Emma Brazil – West End Kids Troupe
Where are you from?
Potters Bar, Hertfordshire
Journey with West End Kids:
When did you join West End Kids?
Summer 2020
What inspired you to audition for West End Kids?
My mum showed me some of the Troupe’s performance highlights and videos and I instantly knew that that was what I wanted to do.
Performance Highlights:
What has been your favourite performance so far and why?
Our main stage performance at Carfest, as it was such an amazing experience to be able to sing for 40,000 people and I am still so grateful for the opportunity.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances?
During our Summer 2022 Season, we performed at Silverstone Classic on the Main Stage and it was amazing to sing and dance down the thrust of the stage – we all felt like pop stars for the weekend!
Training and Dedication:
How many hours a week do you spend rehearsing and training?
I spend on average 9 hours on Saturday at in person rehearsals with the rest of the troupe learning new dance material and harmonies and polishing and refining the routines. I then spend at least an hour a day at home practicing the new material and doing notes, in order to perfect the routines, ready for auditions and performances.
What do you find most challenging and rewarding about your training?
Learning large amounts of choreography in just a few hours every weekend can be challenging, however it is really rewarding to see my pick up improve every season. Getting through a 45 minute set with costume changes can also be difficult, but once we have rehearsed this, it’s very rewarding to see it all come together and the reaction of the audience.
Future Aspirations:
What are your future goals in the performing arts?
As well as my academic goals, I would love to perform either on a cruise ship or be a leading lady on the West End.
Which role or production would you love to be a part of?
My dream roles include: Elphaba in Wicked, Christine Daaé in Phantom and Veronica in Heathers. All of which have been played by former West End Kids!
Personal Interests:
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of performing?
I enjoy playing on the rounders and netball teams for my school. I also love to play my two instruments, saxophone and piano, and I play in my school’s band and sing in the choir at concerts. Spending time with my friends is also very important to me and we do activities during the holidays and on weekends.
What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?
I’ve won my school’s female academic achievement award for the year group 4 years in a row.
Inspirations and Motivation:
Who inspires you the most in the performing arts world?
Sutton Foster, Samantha Barks, Carrie Hope Fletcher
What keeps you motivated to keep improving and performing?
The hope to achieve my goal of one day performing on a West End stage and the buzz that I get when I get to perform at one of the exciting events that West End Kids provides me the opportunity to take part in.
Experience with West End Kids:
How has being a part of West End Kids impacted you?
Since I joined West End Kids, my confidence and resilience has improved so much, as well as my dance and singing skills. I have made friends for life and memories that I will never forget.
What advice would you give to new members or those aspiring to join West End Kids?
Remember to always work hard and take every opportunity given to you. Don’t take direction personally – take it as a learning curve and strive to improve. Always be resilient and push yourself, so that you can be the best version of yourself that you can be.
