Amazing Asians in the Arts: Kylie & Irene Patterson

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Kylie Noelle C. Patterson is a young actress based in California–but you might recognize her from the   Annie National Tour! She got her start performing at five years old as a cupcake in   Beauty and the Beast through a fine arts program, and now she travels the country performing. Kylie advises her fellow young artists to “Believe in yourself, even when things get tough… it can take time to get your big moment. Be kind to everyone, have fun, and don’t forget to focus on school too.” 

With one child Off-Broadway and one one tour, Kylie’s family understands the resources needed for young actors to be successful, and work together to help their dreams come true. Irene, Kylie’s mother, supports her full-time for the duration of the tour while also managing her home and work life. “Irene’s advice to parents of theatre kids? “Make sure your child really loves it, because it’s not always glamorous… And most importantly, always prioritize their happiness and well-being over the business side of things.” 

Read on to learn more about Kylie Noelle C Patterson and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts, and how Irene Patterson balances it all! 

 

Name:   Kylie Noelle C. Patterson 

Heritage:   Chinese, Filipino, Scottish and Spanish

Hometown:   Dublin, CA in the Bay Area

Current City:   Currently on tour :)

Current Project:   Annie National Tour 

 

 

What advice do you have for other kids who want to work in the entertainment industry?

Believe in yourself, even when things get tough, and keep going. Practice often, take classes to learn and connect with others, and be patient—it can take time to get your big moment. Be kind to everyone, have fun, and don’t forget to focus on school too. 

 

How did you get your start?

I’ve loved performing for as long as I can remember! When I was 3, my parents wanted to sign me up for acting classes, but most programs only take kids who are at least 5. So when I finally turned 5, I joined a local theater. My first show wasBeauty and the Beast, and I was in the ensemble—I got to be a cupcake! It was so much fun!

 

Do you have any favorite moments in your career that you'd like to share?

One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey was being chosen as the Understudy forAnnie in Season 2. The company’s trust in me meant the world, and I was beyond excited to take on the challenge. Stepping into the spotlight and performing as the lead a few times was truly magical—an experience I’ll never forget! And what made it even more special was being asked to return as the Understudy for Season 3. It was such an honor and an absolutely amazing feeling!

 

 

What are some interesting facts about yourself?

I’m 12 years old, and I love to travel, go shopping, and spend time with my family. I’m currently homeschooled, which I really enjoy because it gives me the flexibility to focus on the things I’m passionate about—like acting, singing, and dancing. I’m always excited to learn new things, take on new challenges, and grow as a performer!

 

Who do you admire?

I really admire people in the arts, especially Lea Salonga. She’s such an inspiration to me because she’s a Filipina global performer who’s made it big with so much talent, grit, and grace. I love how she represents our culture and shows that you can follow your dreams and stay true to who you are!

 

Who is the most interesting person you've met in the business so far?

I’ve met a lot of cool people, but one of the most interesting was The Whoopi Goldberg! I know she was already a legend even before I was born, so when I found out we’d have scenes together, I was so excited. I felt super grateful to perform next to someone so amazing.

 

If you come from parents who aren’t in the arts, what parts of them do you see in yourself that have helped you succeed in the business?

My parents are both nurses, but I think I got the acting genes from my dad. He was actually a child actor in the Philippines! He was born here, but when he went to the Philippines for a vacation, he ended up staying for more than a year because he got to do some commercials and movies. I don’t think I’m super successful yet, but I do feel like I’m an experienced performer now. I know I still have a lot to learn—I’m definitely a work in progress! My mom always reminds me to work hard and have fun with what I’m doing, and that helps me a lot.

 

Do you have any self care practices you do to stay focused and sane? 

Yes! I try to take care of myself so I can stay focused and not get too stressed. I make sure to get enough sleep, drink lots of water, and take breaks when I need them. I also like to listen to music, stretch or dance around, and spend time with my family to help me feel calm and happy. It really helps me stay balanced, especially when things get busy!

 

 

What is your process for preparing for a role?

When I’m getting ready for a role, I start by learning everything I can about the character—what they’re like, how they feel, and what they want. Then I read the script a bunch of times to really understand the story. I practice my lines, work on how I say them, and think about how my character would move or react. If there’s singing or dancing, I practice that too. I also ask questions if I’m not sure about something. I just try to become the character as much as I can!

 

What do you love most about what you do?

What I love most about what I do is performing and telling stories on stage. I love becoming different characters and connecting with the audience. Plus, the cast always feels like a second family!

 

What inspires you?

What inspires me most is seeing people doing what they love and giving it their all, even when it’s not easy. Like when I watch performers on stage, I think, “Wow, I want to do that someday!” It makes me want to practice more and keep pushing myself. My family also really inspires me—they always cheer me on and remind me that I can do anything if I work hard and stay true to myself. That kind of support means everything.

 

Name:   Irene Patterson

 

 

How have you learned to balance home, work, and your daughter's career?

Balancing home, work, and my kids’ creative lives—especially with my son, Dylan, performing inDrag the Musical Off-Broadway and Kylie inAnnie—takes a village. My husband and  my parents are a huge part of the support system. We all pitch in, from rides and rehearsals to emotional check-ins. I’ve learned to focus on presence over perfection—being there when it matters most. With love, flexibility, and teamwork, we make it work, one curtain call at a time. 

