It all started with a Magic Wand The Backstory – Tom Archibald – Voice Actor

Tom grew up in the great Pacific Northwest in the 70s. His calling into “show business” came early with his touring magic act. He would take his white doves (they lived in his bedroom) and perform all over town. Mostly birthday parties, the occasional convention, and of course there was the infamous “living room family performance series.” It was the best thing since “dad’s slide show” which was a performance all its own.  

A love for performing took a more serious turn in middle school and on into High school when he began drama classes. Tom managed to secure a spot his freshman year that was otherwise reserved for upper classmen. While in high school Tom also auditioned for and was cast in a few plays at the nearby college. It was during that time that Tom developed his improve skills. Soon it became community theater.  His career eventually took him to Nashville Tennessee where he once again joined a community theater group in a charming suburb south of Nashville known as Franklin, Tennessee. At the time it was the only game in town, which led to sold out performance for very enthusiatic audiences. Those theater relationships are still strong today thanks to social media. 

In the late 90s Tom found himself working at Tennessee Repertory Theatre in downtown Nashville. His last performance in Nashville was a critically acclaimed run of Chekhov’s The Seagull which was cast with actors from nearly every notable theater group in Nashville. Those relationships are still strong thanks to social media.  

A move to Minnesota in 2002 found Tom working at University of Minnesota’s Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis where he remains today.  Northrop is an iconic 2800 seat theater which programs dance, music, comedy and various lectures from politicians, authors, and such.  Tom is the voice of Northrop introducing various performers, the occasional Supreme Court Justice, and reminding patrons of their custodial duties and cell phone reminders. Tom recently performed a multi-track audio description for Alice Sheppard’s Kinetic Light, an engaging dance performance emphasizing access and equitable artistic experiences.

Tom lives in Northeast Minneapolis where he enjoys spending his time with his 15-year-old daughter. His side passions include photography, collecting antique cameras and radios, and restoring old family photographs.