Destined to Soar: An interview with Kayla Suffell, musical theatre enthusiast.

 Destined to SOAR.

1. Kayla, tell us about your early life?

Kayla: In my childhood the only thing you ever caught me doing was talking, singing, and dancing. I loved expressing myself, being confident, and singing 24/7, which really brought out the extrovert in me. Although I didn’t sound very good, and my dance moves were all over the place, I never let that get to me. My bubbly personality just kept shining through. I was never shy to get in front of an audience, and winning the school public speaking competition in year 1 truly proved that.

2. So how did you discover musical theatre?

Kayla: My early passion for talking and expressing myself pathed my way to start drama classes. Soon after I fell in love for the art of drama, I knew I had to pursue musical theatre. I was going to a lot of musicals and was just obsessed with the idea of musical theatre. All the singing and dancing really made you feel amazing. I started classes, and the only thing I wanted to do was go back. I felt like I finally found where I fitted in and belonged. There was no judgement, and you could truly be yourself.

3. What was your next step?

Kayla: I started taking musical theatre quite seriously, but also made sure to enjoy every second. I was getting actively involved in class and rehearsing every day. I was putting a lot of effort into my mid-year and yearly performances, which led me to audition for my first big production. I auditioned for the musical Oliver and was successful! I had so much fun being apart of the orphan ensemble, and knew I wanted to do more. So, I auditioned for a role on the stage production Finding Nemo Jr. I was thrilled when I found out I would be on the big stage in the ensemble. Getting recognised on the streets and making so many friends really made it all worth it. I also took part in Junior Theatre Festival in 2023 and got to perform and do so many amazing workshops. The experience was once in a lifetime, and I am so grateful to have been chosen for all these amazing opportunities, with many more to come.

4. How do you balance musical theatre and managing school?

Kayla: Being such a busy person with many extra curriculars, I find it very stressful to handle everything at once. However, balancing musical theatre and school is definitely the biggest challenge because there is always something happening. Although, I have found making to do lists, prioritising time for certain tasks, and taking much needed breaks keeps my thriving in all areas of my life. I also love to dedicate one on one selfcare time for myself, so I can relax and refuel for the tasks ahead of me. I feel without rest and giving you time for yourself, you can’t achieve the best results and be the best version of yourself.

5. What do you do in your downtime?

Kayla: In my downtime I love to really take time for myself. I love to let my creative juices flow and create some art. Being creative always makes me feel so happy and fulfils me because it is one of my favourite hobbies. I also have recently fallen back in love with reading. Immersing myself in a book really helps me unwind, and once I pick a book up, I just cannot put it down. My family is all very close, so we also spend a lot of time together and love to do things together such as going on walks, watching movies, and just laughing!

6. What makes you feel happy, brave, and strong?

Kayla: Something that makes me feel happy in seeing smiles on other people’s faces. I love brightening up people's day and making a positive impact on everyone I meet. Something that makes me feel very brave is stepping outside of my comfort zone. Doing things that push and challenge me always make me feel so accomplished and brave. Something that makes me feel strong is the support from my family. It feels amazing to know I have so many people surrounding me always supporting me.

7. Tell us about a special moment in the last year?

Kayla: A special moment in the last year, is definitely doing Junior Theatre Festival Australia. To be able to collaborate and work with professionals, and do it all whilst being surrounded by my friends was the best memory ever. I got to take part in so many workshops such as drama, singing, and dance. These were amazing opportunities to progress my skills even further. I loved watching so many amazing performances, and being able to perform at the Civic Theatre in front of 1500 + people was incredible. It was great to be able to meet some of Australia’s leading musical theatre artists. It felt so special and inspirational to be in a room full of people who were so passionate about theatre, and wanted to follow and achieve their dreams.

8. What is your ultimate goal?

Kayla: My ultimate goal is to be an inspiration for young women, wanting to achieve their dreams. I aspire to be a positive influence for every female out there, by sharing my story, the good and bad parts. I would also love to continue modelling and musical theatre, and one day see my name in lights. My dream is to work with brands through modelling, be on Broadway, and the big screen through the entertainment industry. These goals would make my young self truly proud. I would also love to keep working hard at school and smash all the academic goals I have planned for myself. I continue to work hard and strive for my goals every day, so one day I can have my surreal ‘I made it’ moment.

9. What's your favourite attribute about yourself?

Kayla: My favourite attribute about myself has to be that I am a very positive and loving person. I love to fill the room with my positivity and make sure everyone feels comfortable and is having such a fun time. There is always constantly a smile on my face, and I feel the best way to enjoy your day is smiling, and seeing the positive in every situation! This attribute has changed my life, because no matter the problem, how big or small it is, I can handle it with a smile on my face and a positive attitude. This positivity is so contagious, so I really just see and feel the room brighten up so quickly.

10. Favourite song on repeat right now?

Kayla: My favourite song right now has to be ‘That’s My Girl’ By Fifth Harmony. I love the message this song portrays because it really stands up for women. The message of empowerment, and expressing women as capable, strong, and fearless is such an important message to be exposed to in today’s society. Social media loves to portray the ‘perfect body’ the ‘perfect face’, but this song proves all of that wrong. This song should be on every girl, and women’s playlist, because the morals and image this song expresses is something that everyone should look up to.

11. What has musical theatre taught you about life?

Kayla: Musical theatre has taught me the true meaning of following my dreams. I have been able to accomplish so much through musical theatre, and that has taught me many valuable lessons in life. I have made so many friendships that I will cherish forever due to our love of musical theatre, and being able to perform with all of them is the best opportunity ever.  I have been a part of so many life-changing experiences that have shaped who I am for the better.  Musical theatre has also taught me putting in hard work and effort, really shows in your performances and auditions.

12. Who inspires you right now?

Kayla: Right now, America Ferrera is a huge inspiration to me. She has made such a significant positive impact not only on the entertainment industry but on so many women and girls. Her amazing dedication, and passion for her craft drives as such inspiration for me. The work and effort she puts into every single role, really shines through on the screen. I feel she is a huge role model, with values and morals I am so very passionate about. 

13. What would you say to other young females about following their dreams?

Kayla: To all the young females out there, I would say don’t let anything and anybody get in the way of following your dreams. Don’t let setbacks push you further away from your dreams, instead use them as challenges to work on yourself, and learn. Don’t let anyone’s negativity bring you down. Use those comments to push yourself even further and prove them all wrong. Talk about your passions and dreams with people who will support you, because their support makes all the difference. Remember, no dream is too big or too small. If you put in dedication, have a positive mindset, and enjoy the journey you take to achieve the goal, you will be living the dream you always wanted!

Follow Kayla's journey on Instagram

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