Hi there, I'm Kate!
Owner & director of Evoke Performing Arts Academy, Palmyra Perth
With uncertainty peeking around every corner, I decided it was time to bring back the joy.
For most of my adult life, my focus has been on my studies of psychology, and trying to fit in performing or teaching performing, in any way I can. It was at the start of my psychology thesis that I realised I didn't want to have to choose between my two passions, and I needed to find a way to combine them.
This is how Evoke was born, right here in 2022 in Palmyra, Perth, through the combination of healthy psychological practices and the fun, creative and thrilling aspects of performing.
A combination of two passions
The emotion one can experience while watching others perform, or performing themselves, has always struck a chord with me. Through a deep interest in the mind and behaviour, my own performing has benefitted from my studies of psychology, and that's something we love passing onto our students.
As an audience member during one of my first live performances, I was overcome with emotion. I knew, one day, that I wanted to evoke the same emotion in others. I wanted to help people feel, and what better way to help people feel, and to provide an understanding of those feelings, than through the combination of psychology and performance?
Feeling is normal
It's only in recent years that the importance of mental health has really been a focus in everyday conversations. Although there's still a stigma, Evoke strives towards reducing it, increasing compassion, and encouraging healthy conversations and expressions of emotions.
"Feeling" is normal, everyone does it. Emotions aren't good or bad, they're representations, and learning how to deal with these emotions is an important life skill for all ages.
What better way to learn than through performance? Having an understanding of the mind of characters gives us an unforeseen insight into the lives of another, allowing us to step into their shoes, momentarily leave our own lives behind, and fight the battles of another.
Performance through the lens of psychology.
Well equipped, and so excited
With multiple degrees in psychology, performing across stage and screen, and years of teaching young people, I bring a unique combination to every class.
And yes, I dance!
Because life is too short not to.
A few favourite performances
Photos, left to right: Peter Renzullo, Focal Parallax (Music Video) · Bethsaida Tapsall, The Darkness (Theatre) · Love That Shot Photography & The Sneaky Photographer, The Brain From Planet X (Musical Theatre) · Peter Renzullo, Holding Out For a Hero, Icarus Lives (Music Video)
More about how we work
The questions parents ask most often about Evoke, our approach, and what makes our classes different.
What is the psychology approach and how does it work in class?
Psychology underpins everything we do at Evoke, from the way we plan and structure each class, to how we build rapport with students, organise groups, and approach every interaction. Rather than treating performing arts as purely a performance skill, we draw on psychological principles to help children understand their emotions, develop genuine resilience, and build meaningful connections with their classmates. It's a holistic approach that allows Evoke to be uniquely positioned in the Perth performing arts space.
How is Evoke different from other performing arts schools?
Honestly? We care about so much more than performance. Of course we love helping kids grow into confident, talented performers, and what really lights us up is seeing the whole child thrive. At Evoke, our unique blend of performing arts and psychology means every class is thoughtfully designed to build confidence, emotional wellbeing, resilience and a real sense of belonging. With a passion for every single student, we'd love for you to come and experience Evoke for yourself.
What skills will my child learn?
So much more than just acting, singing and dancing. At Evoke, students develop a rich set of skills both on and off the stage including performance skills, public speaking, confidence, emotional regulation, empathy, teamwork, resilience, a growth mindset and social skills. These are life skills that will serve your child in the classroom, in friendships, and far beyond their time at Evoke.
Ready to join the Evoke family?
We'd love to welcome your child to our classes. Every new student is welcome to a free trial class before committing — just come along, have fun, and see if it feels like home.
