Senior Lexie Wohlfort stood watching the Theater Department perform “Racing with the Clock” during a rehearsal of “The Pajama Game” on the first day she shadowed. The set was flawless, the music was strong, and the cast was filled with enthusiasm. While the exact details remain a blur for Wohlfort, the memory lives on as a significant part of her past – the moment she realized she had found the right place to spend the next four years of her life.
Wohlfort has taken full advantage of the art opportunities offered to her during her four years at JC, participating in chorus, the musicals, acting class, orchestra, ceramics, studio art, jazz band, and drumline. Although Wohlfort’s artistic experience began with Introduction to Drawing in her freshman year, music has always been her favorite medium.
“Visual arts are fun,” Wohlfort said, “but the expression that you can put into a voice or instrument just amazes me.” Singing in particular has always been an important aspect in Wohlfort’s life.
After playing violin for two years in her middle school’s orchestra, Wohlfort decided to join the chorus instead. There, her love for singing began to grow, and only further blossomed during her time. Regardless of never having taken a voice lesson, Wohlfort stands out as a soprano in chorus, as well as in the many musicals she has been a part of.
“I have directly observed her exceptional talent in the musical and performing arts areas,” guidance counselor and musical choreographer Larry Hensley said. “I hope that she continues to strengthen her skills on the college level.”
After witnessing the cast of “The Pajama Game” perform and admiring the talent and quality of their work, Wohlfort found herself fortunate enough to be in their place, performing in her first musical, only a few months later at the start of her freshman year.
Through the experience she’s gained in singing, acting, and dancing, Wohlfort has decided to major in musical theatre at Coastal Carolina this upcoming fall. “It’s so exciting that I get to do something that was just a hobby in middle [school] and high school for the rest of my life,” Wohlfort said.
Despite the amount of time she commits to singing and musical theatre, Wohlfort is still able to be involved in various other artistic activities, including drumline, in which she plays auxiliary percussion, ceramics, and studio art.
“What’s unique about [Wohlfort] is that she is very accomplished in all the arts. Not only is she a good actress and singer, but she’s a wonderful painter – she has a great eye – and a great little sculptor. Her ceramic pieces are exquisite,” art teacher Michael Gaudreau said. “She is always willing to take chances and risks. And that is a very important attribute that a creative artist needs to have. That’s why I think she’s going to do good things in her future.”
Now that Wohlfort’s high school career is coming to a close, she’s looking for opportunities out in the community to pursue her passion. At the end of May, Wohlfort will be playing the role of Gabriella in the Phoenix Festival Theatre’s performance of “High School Musical.” “It’s fun getting to understand how a different theatre works,” Wohlfort said.
With determination and confidence, Wohlfort works endlessly towards her ultimate goal: Broadway. Although she knows it’s a tough business to get into successfully, Wohlfort has already displayed her willingness to put forth the effort needed to realize her dreams. But perhaps most important is her family’s constant support.
“My parents have been to every musical, every play, every art show, every concert. It’s amazing that they don’t get sick of it,” Wohlfort said. “At first, my mom was a little skeptical about me majoring in musical theatre because it wasn’t practical enough, but I think she saw how happy it made me, and realized that it was all I ever wanted to do.”
Nicky Hatzidimitriou can be reached for comment at [email protected]