Local artist profile: Kaity Allen

THIS week we chat with another local actor, Kaity Allen, who said she remembers being terrified going to her first audition, but found comfort in knowing that nobody knew her and if she wasn’t successful the first time, that’s okay!

What motivated you to pursue acting?

Growing up I lacked community and (struggled) finding people I had things in common with.

I always enjoyed drama at school and saw a Facebook post about an audition for a local theatre production.

I wanted to find an extracurricular activity and decided to give it a shot.

How would you describe your acting style?

I find myself drawn to fun and exciting shows, which normally end me up in a musical theatre show.

(They) include hours of work learning and perfecting harmonies, dance numbers and acting until everything is perfect.

Connecting with cast members and being comfortable with everyone is a big thing for me – bouncing ideas off one another and just goofing around with them makes for a great and funny show.

Genuinely being friends with your castmates makes your onstage relationships with these characters so much more believable.

Which other actors inspire you?

I’m inspired most by people I know personally.

These are the people that have shaped me and I look up to them so much.

The leading ladies from Bendigo Theatre Company’s ’Guys and Dolls’, Zoe Czempinski and Emma Kelly, are endlessly talented, kind, and I aspire to be (like) them.

Luke Oliver takes any character and completely makes it his own and embodies his character.

Chris Emond was my drama teacher in high school and the first person who made me believe in myself.

All of these people shape how I act and (inspire) my passion for theatre and they’re the reason I still do it.

Are there any particular movies that inspire you?

Any iconic movie musical inspires me, Mamma Mia, Hairspray and the iconic Rocky Horror Picture Show.

What are some fond memories you have from your time as an actor so far?

Being an actor has made me confront my social anxiety and made me have conversations (with) and meet people who I’d otherwise never speak to.

I’ve created so many memories and expanded my knowledge and empathy about other people’s lives and perspectives and created lifelong friendships with all kinds of people.

It’s impossible to pinpoint one moment, (but) perhaps the life-changing opportunity Bendigo Theatre Company’s major musicals give to everyday people to perform in front of nearly 1000 people at Ulumbarra theatre, which some professional actors never get to do.

How can people check out your work online?

Follow companies such as Bendigo Theatre Company, Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre and Synchronicity Performing Arts to keep up to date with new local productions and to support local actors and artists.

Do you have any performances coming up?

Recently I finished up Synchronicity’s latest play ‘Home, I’m Darling’.

I’m taking a break from acting to complete my studies, but local productions are always on.

I have many friends in Bendigo Theatre Company’s major musical of the year ‘School of Rock’ being held at Ulumbarra Theatre in September.

What would you say to young regional aspiring actors who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

I remember being terrified to go to my first audition but I found comfort in knowing that these people do not know you, (and) if you’re not successful your first time that is okay (I wasn’t).

Give it a go – so many amazing people and memories are waiting.