Duluth Girl Playing 'Scout' in 'Mockingbird'

Twelve-year-old Alexis Seith of Duluth is playing "Scout" in “To Kill a Mockingbird” at Lionheart Theatre in Norcross. The play opens Friday, April 26, and runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through May 12.

Alexis started acting at age 6 when she played "Zuzu" in the New Dawn Theater production of "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Red Clay Theater. She has appeared in several local community theater productions at New Dawn Theater and in Drama Club plays at Chattahoochee Elementary School. She is really excited to play Scout, her first real lead. 

"The people at Lionheart have been so nice!" she said. "It's been a wonderful experience."

Seith is a sixth grader at Duluth Middle School. She is a gifted student and a member of the Broadcast Team at school. 

Last summer she traveled as a student ambassador for two weeks with People to People to England and France. She recently won first place in the state of Georgia for her short film about her experience in France in the PTA Reflections contest.

Bob Smith plays Scout's father, "Atticus Finch," in the play. Kevin Kincheloe portrays "Boo Radley."

The two other children in the play are Calvin Bernardo, who plays "Dill," and Nicolas Renard, who plays "Jem Finch."

Calvin Bernardo, 11, is a student at Beaver Ridge Elementary in Norcross. This is the first play he has appeared in, but says it will be the first of many. He plays baseball, collects baseball cards, likes reading, and is in the Chess Club at school.

Nicolas Renard, 14, of Alpharetta is an eighth grader at Holy Redeemer Catholic School. He recently played "Willy Wonka" in "Willy Wonka Jr." at his school. He has attended several drama camps. He likes tennis and basketball and plays on teams for his school. Renard plays guitar and really enjoys music. This show has been a challenge because it's a totally different level of acting, with adults, he says.

"To Kill a Mockingbird," based on the Pulizer Prize-winning book by Harper Lee, is directed by Joanie McElroy.

Call 678-938-8518 or go to www.lionhearttheatre.org for tickets.

Other members of the cast are Tanya Caldwell, Diedra Jones, Allan Dodson, Dionaa Davis, Sarah Keyes Chang, Debbie McLaughlin, Maggie Gasion, John Doran, Marcus Williams, James Beck, Louie Love, Andy Hoeckele, Scott Gassman, Ned Love, Ken Crease, Barbara Bruce, Sanika Harris, Sachia DeRoche, and Tieresse Murphy. Liz Biglar is serving as stage manager.

Lionheart Theatre is located at 10 College St. in the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center.