgins is one of the most sought after voice actresses in the business. She also spends her time singing. With an amazing voice, there is no wonder she is dabbling in all areas in the entertainment business. She agreed to do an interview with us at Junior's Cave. It is our utmost pleasure to present this online feature to our readers. Enjoy!
Noreé: Hello, how are you doing today? Thank you for taking the time to do this
interview. Let's start of by talking a little bit about your background and
upbringing. You were born in Charlottesville, Virginia. Please elaborate
more on that.
Kate: Well, I was born in Charlottesville because my father was getting his PhD at the University of Virginia. My parents met in grad school there; I was born the morning of my dad's graduation. But, we moved right after that to Athens, Georgia where my dad taught at UGA. My mom is from VA and so is my grandmother. So, I feel like a Virginian to some degree.
Noreé: When did you first decide to become a voice actress?
Kate: I actually didn't decide to become one it kind of decided to choose me. I fell into it via music. I was singing on a session and a woman from Disney was there and liked my speaking voice. And one thing led to another. But, it's turned out to be a great career fit for me.
Noreé: Was the road to becoming a voice actress difficult?
Kate: The road is difficult and continues to be difficult. I mean being somewhat established helps, but it's always hard getting work. It's just so competitive and you always wonder if the current job is the last! All actors go through this. It's just the nature of the beast.
Noreé: You have done some major roles like Sakura Haruno, Saber, and C.C.
What was it like having such big roles and how did you prepare for them?
Kate: It's great having roles like that; roles that really have such wonderful arcs to the characters. I would say for preparation it would be like preparing for any kind of acting role. Live life fully. Open to all emotions, so that you have a lot to draw from when you act.
Noreé: Also, you've done more then one character on Bleach. Is it hard
recording more then one character in the same show?
Kate: Well, not if they're really different voice wise; which is the norm. It's not like you get confused or anything. : )
Noreé: Do you have a favorite character from any of your roles?
Kate: I really enjoyed playing Talho from "Eureka Seven". I just liked the seriousness of her. She was complex. I like Sakura too because I get to yell at Naruto a lot!
Noreé: Is there a character that you dream of playing?
Kate: Not really. Maybe an evil person would be nice but I don't typically get cast in those roles because it's usually an older voice. But an evil teenager! Now that would be fun.
Noreé: Another notable thing is that you are singer. In fact you earned a
degree in music from Auburn University. Tell me is music your first love?
Kate: Music was my first love but I have to say acting is right up there with it now. Both require raw emotion and really being in the moment. That's my favorite way to be.
Noreé: What are some of your inspirations?
Kate: Right now my biggest inspiration is my 6 month old son. He inspires me to do my best and to be pleased with my life because I want that for him.
Noreé: Do you have someone you would consider a role model?
Kate: Not really anyone in the business. There are friends I have that are amazing people. They're my role models.
Noreé: Is recording a song much different then recording a voice?
Kate: Interesting question. I guess with a voice that's already established, it's more obvious. By that I mean I don't have to think about it very much. Sometimes with music I have to kind of decide who I am singing the song. I've always sung many different styles so sometimes that does get confusing. I mean I can sing a song from different people inside me. I know that sounds crazy. Let's just say recording songs and recording voices are different animals. Although both require honesty and a good microphone!
Noreé: As we wrap this up what are some of your up coming projects and any
final words from you?
Kate: Well I'm wrapping up a solo album I've been working on. It'll probably be done in a couple months. I thought it would be done last spring, but the baby changed things. : ) Voice wise, still doing "Naruto". I play scarlet witch on the X Men series and we just got picked up for another season so that'll be fun. I'm always doing new video games but am not allowed to discuss them. Legal reasons. And I've got some new fisher price toys that I voice coming out next year. Final thoughts would be.........thanks to all those out there that watch the shows I'm on and that support me in my work. I get wonderful emails from folks and I'm sorry I can't write all y'all back. But I do appreciate them.
