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Simmons ready for her leading role

After five years and seven productions of hard work, Serenity Simmons finds herself in a reality of self-reflection as the lead in this fall's school production of "Little Women."

Simmons began her acting ambitions during the second semester of sixth grade. She started at the Old Brick Playhouse, located in downtown Elkins. Simmons expressed her appreciation for the diverse structures between the Old Brick Playhouse Apprentice program and acting within the school's theater program.

"With high school productions, you have a little bit more freedom to express your opinions of what's going on on the stage, at old brick you really have to be a great actor to follow along because they basically have everything set up for you," Simmons said. "But in the high school theater you have to make more independent decisions about your character."

Over the years, Simmons has experienced many types of acting, from being a homeless civilian of Hooverville to a mother of two with a cowardly husband aboard the Titanic. Her favorite ensemble role was playing the role of a Munchkin in the Old Brick's production of "The Wizard of Oz." Being a Munchkin may have been her favorite role "because of the people."

Simmons said her most educational role was being a mother aboard the Titanic. From the production of Titanic. Simmons says she left with a new perspective of truly acting. She "learned how to build relationship characters on stage and backstage."

"You can blend in more in the ensemble because when you have friends in the ensemble you can choose to make similar acting choices, but as a lead role you have to differentiate yourself from everyone else." Simmons said.

Simmons is a seemingly quiet girl due to her portrayal of the sweet and intelligent lifestyle. However, when stepping in front of a curtain she finds confidence to be someone entirely new and that braver face. She credits her friends that accompany her within her theater programs.

"We always make sure everyone is there, and we always make conversation with everyone." Simmons said.

Simmons expresses that the school's theater program opens up opportunities for more than exclusively pre-existing friendships. She explained that part of what makes the cast and crew so strong is the openness they are willing to have with one another. This balance of chemistry between the team allows them to understand each other on a deeper level, allowing everyone to confidently express their opinions.

"It's a really great production," Simmons said, "and we have tons of great actors in it and I think it'll be very touching."

For this production, Simmons is stepping into the light of her first lead as Elizabeth March, more commonly known as Beth. Simmons explains the character best as both shy and "always helping people out"; another detail Simmons mentioned was that Beth "plays piano and they (the March family) always call her sweet little Beth."

"I feel more confident on stage and I have become a better leader, helping castmates on and off stage."

Because of Simmons' practice over the years, she describes the production as being "kind of scary, but if I was given the role, then I know I'll be able to do it." The trust she has in herself and the people around her is undeniably intriguing. Simmons explains how close she feels to the character of Beth. Simmons' humble persona shines bright as she said. "I always try to help people wherever I can."

With opening night quickly approaching, the confidence Simmons displays within herself, along with the trust she has in the cast and crew, pair nicely in hopes to persuade the community to come watch the production of "Little Women."

"There's always kindness in the world, even if it feels temporary; there will always be kindness."