Melissa Sclafani – West End Kids Troupe
Where are you from?
Croydon, South London
When did you join West End Kids?
I was 14 years old when I joined West End Kids. I started my journey in January 2023 where I joined WEK: Training Red Troupe and have worked my way up to the West End Kids Troupe.
What inspired you to audition for West End Kids?
My mum saw a post on social media and then after we watch some videos, I have decided that I wanted to give it a try and audition
Training and Dedication:
How many hours a week do you spend rehearsing and training?
My mum found out about WEK auditions online and after watching videos of troupe performing I was inspired to audition and improve in the musical theatre industry.
What do you find most challenging and rewarding about your training?
The part I find most challenging of training is taking in notes and applying them in rehearsals. The rewarding side of it is that in the end I am able to perform and do what I love in front of an audience.
Future Aspirations:
What are your future goals in the performing arts?
I hope to one day be on the West End and broadway and perform in some of my favourite musicals such as Six, Grease and Mamma Mia. I also aspire to perform on screen and write my own music and songs.
Which role or production would you love to be a part of?
My dream role is without a doubt Sophie from Mamma mia. I watched the movie as a kid and instantly fell in love with the songs, vibes and especially Sophie’s bubbly character. It quickly became my favourite musical and I hope to one day be able to play her in a production.
Personal Interests:
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of performing?
Apart from performing I enjoy playing piano and going on runs.
What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?
When people meet me, most don’t know that I’m full Italian and can speak it fluently.
Motivation:
Who inspires you the most in the performing arts world?
My biggest inspirations in the performing arts world are Hugh Jackman, Ariana Grande, Katie Douglas and Jennifer Aniston.
What keeps you motivated to keep improving and performing?
The thing that keeps me motivated to improve in the industry is remembering the rush and amazing feeling of being on stage and performing. West End Kids has helped me improve so much these past 2 years and I can’t wait to see where it will take me!
Experience with West End Kids:
How has being a part of West End Kids impacted you?
West End kids has taught me so much in acting singing and dancing and has inspired me every day to keep pushing and working hard. I know its the perfect place for me to achieve my dreams as a performer. It’s also where I met some amazing people who I hope to be friends with for time to come.
What advice would you give to new members or those aspiring to join West End Kids?
If you have the passion, the success will come. Whatever training troupe you join, never give up as with hard work, patience and passion you can move your way up to the amazing West End Kids Troupe and progress in your individual journey.
This interview with Melissa Sclafani was published on 28th May 2025.
