Chicago-born Kayla Born brings a touch of the Golden Age of Hollywood across the Pond to the Edinburgh Fringe this year. Born has taken time away from rehersals to talk to me about the show.

Is this your first time at Edinburgh Fringe?

‘Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story’ will be my second time at Edinburgh Fringe; my first time was 2023’s ‘Call Me Elizabeth,’ about the life of Elizabeth Taylor.

 

How long have you been preparing your show for Edinburgh?

I finished writing and rehearsing this piece in May 2025, which included an invited rehearsal with Chicago’s Porchlight Music Theatre as part of their developmental “Off the Porch” series. The piece premiered in June 2025 at the Hollywood Fringe Festival (Los Angeles) and will be presented 15-19 July as part of the East to Edinburgh Festival at 59E59 Theaters (New York), prior to being presented at theSpace at Surgeons’ Hall 1-9 August.

What is your motivation to perform there?

Performing at Edinburgh Fringe is exhilarating; it is the ultimate opportunity to share new works with receptive audiences and take the next step in the producing journey.  I equally love being an audience member and exploring other artistic offerings; if you are feeling lost or adrift, attending the Fringe is an amazing way to reignite your creative spark and rediscover a sense of wonder.

 

What have you done to prepare for the Edinburgh Fringe, emotionally and physically?

I have been rehearsing and performing the show through this summer, fine-tuning the script and my performance along the way. The biggest challenge with ‘Shake It Away’ is that the show leaps from production numbers right back into monologue, which can be a difficult feat when you are trying to catch your breath after a big song and dance! I have been building stamina by regularly rehearsing the full show in sequence and cross-training with cardio, yoga, and dance classes.

 

Have you had any advice from other’s who have performed at the Fringe?

Pacing yourself is crucial; it can be very beneficial to develop a daily routine. For some, this may include meditation, stretching, or physical warmups. I like to visit neighbourhood coffee shops in the mornings; following my afternoon matinees, I  enjoy exploring and seeing other shows.

Have you visited Scotland or Edinburgh before?

I previously visited Edinburgh during the 2023 Fringe. On my one day off, I visited Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Arthur’s Seat. (Looking back, I realized I may have been overly ambitious with that itinerary.)

How have you found booking  accommodation?

I was fortunate this year to secure the same accommodation I had previously booked in 2023, which is thankfully close to my venue. I recommend booking accommodations as soon as you have the notion that you might want to attend next year’s Fringe; I booked in November of 2024.

 

What plans do you have for your show after the Edinburgh Fringe is over?

Directly after the Fringe, I will be bringing ‘Shake It Away’ to my hometown of Youngstown, Ohio, a community which has been so supportive of my journey. Thereafter, I hope to produce the show in Chicago, where I am currently based. Stay tuned by visiting the show’s website: shakeitawayplay.com

https://www.kaylaboye.com/

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/shake-it-away-the-ann-miller-story