Kylie Rehg has successfully turned her experiences at Southeast Missouri State University into nothing short of a magical career.
When Rehg graduates on May 13, she will get ready to embark on a career in entertainment. Her first stop is Orlando, Florida, where she will be working with Walt Disney World Entertainment.
Rehg, from Swansea, Illinois, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications: film and tv, with a minor in dance. She’s participated in countless shows and activities at Southeast’s River Campus that helped her prepare for the audition at Walt Disney.
“Having the opportunity to audition and participate in main stage dance shows such as Fall for Dance, Spring into Dance, and Moving Perspectives has helped me greatly,” said Rehg. “I was able to know what an audition process was like and what attire I would need to wear to auditions. Getting to perform in the shows at SEMO have also helped, giving me the experience needed to perform in front of big audiences and execute proper emotion.”
Rehg has a list of faculty members who inspired her to follow in her entertainment aspirations from different departments in the Holland College of Arts and Media, including Fred Jones, Eun Jeong Leee, Anthony Scherer, Sarah Cavanah, Jim Dufek, Phillip Edgecombe, Hilary Peterson, and Alyssa Alger.
“Each of them had their own part in my learning, and I appreciate them greatly,” Rehg said. “The faculty all work individually with each student to make sure they have the experience and knowledge needed to go out into the world with a successful future.”
Rehg will be helping bring Disney magic to guests in Orlando through dancing and character work. She’s confident after her experience at Southeast and on River Campus will translate to her career.
“From my time here, I have taken away the skills of being professional in a work setting as well as how to manage life skills in an efficient way,” Rehg said. “I have learned to be more confident in my creative choices and myself as a person. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself creatively and chase your dreams.”
With this spring’s 1,414 graduates, Southeast Missouri State University is preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs, teachers, artists, healthcare professionals and leaders that our communities need.