You go, Kabir Bery! This talented LSTFI alumnus will be spending the next year in North Shore High School with the national tour of Mean Girls – the musical adaptation of Tina Fey’s 2004 cult classic. Kabir joins the Plastics as Kevin Gnapoor, a mathlete who “loves hip-hop, algebra, and winning… in no particular order.”
Born in Mumbai, India, Kabir fell into the world of acting after moving to Nashville when his father instilled a love of movies. This fascination with the profession led to an audition for the school play called Kokonut Island where Kabir played Swampy the Pirate. During this show, Kabir discovered that the stage was his safe place, “I had never felt more at home than when I was acting/performing, and the rest was history.”
After learning that one of his favorite actors – Bollywood superstar, Ranbir Kapoor – studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, Kabir felt compelled to explore the Method. Enrolling in the Two-Year Conservatory Program, Kabir spent his time balancing class with roles in three Strasberg productions: Urinetown: The Musical, The Motherf*cker with the Hat, and Parade. On his training, Kabir mentions that he “learned new ways to tap into the psyche of a character” and made connections that have blessed his career, specifically sending a shout out to Voice teacher, Bruce Baumer.
Kabir understands the Herculean responsibilities of portraying a character and story that has become part of the cultural lexicon. And yet, the experience hasn’t fully hit him as the production – and his career – remains in its early stages.
“This entire experience has felt like a dream. Everyone I get to work with is truly brilliant and supremely talented. It’s kind of unreal!”
LSTFI alumnus, Kabir Bery
The national tour of Mean Girls launches in Buffalo, New York on September 21.
Check www.meangirlsonbroadway.com/tour/ for tickets, dates and locations!
Alumni News is written by NYU Tisch at Strasberg alumnus Christian Masinsin. If you are an alum and have a story you think should be featured, please email [email protected].