Emma Kelly

She/Her

Hi, I’m Emma and I am a 24-year-old who hails from the charming town of Swan Hill.

I fell in love with the stage at the ripe old age of 11, starring in Aristocats. Once I started performing, I knew I would always want to be involved in productions in any capacity. I have always been a huge advocate for getting involved in the things you love, however you can, whenever you can.

In adolescence, I immersed myself in school drama classes, eisteddfods, pub bands and local musicals like there was no tomorrow – but there still seemed to be a creative itch that I just couldn’t scratch! Then, like a mirage in the desert, the Fairfax Festival materialised in front of me. It was such a good deal. Abounding creative opportunities and professional connections? Coming to our region?! Sign me up!

For 3 years, I became an enthusiastic participant of the festival, working with professionals in physical theatre, giant puppeteers (the puppets were giant, not the people!), Shakespearean savants and cinematographers. Looking back at the professional connections I made during that time, it’s incredible to think I’m still only a message away from reconnecting with them and creating more magic. This is my Fairfax story.

In 2018, I tried my hand at co-directing a musical. Bryce Ives caught wind of this – it’s not every day you see an 18-year-old attempting to pull Chitty Chitty Bang Bang off - and reached out. This is how I reconnected with Fairfax Youth Initiative as an artistic associate!

I’ve always wanted to use this association as a pedestal to advocate for the importance of young rural individuals using their voices, claiming opportunities with vigour, taking up more space (we’ve got hectares of it!) and putting our own creative stamp on what would otherwise be a dustbowl of an existence.