Kirsty graduated with honours in a Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in Drama and English at Griffith University.  In her 25 years of teaching, she has been fortunate to work in well-respected high schools on the Gold Coast and overseas. She believes that her two and a half years of living, travelling and teaching in London are some of her best teaching and learning experiences yet due to the significant growth and challenge it offered.  But it is here, at Coomera Anglican College, that she has settled down and is proud to boast an 11-year commitment to the College. 

In that time, she has thoroughly enjoyed teaching the enthusiastic, committed and talented students we have here, as well as directing plays for the Gold Coast Drama Festival and, of course, directing the College musicals. Bring It On-the musical will be her sixth, and she states that every musical offers a fabulous new challenge to extend her imagination and creativity, and this year’s production is no different! 

We took the opportunity to ask Kirsty some interesting questions about musical productions and advice for our Performance Arts students.

If you could play any character in any play or musical, who would you choose and why?  

I don’t have time to list them all!  There are so many strong, inspiring, passionate ‘leading ladies’ out there in both plays and musicals, however, I do have a soft spot for Miss Honey in Tim Minchin’s, Matilda.  In saying that, it would be a hilarious experience to play Mrs Wormwood, or dare I say it, Mrs Trunchbull!  Being a part of that amazing production would be a dream.

What is the most creative production that you have ever seen or been a part of, and what made it memorable for you?  

What memorable productions have I seen?  There are just too many to mention.  One of my favourite plays would have to be “Things I Know to be True” – a captivating, heart-breaking family drama that featured acting that took my breath away.  The most remarkable production, however, would have to be “Picture of Dorian Gray", which I saw with my Senior Drama students on our Drama Tour to Melbourne last year.  It was a one-woman show that showcased compelling acting, a set like no other and the most phenomenal incorporation of multi-media which enabled the actress to nimbly shapeshift and play all 26 characters in a range of theatrical transformations. Simply incredible.

If you could have any famous actor or actress speak to your musical students, who would it be and why? 

Goodness, that’s a tough one. For a long time I have admired and respected Australian stage and screen actress, Cate Blanchett. She is an inspiring woman of grace and integrity.  I marvel at her ability to successfully portray such a diverse range of roles that offer her a great challenge and that often defy stereotypes. Rather than conform to the Hollywood version of what it means to be successful and beautiful, Cate is loyal to the role she plays. She's also a great advocate for the environment and she honours women’s contribution to the Arts. I feel that my students and I could learn a great deal from her.  Of course, I would also warmly welcome fellow Aussie, Hugh Jackman!

What advice would you give to students who are interested in pursuing a career in drama or the performing arts?

Do it!  There are so many opportunities to explore and so many life-enriching experiences to be had.  Be open-minded to the vast range of possibilities within this industry.

What qualities do you believe are essential for success in this field?

• Resilience
• Perseverance
• Self-belief
• Patience
• Hard work
• Have a clear direction and determine tangible strategies to achieve your goal
• Remain grounded
• Combat the doubters (with your passion and brilliance)