The 25-year-old musician/filmmaker, who attended Walton, Caldwell, Gaudineer, and Jonathan Dayton schools, recalls, "I learned most of what I know about music and theatre in the Springfield public school system. I had amazing teachers and friends who encouraged me to really explore my talents." Harrison studied piano at the Calderone School of Music, and with private teachers in the community. Springfield residents will remember him acting the lead in numerous school musicals, including The Music Man (2003) and Jekyll & Hyde (2004).
After graduation, he headed to Chicago to attend Northwestern University as a music major. "I visited universities and conservatories in the northeast and midwest. Northwestern seemed like the perfect fit. I missed my hometown, but it was the right place for me."
The variety of contacts Keith made in Chicago include Styx-frontman Dennis DeYoung, Tony Award-nominated composer Andrew Lippa, and big-time music producer Ira Antelis. In late 2010, he wed actress/choreographer Laura Harrison, and the couple moved to Los Angeles to continue their careers.
"I've gotten to work with a lot of very experienced artists all over the country at this point. But I really approach each project the same way I would in high school. You know, have fun with the material, and work hard to make it as emotionally effective as possible."
Last year, the Harrisons established an independent production company called Arborhouse Productions, which has released a short film entitled "Seaglass".
He laughs and says they originally had no intention of submitting the film to festivals. "We actually made "Seaglass" to submit to a small water-conservation film competition, but Laura showed it to her manager, who advised us to submit it to a bunch of other festivals as well."
The film has already been accepted at festivals in Texas, Arkansas, and Las Vegas. This Friday, the couple will walk the red carpet at the film's Hollywood premiere at the historic Sunset Gower Studios on Sunset Boulevard. NewFilmmakers Los Angeles will curate the evening, which begins at 5:30pm PST.
"We have a lot of exciting projects coming up. This Friday will definitely be a highlight."
Keith will be interviewed by Hollywood Weekly Magazine on Saturday, February 25th. You can view the film at http://www.arborhouseproductions.com. Purchase tickets and learn more about the fesitval at http://newfilmmakersla.com.
