Local artist profile: Katie Styles

THIS week we chat with our third fabulous performer from SMACS performing arts group, Katie Styles, who said when she came across the company she quickly discovered that it ticked many boxes for her.

What motivated you to take up performing?

I was always the little girl seen dancing and singing by the jukebox or front and centre while a band played at the local remote country pub, where I grew up.

During high school and college I studied drama and dance, performing in school productions, musicals and rock eisteddfods, playing a share of singing and dancing roles as well as scoring a really shy but inquisitive mime role in a high school drama project.

I’ve always found performing as a positive and healthy way to redirect my energy; mood, thoughts and feelings, as well as hang out with some really great like-minded people.

When I came across SMACS performing arts group I quickly discovered that (it) ticked many boxes for me – community entertainment and engagement.

How would you describe your multiple skills?

Engaging and adaptable.

I have the ability to grab a crowd’s attention as an MC or character, with clear verbal or non-verbal communication skills – ie. body language if (I’m) in a mascot.

I love playing big energy characters so I can be found mostly in mascots.

Which other performers inspire you?

I’ve always been inspired by P!nk.

P!nk is an artist I’ve followed since (I was) a young girl, when she released her first single There You Go in 2000.

Have you had any mentors over your career?

Anita, the director at SMACS, has a wealth of experience and knowledge in what she teaches and how she conducts herself.

In my performing arts career, which only really kicked off since joining SMACS, Anita has been a really strong and supportive mentor.

There have been times where I was uncertain and seeking clarity – Anita has been there to assist and help myself and others feel more confident, comfortable and heard.

What are some highlights you have from your time as a performer?

Performing at the Special Children’s Christmas Party in Melbourne each year is the best memory and experience that I’ll cherish for a very long time.

This is an event very close to home for myself and my family, so to be part of a group that puts on the most tinsel-tastic performance is an absolute highlight!

The Bendigo Easter Festival is another memory full of high energy, bouncing bunnies, bright colours and cheeky characters providing entertainment throughout an entire weekend.

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years? What about in ten years?

In a couple of years, I hope to be continuing to do what I love, which is providing entertainment, community engagement and inclusiveness.

The type of joy and happiness performing brings, it feeds a natural energy of passion to continue to bring so much joy, fun and sense of adventure.

Whether that be for another two or ten years, it would be an absolute delight and honour to continue to work for SMACS.

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

You get out what you put in!

Even if you’re not sure what creative field you’d like to begin in, SMACS would be a great place to start because (it) not only supports where you want to go but assists you to draw on your strengths and further develop them.