Feature: The dynamic Marcus Carter gives AVC students some inspiration

By Sarah Niemann

Staff Writer

Marcus Carter is what they call a triple threat in the musical theater industry.
Photo Courtesy / Marcus Carter

Singing opera, dancing, acting and studying deaf interpreting—not a mixture you would normally find from someone coming out of Antelope Valley College.

Triple threat Marcus Carter is more cultured than most people would expect from a 21-year-old college student. Coming from the background of a family that is talented in the performing arts, he has always been motivated to be better and achieve more.

         He started vocal training when he was 12 and stated dance at a young age because of his sister.

         Carter has a tendency to stand out from the crowd. “I feel like I think about things in the performing arts differently than other people…more technical. I have more charisma and more of an attitude of optimism,”  he said.

Marcus Carter and Sade Harper as
Coalhouse Walker and Sarah 
from Ragtime.
Photo Credit / Bill Marsh

         Carter decided to study deaf interpretation at AVC because his best friend's parents are deaf. “I wanted to communicate with them, and gain a culture most hearing people don’t get to see,” he said.

         According to the Webster’s dictionary, the phrase “triple threat” refers to a person who is adept in three different fields of activity, but there is more to it than just that. “You have to know each craft equally; some people are stronger in dancing than they are in singing, or they are better at acting. I’m stronger in singing, so I have to work harder at acting and dancing so they all can reach the same level,” he said, adding that it’s not always easy to rehearse all three.

Marcus Carter as Collins from
Rent The Musical.
Photo Credit / Cedar Street Theater

          Carter can switch from opera to jazz and gospel, to musical theater; he can also read, write and compose music. It sets him aside from most people, including ones who are in the industry.

“Not everyone is about the true craft anymore. They’re about what’s hot right now; I’m about the art. How can I make it better, sweeter, more sensual? How can I connect with the audience?,” he said about how he wants to use his talents. 

Carter doesn’t want to be in the limelight; he just wants to be on the stage.“I don’t want to be praised for something I should be doing with my life,” he said. 

So what's next for this gifted singer/dancer/Actor?

In the near future he will be finishing up at AVC with his Deaf Interpreting training and moving on to get his B.A. in Fine Arts at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

After completing school he said he wants to be part of a touring cast company or a classical singer doing recitals or concerts. “I want to be able to put on a concert with my family,” Carter said. 

With goals like Carter’s and his strong ambition there is no doubt that this is only the beginning for him.