Kat Kleve: ‘Don’t stress – everyone’s journey is unique’

I joined the show the following week and it was an absolute baptism of fire. It was my first time doing an actor-musician show, I’d missed the whole rehearsal process and was joining an already established cast – it was pretty daunting. I was handed a huge folder of music on my first day, basically left to my own devices to learn the entire show from the back of the stalls and was thrown on within a week. There were so many uniquely challenging aspects to that job but I learned so much about how important it is to make people feel welcome, that positive energy goes a long way and to always appreciate and never undervalue your swings. It’s the hardest job and they get the least reward.

When you’re in training, your goal is to be in a big West End show as soon as possible, but it really shouldn’t be. I know people who have had the best times of their lives in these shows but also the worst and it totally broke them. Everyone’s journey is unique, and yours will go up and down at completely different times to your peers. So don’t stress. I’ve just started making my own work and I’m now more creatively fulfilled than I’ve ever been, Don’t put too much power in other people’s hands to decide your journey for you.

CV Kat Kleve

Age: Undisclosed
Training: Guildford School of Acting
Theatre includes: Brief Encounter (West End revival), Once (original London cast), Cabaret (UK tour), Mrs Henderson Presents (original London cast) 
TV includes: Archie (ITV), EastEnders (BBC)
Other credits: Salvation Has No Name (Delaval Film)
Agent: ML International Talent

@KatKleve