A fateful interaction with a touring children’s theatre organization first sparked Kasey’s passion for acting…
Said organization rolled through her Indiana elementary school to put on a production of The Wizard of Oz (or rather, for copyright infringement issues, a story based on but not, I repeat, not The Wizard of Oz). After a rigorous round of group singing with approximately 100 other children, Kasey sat amidst the sea of other young hopefuls waiting to be selected for the cast. She watched as one by one several of her fellow first graders gleefully scurried to the front of the gymnasium, cast in the show. And then, it happened.
“If I have not called your name, “ the theatre educator said, “thank you so much for trying. One of our volunteers has a special treat for you on your way out.” After that, it was a blur for Kasey. Tears brimmed in her eyes, as she was hustled out of the gymnasium, but not before a Laffy Taffy was thrust into her small chubby hands. Attached to it with a ribbon was a message that read, “Shoot for the moon. If you miss you’ll always land among the stars.” Even at 7 years old, Kasey felt this was pretty fucking patronizing. And at that moment she made a silent vow: she would exact revenge on the touring children’s theatre by becoming the most prolific actor of her generation.
Kasey has been, “landing among the stars” on this vow ever since.