Ripon High School’s Drama Club will be putting on a production of Dead Man Walking by Tim Robbins from March 13-15. The main character in the drama is Sister Helen Prejean and she is being played by the talented freshman Kyra Pelham.

I recently asked Kyra a few questions and the following are the questions and her responses.

Q: Who is your favorite actress and/or actor?

A: My favorite actress is Anne Hathaway. She’s been my favorite for as long as I can remember. My favorite actor is Johnny Depp; he is awesome! I look up to him for his versatility and fearlessness. It’s insane how effortlessly he immerses himself into his characters.

Q: What do you enjoy most about acting?

A: The best thing about acting is that it allows me to explore my own personality and show different elements of myself. But at the same time I can assume an entirely other character, and no one can judge me for it because it’s really not me.

Q: When you tried out for the play, did you expect to land the lead role?

A: I did dream about how amazing it would be to win the lead, but I knew freshmen didn’t get main roles. I was so shocked when I saw that I got the lead that I literally was speechless for the rest of the day!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about playing Sister Helen Prejean?

A: My favorite thing about playing Prejean is the challenge of portraying a 42-year-old nun. I’m only 15 and I know that I lack the knowledge, experience, and maturity that Prejean certainly has. But that challenge is the beauty of acting. If I can convince the audience that it’s real, then it’s real. The only things that Prejean and I share are our determination and faith in God; the rest is up to my imagination.

For only being 15 and a freshman, Kyra Pelham is already showing amazing acting abilities and her skills can only grow from here. Be sure not to miss her in Dead Man Walking and the rest of the cast in Drama Club’s production on March 13-15. Who knows, Kyra could be the next big movie star.

By: Jessica Ureste