A willingness to take on anything is the quality Kahlia Davis (OM 2013) says aspiring actors need most. “Train in every area and make yourself as hireable as possible,” she says. “The industry demands so much more of us as performers these days, so you need to be prepared to invite as many opportunities as you can.”
Kahlia is still remembered for her role as Dorothy in Grimwade House’s Year 6 production of The Wizard of Oz in 2007. “Grimwade had such great music and drama programs and such incredible opportunities in all the arts,” she says. “I didn’t necessarily know I was going to become a performer, but I’ve always loved it, and where I am today is a culmination of following that passion.”
Staying open when things change
After being accepted into the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where she studied with fellow Old Melburnian Jack Martin, Kahlia’s first contract was with the US national tour of 42nd Street The Musical at just 19 years of age. Working as her own agent, each of her roles has led to the next, including undertaking a world tour as a vocalist on a cruise ship.
“On the cruise we started in Alaska, circumnavigated South America, went back up through the Caribbean and Mexico to San Francisco, Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand then landed in Sydney on 1 March 2020,” Kahlia explains. “I had been planning to go back to the US, but I ended up staying here in Australia and enrolling in a Master of Business, which was my pandemic project.”
A future in musical theatre
Today, Kahlia performs in as many as eight shows a week in the touring production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, working as a swing that covers 11 roles, including the lead.
“The beauty of this show is the opportunity to bring joy to people,” Kahlia says. “It was especially moving to perform in Melbourne after the lockdowns. I’m looking forward to the rest of our Melbourne run, which will be early next year. I’d also love to get to London one day to perform over there.”
“I think I’ll always be involved in musical theatre, either as a performer or on the production side,” Kahlia adds. “It’s a fast-paced, changeable industry. I love the opportunities to travel, and love pushing myself to try new things.”
You can see Kahlia on stage in Moulin Rouge! The Musical which is currently touring Australia.
