Five Questions with Aleis Work

ALEIS WORK has never shied away from the spotlight. Rather, she’s always loved being the center of attention. In third grade, Work’s natural exuberance led her to theatre, and she’s been a nonstop force there ever since.

Now a senior at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, Texas, Work began her high school dramatics career in sound. She served as a crew member for Troupe 7646’s production of Young Frankenstein before designing original drumbeats and sound effects for her school’s University Interscholastic League production of Gathering Blue. By her sophomore year, Work had transitioned back onstage, securing her first leading role as a junior in the farce Bang Bang Beirut. Since then, she’s continued to expand her acting résumé, playing a Laker Girl in Spamalot, Ariel in The Tempest, Ali in Mamma Mia!, and, most recently, Lizzie Borden in Blood Relations, for which she earned best actress recognition in two local one-act play competitions.

Aleis Work

When not playing onstage, the Texas Thespians state chair and International Thespian Officer plays offstage too. The Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast is a super fan of games —board, tabletop, and video. Work says she enjoys the time to laugh and bond with her friends. She also likes to read, perform in short films, and participate in her church youth group.

How did you fall in love with theatre?
Picture this: I’m in third grade, trying new things, and drama club pops up as an option. The show is about all the planets, and the only thing I knew is that I wanted to be Venus because she got to sing a song about how hot she was. I won the role and had the time of my life working a feather boa and gigantic pink sunglasses.

What has been your favorite high school theatre experience to date?
Working on my latest show, Blood Relations [a mystery inspired by the life of accused murderer Lizzie Borden]. It was a very difficult acting role and an opportunity that forced me to break down so many walls I didn’t even know I had. Playing a murderer was an interesting and challenging concept for me, but the show allowed me to grow as an actress, and I’m forever grateful. The feeling of fully taking on a new character is one I’ll never forget.

Aleis Work as Tracy in Bang Bang Beirut. — Aleis Work as Tracy in *Bang Bang Beirut*. Photo courtesy of Aleis Work.

Aleis Work as Lizzie Borden in Blood Relations. — Aleis Work as Lizzie Borden in *Blood Relations*. Photo courtesy of Aleis Work.

Aleis Work as a Laker Girl and guard in Spamalot. — Aleis Work as a Laker Girl and guard in *Spamalot*. Photo courtesy of Aleis Work.

Work getting ready backstage for Mamma Mia! — Aleis Work getting ready backstage for *Mamma Mia!* Photo courtesy of Aleis Work.

Aleis Work warming up the crowd at the 2018 Texas Junior Thespian Festival. Photo courtesy of Aleis Work.

Aleis Work dances at the closing of the Texas Thespian Festival. Photo courtesy of Aleis Work.

What prompted you to become an ITO?
Educational theatre has made me who I am today. That’s a fact. And I recognize that I am one of the luckiest kids in the world with all the opportunities I’ve been given. So it was important to me that I give back to the community that shaped me. Being an ITO has allowed me to interact with and encourage Thespians across the nation. When I was in Kentucky for their state festival, I had the opportunity to do a five-minute advocacy workshop with the entire festival audience participating. There’s something so magical about having more than 300 kids get excited with you about making educational theatre better.

What are your plans after high school?
I will be pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree for acting in film and television at Studio School Los Angeles in the fall. I hope to become an actress and continue doing what I love.

What advice would you give other students beginning their Thespian journey?
Definitely try all aspects of theatre. Don’t be afraid to explore and figure out what suits you best. Make friends, have fun, and always work your hardest. A kind smile and strong work ethic will open a lot of doors for you.

Follow the International Thespian Officers on Instagram @thespiansociety.