Olivia Rodrigo’s vocal coach becomes Mrs. Potts
Karin Gittins, a mentor of Olivia Rodrigo and other big names on Broadway, is taking the stage herself as Mrs. Potts in Logan’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.”
Starting her vocal career as a teacher at school and giving private voice lessons, Gittins has time after time sought to help those around them discover their dreams. According to Gittins, this is the purpose of her role, Mrs. Potts.
Throughout “Beauty and the Beast,” Mrs. Potts finds ways for each character to discover and reach their goals. From Chip to the Beast, Gittins believes the “tale as old as time” to be a celebration of seeing the best in those around you.
Gittins not only acts as a mentor on the stage but off as well.
“My life’s work is with vocal coaching and piano coaching my amazing students,” Gittins said.
Her most recent accomplishment with a student was helping Olivia Rodrigo kickstart her professional career.
Gittins helped kickstart Rodrigo’s career when she worked in California, where she helped develop her voice and piano skills and help her attain her role on Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark. Gittins stays in contact with Rodrigo and celebrates all of her successes with her.
Since moving to Cache Valley, Gittins has taken on her mentorship role with her students in the Salt Lake Valley where she works as a director and vocal teacher. She also teaches many students privately in the valley. She had a student who was asked to audition for the role of Glinda in Winnie Holzman’s “Wicked” on Broadway.
“My heart is with my teenagers and my university students that are going off to amazing things,” Gittins said.
Gittins also teaches private lessons on the side for students here in Cache Valley.
“Not only is Karin an incredible teacher, but she is a genuine, real and kind human,” said Kayli Checketts, a vocal performance student. “She celebrates your ups and helps you keep going through the downs.”
Checketts’s mother Colette praised Gittins for being a musical gem in Cache Valley. Colette expressed that Gittins’ greatest quality is how she treats each student like they are exceptional and helps them progress to reach their potential. Gittins is also able to utilize her mentorship capabilities as a mother of two. She illustrates to her children the importance of following your dreams and working hard.
According to Gittins, the production of “Beauty and the Beast” will truly show her two boys how much music means to her. When Gittins was initially approached for the role, she was hesitant at the demand it would have on her time. Since she was already commuting to Salt Lake City from Logan every day for her job, alongside private lessons, Gittins was concerned the production would take up too much of her time.
Yet, she decided that it was important for her children to see her perform, doing what she loves.
“They have never actually seen me perform before,” Gittins said. “I am so excited for them to come and see something where I am actually performing.”
Her two boys were able to visit a rehearsal a couple weeks ago and experience the magic of live theatre and witness their mother’s passion.
“Performing the role now is completely different than how I would have performed it years ago because now I am a mother myself,” Gittins said.
Gittins has admired the role of Mrs. Potts for many years. Before she left California, she directed the musical.
“I’ve conducted the orchestra pit, played the piano and listened to the music time and time again,” Gittins said.
Now she said she is truly prepared to portray the role to the best of her ability. With years of musical practice, advanced knowledge of the play and her connection as a mother and mentor, Gittins portrayal of Mrs. Potts is well-prepared.
She is excited to share her success with those who have been mentors to her. Many of Gittins’ high school friends and family members will be there to support her. Gittins invites all members of her community to also come to the play and experience “Beauty and the Beast” from her perspective.
“The hard thing as human beings is that whether it is our intention or not, we judge a book by its cover,” Gittins said. “Maybe this play shows us to dig a little deeper and be kind to all.”
Gittins believes “Beauty the Beast” to be a celebration of those who lend their support and love unconditionally. Gittins invites all to be more genuine, kind and understanding of their society and see the Beauty, not the Beast.
Zack Grob, who plays Lumière, and Stanton Allen, who plays Cogsworth, had nothing but good things to say about Gittins.
“I absolutely adore working with her. She is so much fun to be with onstage and she is also very genuine,” Grob said.
Allen said he is very impressed with Gittins powerful voice, calling it “crazy strong.”
To see her interpretation on the tale as old as time, visit the Ellen Eccles Theatre on Main Street in Logan March 4-12.
Photo by Bailey Rigby