ROOTS

Katye E. Ridgeway has been a performing artist for more than twenty-five years. At an early age, she began performing in the African Methodist Epistoopal Church, and in school functions in her home town of Mobile, Alabama. At that time, she recited poetry and appeared in Easter and Christmas pageants. She entered school at the age of five, and continued performing throughout her shcool years by singing in the school choir, participating in school assemblies and competing in oratorical contests. She began developing her skills as a storyteller by performing in various theaters, universities, and college productions.
During this time, Katye graduated from California State University with a B.A. Degree in Psychology and an M.S. Degree in Education. By this time, her three children had entered their teen years and she was able to pursue a career in the performing arts.

WINGS

Katye's first appearance on stage at The Sacramento Repretory Theater, owned by Michael and Dorothy Benjamin, was uneventful. Since she had no stage experience, she was given a walk on role as an activist. It was this experience, however, that prompted her to enroll in theater arts courses while attending college and gave her the courage to audition for other roles. While learning monologs for auditions, Katye decided to try solo performances. It was about this time, that she became involved with California Original Theater Company directed by Robert Irwin and William Carroll. Bringing storytelling to the stage, Katye teamed up with V. Mary Carroll and the two of them scripted a one woman show called ''A Woman of Color, A Memory'' This show was viewed by Sacramento Bee's art critic Robert Masullo and was given a four star rating.

CRUSING

Ms. Ridgeway has performed in a countless number of theaters in Sacramento and the Bay area. As a storyteller, she has performed at Berkley Repertory Group with rave reviews, Cal Expo, Crocker Arts Museum, The Children's Museum, Many, many elementary, secndary and high schools, Junior colleges and Detention Centers. Ms. Ridgeway has received grants from Sacramento Metropolitian Arts Commission, she has been a member of the former William James Society, taking storytelling into the prisions
She is a member of Sacramento Storytellers Guild, Founder and Executive Director of CA Association of Black Storytellers. She is a Television producer and a beginning film maker. Ms. Ridgeway was named Outstanding Woman in the Arts and also received The Black Woman's Achievement Award in 2003.

Email us:
keridgeway@lanset.com