South County Profile: Becky Browning

BECKY BROWNING

Becky Browning, of Redding, began her career in musical theater at age eight. While participating in competitive gymnastics, Browning broke her ankle and put gymnastics on hold while her ankle healed.

To keep her occupied, her mother told her about auditions for "The Wizard of Oz" being held in their home town. Browning auditioned for the part of Dorothy while wearing a leg cast and using crutches, trying desperately to hold onto a script all at the same time. After being called back for a second audition, Browning was cast for the part.

Upon graduation from high school, Browning left home to attend Cal-Poly at San Luis Obispo. Browning participated in musical theatre productions and studied agriculture. When she transferred to Chico State University, Browning began taking more agriculture classes, but two weeks into her first semester, she changed all of her classes to musical theatre and received her bachelor's degree in 2007.

She moved to Shasta County two years ago with her husband Luke.

In 2008, Browning began teaching musical theatre classes at Keys and Strings Studio in Cottonwood. She also teaches voice and tap dancing to small groups or private lessons. In 2009, Browning began a youth theatre at Keys and Strings, starting with a youth musical, "Dear Edwina Jr."

The second musical, which will be presented in April, is a lively one called "Honk."

Besides teaching musical theatre, voice and tap dancing at Keys and Strings Studio in Cottonwood.

Of the three groups she teaches, Browning enjoys teaching musical theatre the most.

"I really enjoy working with the kids. As you put together the picture, you can see a light bulb go off in their head, when they realize what they are learning in the studio will be actually taken to the stage and they will be the ones telling the story to the audience," said Browning. "Youth theatre is about the kids. Along with all the other programs, it is rewarding to be able to make a difference in their lives."

Browning hopes someday to be able to go back to school to get her masters degree so that she will be able to teach musical theatre at the junior college level.

Browning's husband Luke, has been supportive of all of her career choices along with studio owner Martha Boyle of Cottonwood.

"Martha has been gung-ho about bringing musical theatre to Cottonwood along with all other music programs. We are now working on getting scholarships for local youth that would like to be involved in theatre productions and other classes," said Browning.

Born where and when: LaMesa, Calif., 1983.

Marital status: Married.

Family: My husband Luke and daughter Taylor 16 months.

Pets: Two dogs, Maggie and Tucker.

My worst job: Serving at a cafe in my old home town.

My first job: Teaching tap dancing lessons.

In my spare time I: Enjoy spending quality time with my husband and daughter.

My favorite book: The Giving Tree.

My favorite movie: ELF.

My favorite recording artist: There are too many to list. Basically anything and everything.

My dream car: A Tahoe with all the fixin's.

My friends like me because: I always try to be myself.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: A knife, matches and chocolate.

The one thing in life I've learned is: I try to better my personal best in all that I do,

The best advice my parents gave me: My mom really encouraged me to move out, even though it was probably the hardest thing she's ever done. But without that extra push, I would probably still be living in El Cajon. It's a big deal because most of my family has always lived within a mile of each other.

My most embarrassing moment: There's probably to many to list. I try to forget about it as soon as they happen.

My most irrational act: Was probably moving to Chico and going to Chico State. I didn't have a plan. But it was probably the best thing I did because my husband and I wouldn't be together.

My most valued material possession: My wedding ring.

What I like most about the North State: The outdoor activities.

My hero is: Jesus.

My pet peeve is: When my husband doesn't put liners in the trash can, but I can't complain, he takes out the trash.

If I could change one thing about myself, I would: Not be such a perfectionist. I would also make my hair less frizzy.