She played the lead role in Anastasia, she loves the smell of eucalyptus mint, and she likes pepperoni on her pizza. Long story short, she’s Eva Kewley.

When did you first get involved with theater?

I did my first musical when I was nine. I was in Les Miserables, just a very small role, ensemble or something. After that I would do like two shows a year.

How did you prepare for your role as Anastasia?

It was a lot of listening to the soundtrack to get a feel for the music and understand Anastasia’s character growth. Then I spent hours studying the script, going over the scenes, figuring out good tactics to use to portray her. Mrs. Miller taught me a lot about changing the way you say words so each line has a different emphasis and you maximize the effectiveness of the things you’re saying.

What’s the hardest part of being a lead?

Definitely balancing the time you want to commit to the musical and the time you have to commit to other things. Especially when school started I had to make sure I was keeping a good pace with all my homework so that I wasn’t falling behind in my classes. Being on top of my work also made rehearsals a lot easier to focus on.

What other activities are you involved in?

Currently I’m in Varsity Tennis, acapella choir, and am an officer in the Spanish Honor Society. I also sing every Sunday in my church’s choir.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I would have to say my mom. When I was growing up she was always a huge artist, so she was constantly singing or painting with my siblings and I and doing all these art projects. Throughout it all she taught us the importance of enjoying what you’re doing and finding a balance between the things in your life. She helps pull me out the loops I get into where I want to just focus on one thing and really drill it to an unhealthy extent.

What has been your favorite high school memory?

I’m split. My sophomore year I was invited to go on a trip to Oklahoma where I met with 60 other students across the country and we got to have a whole weekend full of service activities and other leadership developing moments. It was for SAVI, which is short for “Student Augustinian Values Institute”.  I made so many friends from across the country, and even some from Canada. If not that, my favorite memory would definitely be Anastasia. Nothing can compare to the high that you get from working with such talented people all the time, everyday. We started in the summer but it never felt like a chore, it was always a joy to be around the cast.

What’s next for you?

I plan on going to college for engineering. I want to get my degree in aerospace engineering, or something along the lines of that. Once I get that degree, I’m hoping to pursue performance, whether that’s on Broadway or freelancing I don’t know. Once I have my fill of the world, then I’ll use that degree in engineering to find a stable job.

In a dash–

Starbucks order: Chai Tea Latte

Go to karaoke song: Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”

Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy

Favorite music artist: Léon

Favorite snack food: Dried mango