Old Collegians in Focus | Mia Paris Scalise

From Passion to the Professional Stage: How an Overnewton education helped Mia Paris Scalise discover her confidence, embrace her creativity and pursue a career in musical theatre.

Finding Your Voice

When Mia Paris Scalise (Class of 2022) steps onto the stage this year as Anne Boleyn in SIX the Musical, audiences will see a confident, witty and larger-than-life queen commanding the spotlight. But behind the dazzling costumes and powerhouse vocals is a young performer whose journey began with something much simpler: finding the confidence to believe in herself.

Fresh from graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, Mia Paris has secured her professional musical theatre debut in one of the world’s most celebrated productions. Yet, for Mia Paris, success has never been solely about landing roles. It has been about discovering who she is, embracing opportunities and learning to trust her own voice.

Her story is a reminder that education is about far more than textbooks and exams. Sometimes it’s about discovering the passions that make you excited to get out of bed each morning and having the courage to follow them.

A Place to Grow

Some of Mia Paris’s fondest memories from Overnewton are centred around the Performing Arts. Productions, concerts and creative classes became places where she was encouraged to experiment, take risks and grow.

Although the College’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience remains one of her most treasured memories. 

“Being part of that process alongside my cousin Chanel is something I’ll always treasure,” Mia Paris said. “We shared so many laughs throughout rehearsals, and even through the show never made it to the stage, the experience itself was incredibly special.”

Returning to Overnewton in Year 11 after previously attending Prep and Year 1, Mia Paris admits she was naturally shy. It was through productions and performances that she discovered a confidence she hadn’t yet found.

Those opportunities not only strengthened her skills, but also helped her develop leadership, collaboration and friendships that continue to shape who she is today.

During her VCE years, the Performing Arts staff became what she describes as a “second family”. 

“Mr Collins, Ms Dahl, Mrs Hernandez and Mrs McWaters created safe and nurturing spaces where I felt comfortable being completely myself,” she said. “Their belief in me had a huge impact on both my confidence and growth as a performer.”

Influential educators played a pivotal role in shaping her direction. Through subjects such as Legal Studies, Psychology and Human Development, Kate discovered a clear pathway forward; one grounded in understanding people and the systems that shape society. Beyond the classroom, it was the example set by teachers – their passion, resilience and authenticity – that left a lasting impression. These were lessons not just in academics, but in how to lead and carry oneself with purpose.

A desire to make a difference had been present from a young age. Personal experiences fostered a deep sense of empathy, which would later become a defining strength in her policing career. “You don’t always need to have lived someone’s experience to understand their pain,” she explains. “But you do need the emotional intelligence to recognise it and respond in the right way.”

This philosophy has guided her through some of the most confronting aspects of policing. Early in her career, attending traumatic incidents reinforced the importance of presence, compassion and restraint. In one particularly difficult moment, Kate chose quiet support over words; an approach that would later be remembered by a grieving family. It is these human connections, often unseen, that define meaningful service.

As a leader, Kate is deeply committed to a people-first approach. “If you invest in your people, everything else follows,” she says. Whether through open conversations, regular reflection or simply making time to connect, she prioritises trust, wellbeing and authenticity within her teams. In high-pressure environments, she believes compassion is not optional – it is essential.

Kate’s work with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics further reflects this commitment to inclusion and community. Leading a volunteer network presents unique challenges, but also profound rewards. “Inclusion costs nothing, but it means everything,” she says. The role holds personal significance, reinforcing her belief in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued and supported.

Looking back, she credits Overnewton with instilling the foundational values that continue to guide her – integrity, community, and a clear sense of purpose. “When people feel connected and included, they thrive,” Kate notes. “That hasn’t changed.”

Her advice to current students is simple yet powerful; small actions matter. “If you can do one thing each day for yourself, and one thing for someone else, you are already making a difference.” It is a philosophy Kate lives by – quietly shaping lives, strengthening communities, and leading with unwavering compassion.