In every neighborhood, there is someone who makes the Arts a part of their life, and our community. You'd be surprised to discover how many different people use the arts to improve the quality of life in our hometown. EAT MORE ART! VEGAS will feature them regularly in our series "10 Bites."
Like many exceptional, local artists actor and musician Keaton Johns dazzles audiences from all walks of life in shows about everything from high stakes drama to drag, and lucky for us he released a new single. Enjoy these "Ten bites" and check out the tunes!
What kinds of art do you enjoy, create, or perform in?
I was trained mainly in musical theatre, but I also love pop music which is my current passion I’m pursuing. I’m also a local singing drag queen in town which is just as delicious as it sounds.
Why do you do it?
I come from a long line of performers, so it runs in my blood to perform. But I love getting to tell stories, diving into character’s psyches, and sharing experiences with audiences.
What’s your favorite production/performance experience so far?
I did a production of Next to Normal in college, and that was the single most incredible, demanding, challenging, and rewarding experience of my life. Here in Vegas, doing Spring Awakening and West Side Story were two of my most cherished shows I’ve ever done.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist, or what do you do when you are "at work?"
I currently work as a gondolier at the Venetian, singing Italian standards to guests from all around the world. I’ve also taught as a dance teacher to people of all ages.
What is an arts experience that you will never forget, or a memorable response to your work?
Whenever someone tells me how moved they were by my performance, I feel so grateful and humbled at the same time. My job is not to indulge in my own emotions as a performer, but to let it translate to the audience and let them experience the feelings.
What would you be doing if you weren't performing, creating, or enjoying the Arts in Las Vegas?
If I weren’t an artist, I would probably be a teacher of history, anthropology, mythology, or archaeology. I’ve been a huge fan of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider my whole life, and history/mythology/etc has always been so fascinating to me.
Name something you love about Las Vegas, and why.
I love the amazing community of performers here. From the local theaters, to the bars/lounges, and all the way to the shows on the Strip, everyone I’ve met is so incredibly kind, supportive, and talented.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I heard this aphorism from one of my favorite singers, Sierra Boggess: you have nothing to prove, only to share. I like to keep that with me when I’m getting anxious, doubtful, or worried about performing.
What superpower would you have and why?
I’ve always loved Invisible Woman and Violet from The Incredibles, so I’d want invisibility and the force fields power. That way, I can summon immense power when I need it, and when I need to shut the world off for a moment and be more introverted, I can turn invisible and not worry too much about people.
Listen to "Chapter," the latest single by Keaton Johns.
What future projects are you looking forward to?
I’m currently working on my own album that will most likely be released next summer. I released my first single, Chapter, and the reception has already been so incredible. I’m looking forward to putting out more music for everyone to hear.
Follow Keaton @KeatonDJohns and at keatondelmarjohns.com.
Are you a local artist of any
discipline? Do you work with a company as a stagehand or administrative staff? Do you love to experience it as the audience? We'd love to get your 10 Bites to share. Fill out a form here, and you might be featured in a post!
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