Discovering the Artist

                                    Originally from California, Maile Kai Merrick is a versatile actress, singer, and dancer whose                                      passion for performing began at the age of four. What started as a love for singing quickly                                          evolved into a passion for acting by the age of seven, naturally guiding her toward musical                                          theatre. She honed her craft for nine years at The ADDERLEY Advanced Conservatory                                            before continuing her professional training at The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts.

                                    Maile's recent stage credits include Vivienne Kensington in Legally Blonde (The Norwalk                                            Conservatory of the Arts), Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol (BlackRock Theatre Co.), the Principal in Footloose (The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts), and Natasha in Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Out of the Box Theatre Co.).

Her extensive performance experience at The ADDERLEY Advanced Conservatory features roles such as Fate 1 in Hadestown, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Sally Bowles and Fräulein Kost in Cabaret, Nancy in Oliver!, Catherine in Pippin, Cinderella in Into the Woods, Vi in The Music of Footloose alongside Kenny Loggins, and Éponine in Les Misérables.

Throughout her artistic journey, Maile has had the privilege of working with and performing alongside an extraordinary array of artists, including Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Kevin Chamberlin, Kristin Chenoweth, Jordan Fisher, David Foster, Jack Dylan Grazer, Kenny Loggins, Ben Margulies, Anne Nathan, Michael Orland, Kenny Ortega, Alan Parsons, Katy Perry, Faith Prince, Christopher Sieber, and Elizabeth Teeter.

Her dedication to her craft has earned her numerous honors, including multiple awards in vocal performance, dance, monologue, duet, and ensemble categories at the Musical Theatre Competitions of America from 2022 to 2024. She was also named a Top Three Finalist in Teen Star USA and received the prestigious Kelli O'Hara Soprano Kristi Award, presented by Kristin Chenoweth.

In addition to her vocal and acting training, Maile has a strong foundation in ballet and jazz, with additional experience in lyrical, hip-hop, and tap. Her love of music extends beyond the stage, and she has dabbled in guitar, ukulele, piano, and even the accordion, which she learned specifically for her portrayal of Fräulein Kost in Cabaret.

When she is not performing, Maile enjoys hiking, exploring the outdoors, fashion, baking, cooking, and discovering new creative outlets. She thrives in collaborative environments, embraces artistic challenges, and is especially passionate about developing original works and bringing complex, compelling characters to life.

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