Lou Neal, Editor of the Spark
Liliana Lemus, a dedicated junior at Watauga High School, is our Artist of the Week, recognized for her exceptional contributions to the theatre department.
Lemus’ theatre journey began in 2019 when she took on the role of a feather duster in Parkway's Beauty & the Beast Jr. as a fifth grader. Since then, she has been captivated by the art of performance, and her passion for theatre has only grown.
“Last year, I played Zaneeta Shinn in The Music Man, a role that required a lot of dancing and left me with some of my favorite theatre memories,” said Lemus. “This year, I’m thrilled to play Gretchen in Mean Girls. While Gretchen doesn't have as much dancing, her role involves more singing and has a deeper exploration of her character, which has been an exciting challenge. I’ll always treasure Zaneeta, but I’ve already fallen in love with Gretchen as well.”
Lemus’s connection to theatre became even more meaningful during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The devastating event inspired a unique production that would bring comfort to their community.
“When the hurricane hit, theatre became my constant. We adapted our devised play into Surge, focusing on resilience, hope, and recovery,” said Lemus. “It was a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for processing grief and building unity. The success of Surge and its impact on our audience made me incredibly proud of my ensemble members and their strength in sharing our story.”
As she continues to grow in her craft, Lemus is eager to pass on the mentorship and support she received from upperclassmen to younger students.
“When I was a sophomore, I was inspired by the older students who helped me find my confidence,” said Lemus. “Now, as a junior, I want to offer that same support to others. Theatre is not just about performing; it’s about growing together and building confidence. I want to encourage other students to embrace theatre and all it has to offer.”
Lemus’s experiences in the theatre department have shaped her into a confident and versatile performer. She thrives in the unpredictability of live performances, where every show is unique and full of surprises.
“The unpredictability keeps each performance exciting, and it’s taught me to trust my ensemble and embrace the challenges that come with lead roles,” said Lemus. “While it can be intimidating at times, the sense of accomplishment and the memories from each production make it all worth it.”
Lemus believes the Watauga Theatre Department’s supportive community has been instrumental in her growth as an artist.
“It’s a place where everyone can belong, regardless of background or experience,” said Lemus. “The people in this department have made it a safe space for me to step out of my comfort zone and be myself.”
Though Lemus doesn’t plan to pursue theatre professionally, she knows it will always be a part of her life.
“I plan to stay involved in theatre, even in college, whether through acting classes or community theatre,” said Lemus. “I’ll always be a theatre kid at heart.”
This year, Lemus has been involved in some incredible opportunities, including her role in Mean Girls and the chance to bring Surge to a larger audience at SETC in Baltimore. To support the Playmakers as they continue to share this important story, donations can be made at bit.ly/SURGE2025, and you can follow them on Instagram @whsplaymakers for updates on future fundraising efforts.
Lemus is grateful for the experiences she’s had and looks forward to what lies ahead in her theatre journey.
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