This year, Timpview Theatre is excited to perform their production of The Little Mermaid, starring Junior Claire LeCheminant as Ariel. Although this is LeCheminant’s first time as a leading role at Timpview, she is no stranger to the world of acting.
What first got you into theatre?
During COVID-19, I went to a different school for a year, and at that school we all had to be in the school musical. That is the first real show I did. I was 11 at the time, and it was during that show that I learned that I loved performing.
How many shows have you done? What was your first show?
I’ve done eight shows in my life, and the more shows I do, the more I love doing them! My first show was Annie, where I got to play one of Annie’s orphan friends, July, and I absolutely loved it!
What have been your favorite shows and roles?
My favorite show I’ve done is Les Misérables at the Scera, and my favorite role that I’ve gotten to play was a Gangster in The Drowsy Chaperone.
What do you love about theatre/acting?
There are so many things that I love about theatre and acting, but the thing I love most is getting to have fun with the most kind people alive!
Were you expecting to get the role of Ariel? Was that the role you were wanting?
I was not expecting to get Ariel at all, and sometimes it still doesn’t feel real! When I originally auditioned for the show, I auditioned for Ariel, but I expected to get ensemble, or maybe a mersister. Getting to play Ariel has been such a fun experience, and I have loved every second of it.
What’s your favorite part of playing Ariel/being in The Little Mermaid?
My favorite part about being Ariel in The Little Mermaid is that I get to work with so many different people who I wouldn’t have been able to work with otherwise, and I’ve been able to become friends with so many new people! I have loved getting to know all of the techies and all of the other actors in the cast better. I’ve also loved working with the choreographer, music director, and director. It’s been really fun getting to work with them one-on-one, and I feel so lucky to have been able to learn so much from them. I’m also just so grateful for how much this show has pushed me out of my comfort zone. It’s been such a different experience from the roles I’ve been in the past, and I feel like I’ve grown a lot from it!
Do you want to continue acting in the future? What are your future goals for theatre/acting?
I am so hoping I get to do theatre in my future! I’d love to do shows for fun, and maybe get a minor in Musical Theatre or Theatre Education!
If you had one piece of advice or a message for those wanting to be involved in theatre or aspiring actors, what would it be?
My advice is to be a hard worker! Mrs. Napierski always says, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” and I totally agree! There are always going to be days where you feel like your talent isn’t working enough for you, and I think that sometimes that can be really hard when that’s all you’re relying on. But, even on your good days, if you’re focusing on how hard you’re working and less on just your talent, your talent will work harder for you, and enhance your performance greatly.
