Meet Kayla Moore | Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For a long time, I had given up on my dreams of working as a professional actor. As a child, I loved performing and dreamed of pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. However, after not being accepted to any programs that aligned with my goals, I decided to explore other paths.

I delved into the business side of films, learning how the entertainment industry operated behind the scenes. Despite setbacks, I remained involved in collegiate level shows, starred in and wrote for our college late-night sketch show, and acted in numerous student films. I spent a semester in LA interning at a top-tier talent management company and an award-winning production company.

After graduation, the global pandemic hit, prompting me to take temporary jobs at a nursery school and a restaurant while waiting for opportunities to arise. Eventually, I secured a coveted spot in a top-tier talent agency’s online internship program. Progressing from there, I was promoted to an assistant position. Though I enjoyed the work, a negative experience with another promotion led me to leave talent representation entirely.

Taking time to reassess, I searched for kind people and true happiness. I jumped back into performing. Returning to community theatre reignited my love for the stage. My comeback role as one of the Stepsisters in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA garnered attention, with clips going viral on YouTube with over 20 thousand views. My next role in a production of William Inge’s PICNIC earned me a BroadwayWorld nomination.

Joining the cast of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL in 2023 marked a turning point. Viral clips on social media caught the attention of industry influencers, like the famous platform “Let’s Hear It For The Choice,” leading to further opportunities. A summer stock stint in New Hampshire allowed me to portray dream roles and gain widespread recognition. I played multiple dream roles including “Cinderella” in INTO THE WOODS and “Elle Woods” in LEGALLY BLONDE. Clips from those performances also went viral on TikTok with millions of views.

In the fall, I secured a circus contract for the holiday season before landing my biggest role yet: THE OFFICE! A Musical Parody Off-Broadway. Celebrating my 70th show with the production this past week, I relish the experience and the growth it offers.

My journey serves as a testament to the possibility of pursuing one’s dreams. I aim to continue building both my career and social media presence, inspiring others to pursue their passions as well. Life is short, and finding fulfillment in what you love is invaluable. My happiness lives in the wings of a theatre right before stepping onto a stage. I hope you discover and pursue where your happiness lies.

Thank you for reading, and I wish you all the best on your own journey to happiness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My dad is a musician, and from a very young age he encouraged my siblings and I to perform. I thank him for my musically inclined brain.

My mom played diverse roles in shaping my childhood, even briefly managing my sister and me when we were represented by a top-tier talent agency. She would take us to all our training classes, workshops, rehearsals, and auditions. Encouraging our passion for musical theatre, she would enthusiastically join us in belting show tunes in the car. She took us to multiple Broadway shows, supported us through multiple cast list let downs, and has helped us memorize thousands of lines and songs.

My sister is the reason I went to my very first audition. As a younger sibling, I had to stalk and copy anything my cool older sister did.

There are countless reasons and individuals to thank for where I am today, including the challenging experiences that ultimately redirected me back to theatre.

I’ve come to realize the importance of kindness in our industry, particularly in welcoming newcomers who may not yet understand our world. There is always an opportunity for kindness, and it starts with you. Rather than reacting with disdain when meeting someone unfamiliar with a musical, actor, song, etc. I advocate for embracing the opportunity of a shared passion. Each interaction presents a chance to spread joy and knowledge, nurturing a culture of encouragement and inclusivity.

I share this philosophy on my social media platforms, where I discuss my unconventional path into professional performance. Despite being unsuccessful in gaining acceptance to a BFA program, I persevered, crafting my own path through diverse work experiences, classes, and building my social media presence. I want others to know that there are multiple avenues to pursue a career in performance, and post-graduate training opportunities abound. Community theatre, in particular, remains a vital cornerstone of the performing arts world, and I urge everyone to explore and support their local community theatres.

In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique paths and to recognize the wealth of opportunities available in the world of performance.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you! I am a born and raised New Yorker, and New York City has my heart.

While in NYC, I recommend trying your luck with Broadway rush or lottery tickets. You can access these through platforms like TodayTix, BroadwayLottery.com, and LuckySeat.com. Among the shows on my radar for the upcoming weeks are ILLINOISE, HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL, THE NOTEBOOK, CABARET, THE OUTSIDERS, and SUFFS.

Being someone with celiac disease, my go-to spots in NYC revolve around gluten-friendly options. Here are some of my favorites: Don Antonio’s for THE BEST gluten-free pizza, La Pecora Bianca for both exquisite ambiance and delectable gluten-free pasta, Modern Bread and Bagel for an array of gluten-free bagels and bakery treats, Friedman’s for a comprehensive gluten-free menu featuring delights like chicken and waffles and s’more milkshakes, and Los Tacos No. 1 for top-notch quick-service tacos.

On sunny days, I enjoy hopping on the subway to the Upper West Side and spreading out a picnic blanket in Central Park. Alternatively, taking a water taxi to Williamsburg and strolling along the waterfront offers a serene perspective of the city, allowing you to marvel at the vastness of New York City from a distance.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My childhood mentor, John Fanelli, has been instrumental in shaping me as a performer. Without his guidance and training, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The closure of my childhood theatre school, Lighthouse Youth Theatre, due to the pandemic, is truly heartbreaking. Knowing that future children won’t have the opportunity to study there or learn from John saddens me deeply. I hold onto hope that someday, someone will step forward to help John rebuild the school.

The creative team at Yorktown Stage played a pivotal role in reigniting my passion for performing. Led by August “Auggie” Abatecola (Director), Carrie Silvernail (Choreographer), Ricky Romano (Musical Director), and Casey Brehm (Stage Manager), they welcomed me back to the stage after years away and encouraged me to keep pursuing my dreams. It’s because of their support that I now find myself performing Off-Broadway.

Miles Messier, my career coach, voice teacher, and friend, has been a constant source of encouragement and accountability. His unwavering support has been essential in propelling my career forward.

The entire staff at NCCA Jean’s Playhouse in Lincoln, New Hampshire, including Joel Mercier (Artistic Director), Victoria Dixon Marshall (Stage Manager), and John Marshall (“Jack of all Trades”), played a significant role in transitioning my talents from a hobby to a career. Their guidance and support helped me evolve into a well-trained professional performer, and I’m forever grateful to Joel for helping my dreams become a reality.

Lastly, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of my friends and family. Their encouragement has been my driving force, and I’m deeply thankful to have been raised in a community that values the arts. A special thank you to my parents for allowing me to pursue my passion of singing silly songs for a living.

Website: https://kaylasophiemoore.com

Instagram: @kayla___moore

Youtube: @kaylamoore3594

Other: TikTok: @Kayla___Moore (45M+ Views / 40K+ Followers / 6.5M+ Likes)

Image Credits
Adam Jason, Jason F. Vasquez, Michelle Foard, Michael Jurick, Ken Watson