Cates started her performing career at only 3 years old, singing songs and presenting self-written musicals at home.
In the second grade, her talents were recognized by the director of her grammar school musical who heard Cates "crowing" at the roosters who took up residence next to the playground.
She performed in community theater productions around her native Northern California, spending 7 years with the Pinole Young Actors group.
Shortly thereafter, she began to perform with a number of "unknown" writers and composers—presenting a cabaret of their work at the historical club, Don't Tell Mama.
The post went viral, and caught the attention of lyricist Chris Giordano, who adapted Kristy's commute into a musical number, with composer Ryan Edward Wise.
[2] Cates was cast in the musical Wicked as an ensemble member and understudy for the role of Elphaba, which was played by Idina Menzel.
As a member of the cast, she performed on the 2004 Tony Awards, Late Show with David Letterman, and at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
[citation needed] Cates was cast as Marty in a production of Grease that played in St. Louis at The Muny from June 25 to July 3, 2007.
[5] Cates currently serves as the Creative Director[6] of the New York Film Academy[7] Musical Theatre School and has produced or directed student productions of Spring Awakening,[8] Chess, Wedding Singer and Carousel.