Alexa Henard has dedicated most of her adolescent life to honing her performing skills. With a focused approach to singing, dancing, and acting, she is laying the groundwork for an amazing career in the performing arts. She has worked from childhood to get to this point in her life, and, with her past experiences to guide her, she has set a good foundation for her future.
Born into a symphony of familial talent, with her siblings and parents being skilled in instruments of their choice, Henard grew up surrounded by music. With all of this musical influence, it’s no surprise that Henard immediately became interested in all things performing.
“My mom likes to say that when I was born, I came out dancing and singing,” said Henard.
After participating in ballet, clogging, and hip-hop by the time she was twelve, Henard took a break from dance, but she never lost her spark or forgot what those many years inside a dance studio taught her.
In addition to the experience gained from her dancing days, she has participated in choir for all of middle and high school. She has also learned many lessons from her voice coach, Julia Barker, who has been a professional guiding light for her.
“She taught me to never give away everything at the very beginning,” said Henard. “You must gradually show your skills, so you can finish off strong.”
Henard’s years of experience in dance and choir strengthened her theatre abilities, allowing her to combine these essential components to become a truly talented performer. She has participated in six musicals, four of them being: “Back to the 80’s,” “Ranked,” “Addams Family,” and “Mamma Mia” at THS.
“For as long as I can remember, I have always been interested in performing,” said Henard. “Whether that be choir, dance, or dancing during basketball practices, I have loved to perform.”
One of Henard’s most valuable relationships that she has gained during her time here has been a close friendship with theater director Amber Davis.
“Not only does she show up to sing and act and dance and choreograph, but she shows up to make props, to do makeup, to make posters, and paint and drill sets,” said Davis. “Her creativity is limitless. There’s no task too difficult or too small for Alexa… Alexa is a truly beautiful soul, and I can’t wait to be sitting in the audience when she receives her first Tony Award!”
Henard plans to major in theater and minor in dance next year at ETSU, which will provide a plethora of opportunities for her musical future. Performing at the collegiate level of musical theater is a formidable accomplishment, highlighting her existing talent and potential.
“I hope that I get to perform my entire life, no matter what it is, I just want to perform,” said Henard.
As Henard exits her high school stage and begins an exciting adventure with new trials and tests, she leaves this advice to the friends, teachers, and school she is moving on from.
“If you make a mistake, make it big. You are your own biggest critic,” said Henard.
