Kilvonian Profiles
Emma Laughlin, Class of 2016
Congratulations to Emma Laughlin who has landed a sought after role performing at Disney Sea in Tokyo next year. All the best Emma!
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I studied at Kilvington from Years 7-12. I grew up loving all sports and I did gymnastics and dancing outside of school. After graduating, I went on to study at Spectrum Full Time Performing Arts where I received my Certificate 4 in Dance and my Diploma of Musical Theatre.
Q: What year did you finish at Kilvington?
A: I graduated from Kilvington in 2016.
Q: What have you been up to since leaving Kilvington?
A: After graduating from Kilvington, instead of going to University I decided to study dance which lead me to Spectrum Full Time Performing Arts. I have recently graduated from Spectrum after three years of training and studying all genres of dance, singing and acting.
Q: What is your favourite memory of Kilvington?
A: My favourite memory of Kilvington is how welcoming and kind all of the teachers and students were, which created a very warm and family like environment.
Q: Any funny stories?
A funny story would be when the boys were first introduced into our all-girl year level in Year 9. This is because all the girls were so in awe of the boys in our classes that the 30cm kissing rule had to be introduced to our year level!
Q: Did you end up where you expected you would when you finished school?
A: During year 12 I still was not sure whether I wanted to go to university or not. Once learning about full time dance, I knew it was what I wanted to do as I have always been more of an active person rather than a classroom person. I never expected to be offered an international job so early after graduating from school and my course, which I am very grateful for.
Q: How did your time at Kilvington prepare you for what you’re doing now?
A: What I learnt at Kilvington shaped me into the person I am today as it developed my hard work ethic and respect for everyone and everything.
Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face to get where you are now?
A: The biggest challenge would be how physically and mentally demanding the performing arts and entertainment industry is. It is a very difficult industry to break into as there are hundreds of people who attend the same auditions and they usually only hire a few people. For every 100 no’s there is one yes, so the rejection can take a toll, but I just had to keep pushing and believing in my abilities which lead me to the results I wanted.
Q: What advice would you give to others who might be faced with similar obstacles?
A: Whatever path you choose always trust in your decisions as I truly am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
Q: What has been your biggest highlight so far?
A: My biggest highlight so far would definitely be the contract I have recently been offered to perform at Disney Sea theme park in Tokyo for nine months in 2020.
Q: What excites you about the future?
A: I am extremely excited about my move to Tokyo which will open so many other doors and opportunities for my career in performing.
Q: Any advice for our current Year 12 students as they embark on the next stage of their journey?
A: No matter what you decide to do, it will all fall into place and how it’s meant to be for each person.