A FORMER Dunfermline High School pupil has spoken to the Press of her high hopes for a career in the theatre industry.

Kirsty Donaldson, 20, performed recently at PJ Molloy's and is in her final year of study at GAMTA (Glasgow Academy of Musical Theatre Arts), a school that has launched many successful careers in the industry.

She has now performed at PJ's a few times and has also been a part of stage shows for GAMTA and Dunfermline’s Carnegie Youth Theatre.

Her latest PJ's performance was her first since September, which itself was her first post-COVID gig.

She reflected: “It was so lovely to be back. That one in September was crazy as that was my first for almost two years, so I was very nervous, but this one was great because I was a bit more relaxed, and I got to see so many people I hadn’t seen in a long time and watch the other acts, who were great.”

Despite having performed recently as a singer, the theatre stage is her goal: “I’ve always loved the cabaret style of standing and singing but I feel that theatre is what I’d really like to get into. I’m in my final year of my course now and that’s been the main focus of the course so hopefully that’s the path I’ll go down.”

PJ Molloy's is a venue that despite hosting some huge acts over the years, has always been keen to give young artists a chance.

Kirsty said: “PJ's is such a great venue for giving young musicians a chance. It’s such an iconic place, I love performing there and watching some of the people and bands I know perform too.

"My gigs have mainly been because I’ve been supporting much more established bands like Trading Glances which is another thing I’m really grateful for.”

Performing is a dream for young people all over the world. For many it’s inspired by seeing a certain play or an artist perform but, for Kirsty, musicals have been a part of her life for a long time.

She explained: “It’s so hard to pick one inspiration. I just love so many musicals! When I was growing up, whatever musical I would watch I would just obsess over it, so it’s been a big part of my life.”

As well as performing on stage, Kirsty also does headshots for people in her spare time. “The headshots and photography is something I’ve been doing on the side," she said. "Headshots can be really expensive for young people in the industry and photography is another one of my passions and I thought why not? It’s a really great way to make connections and stay involved with where I want to go.”

GAMTA has also been something that has helped Kirsty get to where she is and set her off in her career.

“It’s been a crazy few years. It’s been full-on but in the best way possible because it’s what we trained for. Now we have to go out into the world! Everyone that I have trained with have just been great, I’m so pleased to have had them as a support network.”