From the moment Elise Kinnon set foot on a stage, she knew she was destined for a life of performance. Growing up in Brisbane in a theatrically inclined family, her path to the spotlight was almost inevitable. From winning a scholarship at The Conroy Dance Centre to performing with Universal Studios Japan at just 18, Elise has carved out an impressive career that has taken her across the globe. Now based in New York City, she’s graced the stage in national tours, worked under the direction of Hollywood legends, and, most recently, danced her way onto the big screen in Wonka. We sat down with Elise to hear more about her extraordinary journey, the highs and lows of life as a performer in NYC, and what keeps her connected to home.
Tell us about your performance career and some of the highlights.
I was born into a theatrical family—my Nana tap-danced until she was 88! I started ballet at nine, training in a tiny church with an ex-Australian Ballet Theatre dancer, and quickly knew this was my path. I won a full scholarship to The Conroy Dance Centre, where I trained under incredible teachers who truly shaped my career.
At 18, I landed my first contract with Universal Studios Japan, performing seven shows a day and being immersed in Japanese culture. That experience led to my move to New York City in 2005, where I was awarded an O-1 visa—humorously titled “Alien of Extraordinary Ability.” My first big gig was a national tour of Mame, and from there, doors kept opening.
One of my career-defining moments came when I was cast in Happy Days: A New Musical, directed by Garry Marshall. Later, I had the incredible honor of working with Dame Julie Andrews on The Great American Mousical—a dream come true! But perhaps my biggest moment to date has been dancing in Wonka. Walking onto a Warner Bros. set and seeing myself alongside Timothée Chalamet on the big screen was surreal.
What was it like being a featured dancer in Wonka?
It was beyond anything I could have imagined! The scale of a major motion picture production was mind-blowing—the sets were built to scale on the Warner Bros. lot, right next to the Harry Potter studio tour. We rehearsed in a massive off-set tent that housed everything from costumes to COVID testing.
Timothée Chalamet was an absolute dream to work with—kind, humble, and incredibly generous on set. Before every take, he’d fist-bump the dancers and make sure we all felt comfortable. One of my standout moments was during the Well There’s Chocolate number, where I had to run up to him, tap him on the shoulder, and receive a bag of specialty chocolates. The director, Paul King, then called out, “Elise, darling, twirl for the camera!” I was floored. Seeing that moment make the final cut and sharing it with my family at the London premiere was unforgettable.
The moment I found out I got the role in Wonka was just as wild. I had no idea Warner Bros. had sent me an official offer—until I checked my junk mail! I called my mum, had a meltdown of excitement, and within hours, I was on a red-eye to London. I arrived and went straight into rehearsals at 10 a.m. the next day. It was a whirlwind, but the best kind.
Anything coming up in 2025 that you’re excited about?
I recently received an offer from Warren Carlyle to be part of the SDCF Choreographic Observership for Pirates! The Penzance Musical!, opening on Broadway April 24, 2025, with previews beginning April 4 at Roundabout Theatre Company. I’ll be assisting Warren and Sarah Edwards from the first rehearsal on February 25 through Opening Night. After that, I’m heading to Maine State Music Theatre as the Associate Director/Choreographer for Tootsie, which opens in June. It’s an exciting time, and I feel incredibly grateful for these opportunities.
What’s been the biggest challenge of having a performance career in NYC?
The instability. Never knowing where your next paycheck is coming from is tough. People assume performing is glamorous, but for every 100 auditions, you might book one job—if you’re lucky. In between gigs, I’ve done everything from teaching toddler tap classes to working as a maître d’ at weddings. You have to hustle constantly, and rejection is part of the deal.
Aging in the industry is another challenge. After 30 years of dancing, I had my first major injury last year, just after shooting a Wonka pickup scene. I flew home to Australia to support my mum through her breast cancer treatment, only to end up needing knee surgery myself. It’s been a tough road to recovery, but this career teaches you resilience like nothing else.
What do you do to quell homesickness while in New York?
Care packages from home! My family sends me all my favorites—Twisties, Curly Wurlys, Crunchies, Red Frogs, and Tom Yum Goong soup packets. FaceTime is a lifesaver, especially with the time difference working in my favor since I finish late at night, right as my family is starting their day.
What’s been your most ‘only in New York’ moment?
So many! Seeing Sarah Jessica Parker at a food truck in Chelsea, working with Kate Winslet on Mildred Pierce, and auditioning for Blue Jasmine with Woody Allen—who told me I looked too much like Cate Blanchett to cast me! Oh, and that time I sat behind Philip Seymour Hoffman at The Book of Mormon and tried to sneak a photo… only for my flash to go off. Not my finest moment!
What are some of your favorite NYC spots?
- Favorite place: A Broadway theater or The Cloisters
- Brunch spot: Cowgirl in Greenwich Village or Jacob’s Pickles
- Cocktail bar: The Owl’s Tail on the UWS—come visit me on Sundays!
- Go-to meal: Marc Forgione’s restaurant, Forge
- Best tourist tip: Get out of Times Square! Walk all of Central Park and explore the boroughs.
What do you love most about being part of AWNY? Who are some Aussie women doing incredible things in NYC?
The sense of community is everything! I knew Sarah McLellan from the Brisbane dance world, and she was the first familiar face I met in NYC as a young performer. She showed me the ropes and introduced me to an incredible network of Aussie performers. Her passion for connecting expats and supporting like-minded, driven, and strong Aussie women is endlessly inspiring. I’d love to come to more in-person AWNY meet-ups—I miss a lot of opportunities due to my schedule, but whenever I can, I love connecting with other Aussie women making their mark here.
How can AWNY members connect with you?
Website: www.elisekinnon.com
Instagram: @EliseKinnon
Elise’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and sheer determination. From Broadway stages to Hollywood sets, she has carved a unique path, proving that with enough grit and passion, dreams really do come true—even in the biggest, toughest city in the world.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 