Kate Schmidli

"There was such breadth of opportunity at Yarra and the enthusiasm of my teachers made me believe that everything was doable."

Kate Schmidli joined Yarra Valley Grammar in Grade 5 and has fond memories of her years at the School. It was during her high school years that she discovered talents for both design and music theatre, which made choosing a path to follow post Yarra a difficult decision.

Kate opted for the world of theatre and studied at the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Acting and singing roles have since taken Kate to theatres and venues across Australia.

Kate’s years at Yarra helped her develop confidence and a positive mindset, encouraging her to believe that anything is possible with hard work and persistence. By the time she reached Year 7, Kate’s friendship group had changed and expanded. She remembers her friends wanting to be high achievers, keen to take every opportunity offered to them.

Kate’s favourite place at School was the theatre dressing rooms, where she retreated to hone her theatrical and singing skills.

“When I had free periods, I’d disappear to the changing rooms to do singing practice and to practice my drama. It was quiet there and it was a creative space for me”.

As she begins her career, Kate would love to be in a production company show. Kate firmly believes Yarra taught her that success is about much more than money.

“Success is growth and making progress. It’s about doing what I want to do and being able to make a living out of doing what I love every day”.