Katrina Negrete: A Voice That Feels Like Home

There are moments in the theatre when the line between performer and legend disappears, and the audience feels they are witnessing something rare. That was the case at Canyon Theatre Guild when Katrina Negrete stepped into the role of Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. With a voice as warm as it was honest, she didn’t imitate, she embodied. From the first notes at the piano, the room softened, and by curtain call, the sold-out house rose to its feet, united by the kind of joy that only live theatre can deliver.
That performance was no accident. Katrina’s journey to the stage has been built on equal parts talent, dedication, and an unmistakable love for the arts. A 2022 graduate of California State University, Northridge, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a specialization in the Performing Arts. Even before graduation, she was already chasing big dreams, interning in New York City during the summer of 2022 for multi–Tony Award–winning Broadway producer John N. Hart Jr., an experience that immersed her in the highest levels of professional theatre.
Upon returning to the West Coast, Katrina wasted no time making her mark at Canyon Theatre Guild. She leapt into a lead role as Janis Joplin in the Guild’s hit production of Beehive: The 60s Musical, earning acclaim for her powerful vocals and fearless presence. Her impact extended well beyond the stage. Recognized for her leadership and artistry, she was hired as an instructor and director for the Guild’s youth theatre institute and quickly rose through the ranks. Today, Katrina serves as Director of Administration, Director of Youth Programs, and Box Office Manager, wearing many hats with grace and purpose.
As a director and educator, Katrina has shaped more than a dozen youth programs while contributing to the creative and production teams of numerous mainstage shows. Her work reflects a deep belief in theatre as a space for growth, discipline, and self-expression. That passion for nurturing young talent is matched by her own continued artistic evolution.
In Beautiful, Katrina brought her experience full circle, fulfilling a dream role and reminding audiences why Carole King’s music endures. The production played to sold-out houses, many ending in standing ovations, a testament not only to the show, but to Katrina’s heartfelt performance. Her excellence has been formally recognized as well, with two Goldie Awards: one for her role in Beehive and another for vocal directing Santa Clarita Regional Theatre’s Fiddler on the Roof in 2023.
A music teacher, pianist of nearly 17 years, and lifelong singer, Katrina Negrete is the definition of a well-rounded theatre artist. When she’s not at the theatre, she can be found practicing piano or spending time with her cats—quiet moments that recharge the same soul she so generously shares with her audiences.

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