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.”

Turning Passion into Purpose

Coming from a family of performers, Mia Paris’s love of music and storytelling began early. She started dancing at just three years old and quickly discovered the joy of connecting with others through performance.

“What draws me most to the performing arts is storytelling,” she said. “Musical theatre allows me to combine everything I love into one art form.”

By Years 11 and 12, with much of her study focused on dance, music and drama, it became difficult for her to imagine pursuing anything else.

Following graduation, Mia Paris was accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre). The experience challenged her creatively while teaching lessons that extended far beyond the stage. “VCA taught me resilience, discipline and the importance of trusting the process,” she said. “Every class, performance and audition became a stepping stone.”

Just three months after graduating, she auditioned for SIX the Musical. Throughout the process, she explored all six queens, but one role stood out. “Anne was where I truly felt at home,” she said. “She’s bold, hilarious, unapologetically herself and so much fun.” When the call finally came from her agent the moment felt almost impossible to believe.

“If you had told first-year university Mia Paris that she would be making her professional musical theatre debut the year after graduating, she would have never believed you,” she said.

Although performing is often viewed as a fiercely competitive industry, Mia Paris says her greatest challenge has been learning to trust herself.  “The biggest challenge has often been myself,” she explained. “Learning to let go of perfectionism and believe that I am enough is something I continue to work on every day.” Rather than chasing perfection, she has learned to focus on growth and authenticity - a mindset that has helped her approach opportunities with greater confidence.

Taking Centre Stage

Being cast as Anne Boleyn in SIX the Musical represents an extraordinary milestone at the beginning of Mia Paris’s career.

After three years of intensive training, stepping into the professional world felt daunting. Joining such an iconic production so soon after graduating is something she describes as both surreal and deeply rewarding.

But despite the achievement, Mia Paris remains grounded.

“What people don’t always see is the years of training and hard work behind the scenes,” she said. “Performers are athletes. We spend countless hours developing our skills. The glamorous moments are beautiful, but they’re only a small part of a career built on commitment, discipline and passion.”

Ironically, for someone who still describes herself as shy, performing has helped her discover a stronger sense of self.

“When I step on stage, it’s not Mia standing there – it’s the character,” she said. "Mia might feel nervous performing in front of hundreds of people, but Anne Boleyn certainly doesn’t.”

Through performance, she has learned to trust herself and embrace parts of her personality that she might otherwise be too shy to share.

Defining Success on Your Own Terms

Mia believes success looks different for everyone.

“The best advice I’ve ever received came from my parents: do what makes you happy,” she said. “If you’re passionate about what you do and excited to get out of bed each morning, that passion will carry you through the difficult days.”

Her advice to current students is simple: try everything.

“You never know what might spark your interest or become a lifelong passion until you give it a go,” she said. “Don’t feel like you need to fit yourself into one box.”

School, she says, is a chance to explore, challenge yourself and discover what success means to you.

Forever an Old Collegian

Looking back, Mia Paris credits Overnewton with giving her far more than opportunities to perform.

Whether singing at assemblies, appearing in productions or simply being encouraged to step outside her comfort zone, the College helped nurture the confidence, resilience and self-belief that continue to guide her today.

As she continues to captivate audiences in SIX the Musical, Mia Paris’s story serves as a powerful reminder that success comes in many forms, and that sometimes finding your voice can be the greatest achievement of all.