Interview: Catch a Rising Star... Or Two!
By: Pati Buehler Jan. 08, 2015
These two young ladies from the Philadelphia area have a more in common than becoming rising stars before their teens. Both are playing or played dramatic leading roles in several professional productions.
Lexi Gwynn,12 is an experienced young actor and singer from Malvern, Pennsylvania. Her five-octave vocal range, authentic acting, and infectious energy have captured the attention of directors and audiences throughout the Philadelphia region.
In 2014, Lexi Performed in many roles: Young Cosette in Media Theatres production of LES MISERABLES; Little Alice in Alice in Wonderland at the Walnut Street Theatre; Annie in Magic Tree House at the Media Theatre, and guest appearances in 2014 Gala and Christine Andreas Concert at the Media Theatre; and 2nd place in the Vocalist competition. She has also performed in 2013 in the children's ensemble in Elf, the Musical, directed by Marc Robin. She previously played the role of Marta von Trapp in The Sound of Music at Forge Theatre, where she also performed in a 50th Anniversary Gala. Lexi has performed as a figure skater and vocalist in the Skating Club of Wilmington's yearly ice show. She will play the lead role of Helen Keller in Media's upcoming production of "The Miracle Worker" opening this month and earning her Equity card with this production!
Anastasia Korbal, 14 auditioned for a community theater production of "The Sound of Music" at age five, landing the role of Gretel. She went from performing in Community Theater to performing in regional theater. Her first Broadway touring production was the 35th anniversary tour of "Annie". Anastasia Korbal, with several national tours to her credit, who once was described as a "scrappy and cute Molly" in "Annie," the musical, now faced the difficult task of presenting the complexity of Anne Frank in Media's "The Diary of Anne Frank" landing her the 2014 Broadway World's "Best actress in a Play" Award. "Korbal is a natural talent, and the freedom she gives herself as an actress is right for Anne as a character. It is impressive that she can harness her exuberance for quieter scenes with Peter and others that pay off in terms of the total production." ~ Neal Zoran, theater critic. This teen actress has appeared in three National Tours, including 'Les Miserables', 'Little House On The Prairie', and 'Annie'. Her credits also include 'Oklahoma!', 'The Miracle Worker', 'The Secret Garden', and 'Gypsy'.
Pati Buehler: Congratulations ladies! You both must be so excited about all of this? Tell us what is going through your mind as you look back at what you set out to do and what you are accomplishing?
Lexi Gwynn: It has been a really fun ride for me. It's amazing and I just can't believe that I am now going to be playing Helen Keller. It is an honor. I absolutely love performing. It all started with my first audition at Forge Theatre when I was 8 when I got the role as Marta in the Sound Of Music. Now 4 years later, I am playing the role of Helen Keller in the Miracle Worker at Media Theatre with really amazing actors. This year has been a dream- I've played Cosette in Les Miserable's at Media Theatre, Little Alice in Alice and Wonderland and an elf in the musical Elf at the Walnut Street Theatre. I can't wait to see what happens next! As long as I can please audiences, reach people and inspire them then I am living my dream.
Anastasia Korbal: My mind is racing! Sometimes it's hard to comprehend all of the amazing opportunities I've had, but I'm always so thankful to be able to be doing what I love. Being given the opportunity to play Anne Frank humbled me, and is one of the accomplishments of which I am most proud.
PB: What and /or who keeps you motivated and moving in this direction?
LG: I like making the script come to life on stage. I like using my creativity to reach people and send a message on the stage. My Mom always keeps me motivated and is always there for me. My Dad motivates me by making me laugh. My coaches- Lisa Wilson, Pamela Sheehan, and Jill Stern are always available and encourage me to believe in myself.
AK: My motivation to accomplish some of my toughest goals is my family. They have all sacrificed and supported me so much in order to do what I love. I want to continue using my talents as a way thanking them for all they do for me. Another thing that motivates me in moving forward is knowing that what I want to be able to look back and be proud of what I've accomplished.
PB: How do you prepare for such serious roles as Anne Frank and Helen Keller?
LG: (Helen Keller) I read the script, research the character if it applies, and in this case watch the movie. Patti Duke is such a wonderful actress and a great role model. I spent some time watching the deaf and blind and how they react to their environment. I have also blindfolded myself and performed my usual activities at home to help me understand what it's like to be blind. I have worn noise canceling headphones to try to experience what it's like to be deaf. I practice my script and try to understand what the writer is trying to communicate to the audience.
AK: To prepare for playing "Anne Frank", for example, I did a ton of research. I did everything I possibly could to get myself in the mindset of what was going on. I read a lot about her and especially her family. I, of course, read her diary quite a few times so I could truly portray what she was feeling and going through as she grew up during very rough times.PB: When you have free time, what are your other interests and hobbies?
LG: I like to spend time with my friends just hanging out watching a movie, going shopping or playing a board game. I love curling up with my dog Callie and taking care of my 5 Beta fish. I also absolutely love to sing!
AK: When I'm not performing, I'm probably dancing! I love dancing and doing gymnastics when I have free time. I also am very interested in learning about people I look up to, usually actors or dancers, and looking at similarities and differences between myself and them. In many ways, they give me motivation to accomplish a lot of my goals and to dream big!
PB: What advice would you give other young people who are seriously interesting in performing?
LG: The advice I would give to a young person who wants to act and perform is this: Take the risk, go for it and don't hold back. Lots of times I go for an audition and don't get the part, and that's ok because that gets me one step further to my next part. I just keep showing up and doing my very best. So my message is "take the risk and have fun! A little practice helps too! "
AK: My advice to young people interested in performing is to be willing to give up certain things, like hanging out with friends all the time, and to be determined and dedicated in order for hard work to pay off. Most importantly, they shouldn't lose hope just because they weren't chose for a "dream role". Many times, performers face rejection, but 99% of the time it doesn't mean they're not talented; it means that he/she just wasn't a good fit for that particular role. Never give up, because eventually great success will come and all that hard work and rejection will be worth it.Congratulations to you both and we hope we will enjoy seeing you on stages for a very long time to come. For more information on these two young ladies, please visit their websites: www.lexigwynn.com and www.anastasiakorbal.com
Photos:
Media Theater's " The Miracle Worker" - Jennie Eisenhower (Ann Sullivan) and Lexi Gwynn (Helen Keller)
Media Theater's "Diary of Anne Frank"- Anastasia Korbal (Anne Frank)
Anastasia Korbal : Head shot photo by Paul Sirochman
Media Theater Production photo credits: Maura McConnell
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