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Get to know your old scholar community. Each month we'll introduce you to an old scholar so you can get better acquainted with your peers.

18 August 2020

Jessica Mills (2012) is a singer, dancer and actor based in Melbourne. After graduating from the Queensland Conservatorium in 2016, Jessica made her adult professional debut in early 2017 with The 7 Sopranos: Songs from Stage and Screen, and has since toured internationally with the production. Jessica has also performed in many other productions such as Don Giovanni, The Beautiful Game and Cinderella.

What is your favourite memory of your time at Pembroke?
I have so many great memories from my time at Pembroke. One in particular that sticks out is the music tour to Europe in 2011. That was pretty amazing! Other honorable mentions include winning our interschol netball game in Year 12, performing in The Wishing Well (our Year 12 production), and the Year 10 ski trip to Mt Hotham.

What is your biggest career highlight?
My biggest career highlight so far was my debut at The Sydney Opera House. Performing on that stage was something I’ve dreamed of ever since I was little and it was every bit as good as I had imagined!

The best advice I have ever been given was…
Work hard, believe in yourself and be patient.

My favourite thing to do in Adelaide is…
Catch up with friends and family, and spend time on Kangaroo Island.

When are you the most inspired?
After I see a piece of theatre. Especially if it’s something that moves me.

If you could have coffee with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I would love to have coffee with Kristin Chenoweth to discuss her life work – career and otherwise.

What is the biggest risk you have taken?
This is tricky to answer because my career itself involves so much risk on a daily basis. My second “big move” from Brisbane to Melbourne was probably the biggest risk I have taken. The transition from uni into the real world, as well as completely uprooting my life for a second time before I was 25 was scary but I can absolutely say that the risk paid off!

What is the one thing you’ve always wanted to try but you’ve been too scared to?
Skydiving. It looks like so much fun but also terrifies me.

What is a skill you wish you had?
I wish I knew how to backflip!

Name one production that you would love to star in.
The Phantom of the Opera.