Meet Kayla Furie | singer, actress, dancer

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

Hi Kayla, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Ohhh…this is a good question! One of the first movies I saw in the movie theatre was Cinderella. There is a quote from that movie that my mom started to say to me and it was, “Have courage and be kind.” It seems easy, but sometimes it is easier than others, so I think I am inspired by people who have courage and are kind! Courage can mean a lot of things depending on the situation. It can mean, being true to yourself or standing up for others. Everyone knows what kindness is, but certain circumstances may make it more challenging. When I am near people who have courage and are kind, they inspire (and remind) me to have courage and be kind, too!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Theatre keeps me busy! Whether I am in a show and performing on stage or in the audience watching, it is always so exciting to be a part of the Atlanta Theatre community. I have learned that the best part of theatre (and the part that keeps me busiest) is the people I have met, because even when I am not in a show, I get to see shows starring people I know and that is so much fun! I love seeing as much theatre as I can, and when I know the people on the stage and can support them, it is even better!

I also stay busy taking classes and training. I know that I am still young and have so much to learn! When I am not rehearsing, I try to focus on studying and improving! I take classes in voice, acting and dance.

I also spend a lot of time on calls and FaceTimes with friends I have been in shows with! When shows end, it can be hard because you get so close to your friends, so we talk a LOT! And we make plans for the next time we can see each other or perform together!

I really love what I do, so it doesn’t feel like I am “busy,” it just feels like a fun life. When I am in a show, and I know it will only last for a short period of time, I always try to learn as much as I can, have as much fun as I can, and enjoy every minute!! One of the things I have learned is that I am not just “performing,” but my job is to tell stories. I love being able to do this and I am excited to find out more about my own story as I grow up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Can I pretend I have the week off of school? Because we would go swimming every day and have sushi and ice cream! We would go see as many shows as we could and wait in the lobbies after the shows to see the casts. Then, we would do puzzles and watch my favorite TV shows: Friends and Golden Girls!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my sister and brother: Naomi and Elliott. They have sacrificed so much for me and always support me! They help me rehearse and prepare for auditions. Sometimes they help me study for school, too. We always see shows together. They are funny, smart and talented and I am so lucky to have them to look up to!

Website: www.kaylafurie.com

Instagram: @kaylafurie

Image Credits
Eliza Barberena, Robert Mitchel Owenby, Jono Davis