As freshman Julia Lester steps into the spotlight, the sound of applause reverberates through the room. With her bubbly and magnetic personality, Lester’s persona shines on stage. Between her sassy dance moves, smooth vocals and character acting, Lester is destined for the stage.
Lester has been singing, acting and dancing since she could walk and talk. When Lester was only 5, she earned her first role in a national commercial. This first experience of stardom paved the road for future fame. In order to stand out amongst the sea of other actresses, Lester spent years learning how to differentiate herself from her competition through her appearance. Even now, Lester suggests that her style is distinct from most of her peers. Instead of allowing societal pressures to conform her, she loves staying young with her clothing choices and is enjoying her teen years as much as possible. She believes no one is ever too old for anything, which makes her stand out and defines her personality.
“Most girls come in the studio with perfect hair and put-together outfits, and I come in with my crazy curly hair with a huge pink bow in it and my tutus, like a regular kid that just came from school,” said Lester. “I think that’s what casting directors look for in a kid: someone who is talented and can play the part that they are looking for but also someone who is just a normal girl with a big personality.”
For Lester, performing always came naturally. Growing up in a household with a family of performers, theater arts is in her blood. Although Lester originally only pursued acting, she later developed a passion for singing and dancing because they directly correlate with musical theater and stage performance. Since her first “Mommy and Me” dance class, Lester’s zeal for dance has expanded exponentially. More specifically, Lester loves jazz because she can show off as much sass as she likes.
“Growing up I would always see my parents in shows and be amazed that those were my parents up on stage or on TV and it made me want to be just like them,” said Lester.
Lester is sure that her future occupation involves Disney. Whether she is a Disney princess at Disneyland, stars in her own show on Disney Channel or does makeup for Disney stars, she will stick true to her childhood roots and pursue her passions.
Lester’s personality, courage and attitude will assist her in the musical theater business. She will go far as an actress with her big heart and even bigger tutus.
