Q. What art disciplines are you/have you been involved in?
A. I have been involved in musical theatre, singing, speech and drama, choir, and dance. I have been singing in choir since Year 4, and I currently sing in my school choir, Virtuoso Voce. Singing in a choir has been a big part of my musical journey and has helped me grow in confidence and teamwork. I was also a Kea Kids News reporter when I was 8, which was a fun experience that helped me build confidence in speaking and presenting. I also really enjoy my curriculum dance classes, where I get to learn new styles and express myself through movement.
Q. When and how did you find yourself involved in the arts?
A. I’ve been involved in the arts from a really young age. I started dancing in preschool, which was my first introduction to performing and moving to music. I really enjoyed it and kept going as I got older. In junior school, I started vocal lessons, which helped me improve my singing and grow more confident. From there, I became more involved in choir, speech and drama, and musical theatre. Over time, these opportunities helped me realise how much I love performing and being part of the arts.
Q. What has been your favourite/most memorable experience on stage?
A. It is hard to choose just one favourite or most memorable experience because I have really enjoyed so many different performances. One of my favourites was playing Elsa in Frozen Jr. (at Dio). I loved bringing such a well-known character to life, performing the songs, and sharing the story with the audience. It was a role that helped build my confidence and gave me some really special memories on stage. Another highlight was being part of Matilda the Musical. I really enjoyed the experience of performing and meeting lots of new friends from different schools, which made rehearsals and shows even more enjoyable and memorable. More recently, one of my most memorable experiences has been performing in Bluebeard’s Castle with NZ Opera in 2026. It was an amazing opportunity to be part of a professional production and work alongside many talented international and New Zealand singers and performers. Being able to observe and learn from experienced artists throughout the process was incredibly inspiring.
Q. What do you think about while on stage?
A. When I’m on stage, I focus on my character and the story I’m helping to tell. I pay attention to the other performers so everything feels natural and connected. I do sometimes feel nervous before going on, but once I start performing, those nerves usually settle. I try to stay in the moment and not overthink things. I also think about the audience and hope they are enjoying the show and having a great time because I want them to remember the performance. Being on stage feels exciting, and I love bringing characters to life in front of a live audience.
