One of the main
goals for our Theatre Education Community is to help theatre students and
professionals from all over connect and identify with each other in order to
build resources and support the theatre education field. We plan to shine a
spotlight on a different member every other week by conducting a simple
interview.
Our latest
Spotlight Member is Alexandria Bagwell, a Junior at North Forsyth High School
in Cumming, Georgia. Alexandria is an Honor Thespian and Vice President’s List
Scholar of Troupe 5368 and a frequent blogger in the Community. I asked Alexandria
to answer a few questions for us so we could learn a little more about her.
Photograph
via StudentRush.org
Ginny: Why do you believe theatre
is important?
Alexandria: Theatre is invaluably important
because it offers students a chance to step out of our lives, forget about the
problems around us, and be entirely different people. Through theatre, students
can find their voice, their inner confidence, and if they are like me- their
passion.
Ginny: What is the best
theatre-related advice you’ve ever been given?
Alexandria: As cliché as it may sound, I
still believe the best advice I’ve been given is that, “there are no small
parts, only small actors.” I have quite literally been the lead in shows and
the Tree On The Left in others, and there are lessons to be learned from both
roles. Some of my best theatre moments were the times I put 110% into being the
best ensemble member I could be.
Ginny: How has theatre involvement helped you in other parts of your life?
Alexandria: When I truly think about it,
theatre has been helpful to every aspect of my life. Theatre has given me the
self-confidence I have every morning when my feet hit the floor. It has taught
me the skills used for public speaking, school presentations, or interviews
through eye contact and speaking with a loud and clear voice. Also,
characters in every show I’ve ever performed have taught lessons such as how to
handle a failure with grace, following your heart, or forgiveness even when
it’s tough.
Ginny: Do you have any hobbies or
interests outside of theatre?
Alexandria: Outside of theatre, I love to
sing in my school and church choir and volunteer at our local Food and Clothing
Bank. I also enjoy camping with my family, playing piano, and writing.
Ginny: What is your favorite part
of the day?
Alexandria: The best part of the day is most
certainly in the evening, right around 6:00. Depending on the day, I’m either
in rehearsal or sitting around the dinner table with my family. Either option
is perfectly alright with me!
Ginny: Name something on your
bucket list.
Alexandria: I would like to see at least ten
musicals on Broadway. Over the past spring break I saw Rodgers and
Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and it was
phenomenal. One down, nine to go!
Be sure to keep an eye out for Alexandria’s latest blog, they are
always entertaining and often contain useful tips (like how to cure smelly
dance shoes). My personal favorite is Dear Pizza, something I think every actor can relate to! If you enjoyed Alexandria’s interview, add her as a contact in the Community!
Do you know someone who deserves a moment in the Spotlight? Tell me
their name and why at gbutsch@schooltheatre.org.