Kay-Jay Simmons, 23, (Kyle Simmons) born in South East London has overcome a troubled background spending 15 years in the care system, and is now an ambitious young Rapper, Singer, Actor and Producer.
Entering the care system at just three years of age Kay-Jay moved to 14 different placements living in foster care and children's homes, going to school at several EBD Unit schools. Kay-Jay used the arts to express himself in dance and music with amateur groups, eventually moving into acting, he jumped at the chance of being someone else so he could be released from his problems and used the arts as inspiration for a better life. Through determination and perseverance Kay-Jay managed to get himself enrolled at the prestigious East 15 Acting School at the age of nineteen.
Three years on Kay-Jay is a East 15 Acting School Alumni completing his training on the BA (Hons) Physical Theatre in 2011, whilst also training with Newtown Talent working on and developing his screen acting skills with actor and director Terry Bird finishing in 2010 and is a member of Spotlight and Equity. He has worked in theatre and TV/Film, with such company's as The Old Vic Theatre (The Bridge Project), National Youth Theatre, The Shakespeare's Globe, Vodafone, ITV and the BBC.
During the past two years Kay-Jay has written and produced his own music which has been featured during National Care Leavers Week and by Children and Young People Now. Kay-Jay has also recently had the honour of being placed on a list that highlights the most influential and inspirational care leavers with such names as Eddie Murphy, Steve McQueen and John Bird (Big Issue Founder) who were also in care. More recently Kay-Jay has been shortlisted for the 2011 Spirit of London Award for Achievement in Education. Before graduating Kay-Jay signed with leading agents APM Associates based at the popular Elstree Studios in Borehamwood. Kay-Jay is involved in the polictical arena, helping change legislation in Parliament and speaking at Westminster. Kay-Jay is an Ambassador for the Care Leavers Foundation, Care Leavers Association, The SOLA Foundation and Speaker Box.
Kay-Jay uses his troubled past as inspiration to give the complete performance physically and emotionally filling his characters with realism and believability. He also takes pride in giving back to where he came from and works with young people who are also in care doing acting and music workshops. In conjuntion with the SOLA Foundation he also joins them on their Inspire Roadshow talking to young people about his experiance and how he got to where he has today. Through his drama and music Kay-Jay likes to comment about real life and change people's perceptions, breaking stigmas and stereotypes.
He said: "Many children and young people in care find it difficult to believe in themselves and to make the right decisions in life. Through drama and music, we hope to give inspiration to young people in the system."
