May 8, 2018

Actress returns to share her wisdom with performance students

Logie-nominated star Kat Hoyos delivers inspiring guest lecture

Actor Kat Hoyos has returned to her former stomping ground to encourage creative arts students to pursue their dreams, even if at times they seem out of reach.

Kat, who is nominated for a TVWeek Logie for her performance on the Channel 9 TV show Here Comes The Habibs, graduated from the University of Wollongong (UOW) with a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Performance).

On Friday (4 May), she was welcomed back to her alma mater to deliver a guest lecture to current performance students about what it takes to make it in the entertainment industry.

Kat has made a name for herself as one of Australia’s best young actresses since leaving University. She is what’s known as a triple threat – she can act, sing, and dance – and has stood out in each of these fields.

In addition to her role on Here Comes The Habibs, in which she plays Layla Habib, Kat has appeared in music videos, featured in the musicals Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Bring It On, and Xanadu, and has co-starred in two feature films.

While addressing the students on Friday, she offered practical advice to the second- and third-year performance students, covering topics such as headshots, show reels, and the appropriate use of social media.

But she also offered a down-to-earth lesson in how to make it in an industry in which few break through, and even fewer succeed.

“Everyone’s journey is going to be so different,” said Kat, who stressed the importance of creating multiple skill sets. “Everyone here has something unique, something that sets you apart, so you need to go out and own that, and present that to the world. You need to embrace who you are.

“I was told when I started out that it takes 10 years of working hard to achieve results. So don’t expect that it will happen to you next year, but work hard and eventually the results will come.”

Kat has just returned from pilot season in Los Angeles, where she spent a few months auditioning (with producer sessions), connecting with casting directors and taking part in improv at the infamous Groundlings.

“There was a lot of unfamiliarity and they move so quickly over there. But it was an amazing experience because it was another level of learning for me. I’m really happy with how everything went and now that I’m home, I feel like everything is lifted and there’s a renewed passion for my work.”

Kat said returning to UOW filled her with nostalgia.

“I have so many wonderful memories of my time here. I always really love how green it was, there was a real connection with nature and that was one of the reasons I chose to come here. The campus always had a sense of calm in a world of drama,” Kat said.

“Being able to come back here and speak to the students, it is really humbling.”