 

When and what made you decide to dedicate yourself to helping your daughter's career, and how was that transition for you?

We made the decision when Kylie was cast in her firstAnnie national tour. It was such an incredible opportunity, and we knew she couldn’t do it alone—she needed someone by her side. Since both my husband and I are in the medical field, we had to really think about what was best for our family. Jayson did it the first year, now it’s my turn, I chose to step back from my career, to support her full-time, and while the transition wasn’t easy, it felt right. I went from managing patients to managing schedules, rehearsals, and travel—but seeing Kylie grow and thrive doing what she loves has made it all worth it.

 

 

What things do you do to keep your daughter grounded and help alleviate the high stress levels that can come with working in entertainment?

We make sure Kylie stays grounded by keeping life as normal as possible. Outside of performing, she still has school, we call family back home and FaceTime friends, like any other kid. We prioritize family time, good sleep, and healthy routines. If things ever feel overwhelming, we talk it through, take breaks when needed, and remind her that her happiness and well-being come first—always.

 

Do you have any travel hacks you've found to be super helpful?

Absolutely! After so much touring, we’ve learned a few travel hacks that save our sanity. Packing cubes are a lifesaver—they keep everything organized, especially when living out of suitcases. We also always keep a “go bag” with snacks, chargers, and anything Kylie might need. One of the best things we’ve learned is to create little routines, even on the road—like a favorite blanket or bedtime playlist—that help her feel at home, no matter where we are. And always bring extra socks. Always. 

 

What advice do you have for parents whose kids are thinking of going into entertainment?

My advice would be to be as supportive as possible, but also realistic. Entertainment can be amazing, but it’s tough. It takes hard work, dedication, and thick skin. Make sure your child really loves it, because it’s not always glamorous. Also, stay involved—keep the balance between nurturing their passion and helping them stay grounded. Make sure they have a strong support system, whether that’s family, friends, or a mentor. And most importantly, always prioritize their happiness and well-being over the business side of things.

 

 

What foundational things have you given your daughter to help her be successful?

To help Kylie succeed, I’ve focused on a few key things: building her confidence, letting her know it’s okay to fail, giving her a safe space to express herself, teaching her the value of hard work, and always showing up with love and support. Those foundations have helped her grow not just as a performer, but as a person. Success looks different for every kid, but I think these are the roots that help her grow in whatever direction she chooses.

 

When dealing with training/lessons, how did you decide how much push to give and when, and when to leave your daughter alone to explore things on her own?

With Kylie, it’s been a balance. I’ve learned to gently push when I see she’s capable but doubting herself—like encouraging her to audition even when she’s nervous. But I back off when I sense she needs space to reconnect with why she loves what she’s doing. If her spark starts to dim, I know it’s time to pause, not pressure. It’s about listening—to her words, her energy, and her joy—and trusting that growth happens both in structure and in freedom.

 

What things do you do to keep your daughter grounded and help alleviate the high stress levels that can come with working in entertainment?

To keep Kylie grounded, I remind her that who she is matters more than any role she gets. We keep life outside of theater fun and normal—family dinners, walks, goofing around. When stress creeps in, I help her breathe, talk it out, and focus on what she can control—her effort, her attitude, her kindness. And I always remind her: she’s not defined by applause or casting decisions. She’s loved just as she is.

 

When your daughter first started any music/acting/dancing lessons, how much involvement did you have with her lessons or home practice routine? What did you find worked, and what didn't? 

My husband and I are pretty hands-on when it comes to our kids’ activities. When Kylie first started, we made it a point to check in—not just to see how she was doing, but to make sure she was actually enjoying it. That part’s really important to us. What’s worked best is keeping it fun and encouraging, and letting her explore at her own pace. Our kids really enjoy learning together, so we try to support that and make it something they can share. When we’ve tried to be too structured or push for practice when the energy wasn’t there, it just didn’t go well. We’ve learned that staying flexible and focusing on the joy of it makes a big difference.

 

What do you think are good motivational tools for children learning skills in the arts?

For us, keeping things fun and encouraging has been the best motivator. Celebrating small wins, mixing things up to keep it interesting, and just showing genuine interest in what they’re doing makes a big difference. We’ve found that when the pressure’s low and the joy is high, they stay motivated and excited to learn!

When dealing with training/lessons, how did you decide how much push to give and when, and when to leave your daughter alone to explore things on her own?

It’s definitely been a learning process. We try to stay in tune with her energy and mood—if she’s engaged, we’ll gently encourage her to keep going or try something new. But if she’s clearly not into it, we back off and give her space. The balance for us has been knowing when to nudge and when to just support from the sidelines. We’ve found that the more ownership she has, the more motivated she becomes on her own.

As a mom of a 12-year-old theater kid, I’ve learned that the best motivation isn’t about perfect performances—it’s about joy, ownership, and feeling supported. I cheer Kylie on through the highs and the hard parts: celebrating small wins, helping her find roles she connects with, and showing up (even if it’s just running lines in the bathroom). The key? Nurturing her love for the craft, not just her skills. That’s what keeps the spark alive.

 

To find out more on Kylie Noelle C Patterson, please visit her at: 

Instagram and TikTok (managed by parents):   @kylie.noelle.official