Kaitlyn Davidson’s ‘Grown-Up’ Fairy Tale

As the song “When I Grow Up” from the 2016 Starlight Broadway production of Matilda The Musical describes, every child dreams of what they want to be. Kaitlyn Davidson was no exception.

Kaitlyn caught the bug for performing early, at age 5 in a dance class. Then, Starlight entered the picture: “While studying dance, I remember seeing my cousin Rachel perform in pageants and on the Starlight stage, and I thought, ‘I want to try acting.’”

She did, going on to perform in several shows at Starlight and even soaring across the newly renovated stage as Peter Pan during Starlight’s 2000 Gala. That same year, the world premiere of The Prince and the Pauper produced by Starlight clarified her vision: “I met so many professional actors and even went on tour at age 14. It gave me the feeling of ‘THAT’S what I want to do for a living!’”

Starlight was also there when Kaitlyn readied for the real world. As a Blue Valley student in 2004 and 2005, she received Starlight’s Blue Star Award for Outstanding Actress in a Lead Role. “The awards gave me the courage and confidence I needed to head off to college!”

And to grow up to be…a Broadway actress!

Since graduating from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Kaitlyn’s dreams have come true.

She’s performed on Broadway and in national tours, even bringing her talents back to Starlight last summer as the misunderstood-but-not-evil stepsister Gabrielle in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. And now, she’s taken on the title role: “I currently am playing a personal dream role of mine: Ella!”

Kaitlyn has traveled far from her Starlight roots, but she’s never forgotten them: “Starlight allowed me to make important industry connections and gave me reassurance that I was on the right path to become exactly what I wanted to be! Those opportunities greatly shaped the person I’ve become.”

If you have a story about how Starlight Theatre has impacted your life – even if it doesn’t involve becoming a Broadway actress – we’d love to hear it!
Please email it to us at development@kcstarlight.com. 

If you would like to help support others’ dreams at Starlight, donate here.