Young Talent Highlight: Leia Konina

Tell us a little about yourself! How did you first get interested in acting?

I first got into acting, by doing my schools musical in 6th grade, Beauty and the Beast, and by taking Theatre33 classes!

What was the first play or show you ever performed in? What do you remember most about it?

The first show I was in was Beauty and the Beast in 6th grade at Evergreen Middle School, and I played Cogsworth. I remember how fun it was and getting to spend time with my friends. I liked it so much, I quit gymnastics, which I did for 10 years before, because theater was just so great.

Who is your favorite actor or performer, and why do you look up to them?

Kirsten Dunst or Winona Ryder. They were in some of my favorite movies and I love seeing them act, because it’s so hypnotizing. Another favorite would obviously be Meryl Streep, because she is an absolute legend.

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What has been your favorite role so far, and what made it special?

My favorite role was playing Ms. Honey in Matilda or Joy in Cinderella, because they were such interesting characters and I felt like I could make creative choices, and these characters really felt like they were mine.

What’s the hardest thing about acting that you didn’t expect when you first started?

For me it’s probably how exhausting it is. In rehearsals, often times, you don’t really do anything physical, but after I leave I’m always emotionally exhausted, especially after a lot of sad scenes.

How do you get ready for a performance? Do you have any special routines or good luck charms?

Personally, no, but in school, I do good luck charms with my friends.

What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that has happened to you on stage?

I went out on stage in Crocs during the SpongeBob Musical. Very embarrassing but funny now that I look back

How do you remember all your lines? Do you have any tricks that help?

I record a voice memo of every line in my scene except mine, leaving space in between the dialogue for my lines. Then I play it back and say my lines in the silent space

What do you do if you get nervous before a show?

Honestly, I just thug it out and I try to get my mind off it by laughing with friends. But as soon as they call places, I quiet down and lock in.

If you could play any role in the world, from any play or movie, what would it be and why?

I would love to play Veronica from Heathers the Musical, or for movies I would love to play anything in a Sofia Coppola movie

What’s one thing you love about theatre that makes it different from other activities?

I love the people there and how we’re all working towards one goal. You can express yourself through your characters in a healthy way, and I love making people feel things.

What’s something theatre has taught you that helps you outside of acting, like in school or with friends?

It has taught me how to collaborate effectively and to improvise. It’s also helped me in high stress situations since coming out on stage is a very scary thing for me. In school, my memorization for lines helps me with tests and studying.

What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you about acting?

Probably react when you aren’t speaking. A lot of actors only react during their lines but in real life, people react all the time. Another piece of advice is to keep your eyebrows still, which I’m still working on.

If someone wanted to start acting but felt too nervous, what would you tell them?

Absolutely do it, and don’t look back. It’s better to try it and see how it is, than to always wonder “what if”? If you don’t like it, you can always quit. Find acting classes and connect with people in those classes, and you can go from there.

How does it feel when you take your final bow after a performance?

I want to say it feels magical, but honestly, I’m tired most of the time, and I’m glad it’s over, so I can go home lol. My last bows for Matilda were really emotional though. I was sad to be closing such a good show, with the best character and also knowing it was my last show in middle school.

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