Catching Up With Alexandria Crawford '12
Source/Author: Kate Merritt, Director of Alumni Programs and Kara Schiaparelli '14
October 06, 2017
Alexandria Crawford, Class of 2012, came to Shorecrest Preparatory School as a freshman and spent her time as a Charger heavily involved with the theatre program. After leaving Shorecrest she went on to study English and Theatre Arts, with a concentration in Musical Theatre, at Rollins College. She is just finishing up an acting and production apprenticeship at the American Stage Theatre Company, which she has been doing for their 2016-2017 season. She was a directing apprentice during her last production with them, "Hairspray."
We had the chance to catch up with Alexandria about what it was like speaking at Career Day 2017, her favorite memories at Shorecrest and her work on "Hairspray."
Shorecrest Preparatory School (SPS): Which teacher impacted your life the most?
Alexandria Crawford ‘12 (AC): Janet Root had a huge impact on my life. She and another mutual family friend of ours told me about the great theatre program at Shorecrest and helped me adjust to a new school setting. Throughout my time there and even after I graduated she would always be there to give me life advice and cheer me on in all that I did. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her. I will always be forever grateful for her.
Alexandria Crawford ‘12 (AC): Janet Root had a huge impact on my life. She and another mutual family friend of ours told me about the great theatre program at Shorecrest and helped me adjust to a new school setting. Throughout my time there and even after I graduated she would always be there to give me life advice and cheer me on in all that I did. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her. I will always be forever grateful for her.
SPS: Which teachers were your favorites?
AC: If I had to choose, I would have to say Mr. Heller, Mr. Leavengood (Mr. L), Mr. Ahlin, and Ms. Lee. Some of my favorite lessons were taught in their classrooms. They have always been very supportive of me. I have enjoyed staying in touch with them over the years. Most recently, both Mr. L and Ms. Lee saw me in my regional theatre debut at American Stage in "Joe Turner’s Come & Gone" by August Wilson. It's nice to know that even after graduation, your teachers are still there for you, wanting you to succeed in all you do.
AC: If I had to choose, I would have to say Mr. Heller, Mr. Leavengood (Mr. L), Mr. Ahlin, and Ms. Lee. Some of my favorite lessons were taught in their classrooms. They have always been very supportive of me. I have enjoyed staying in touch with them over the years. Most recently, both Mr. L and Ms. Lee saw me in my regional theatre debut at American Stage in "Joe Turner’s Come & Gone" by August Wilson. It's nice to know that even after graduation, your teachers are still there for you, wanting you to succeed in all you do.
SPS: What is your favorite Shorecrest memory?
AC: There are so many of them, but one of my favorite memories is from my senior year. I took a filmmaking class with Mr. L and Mr. Runge. One of the films I made was about the process of putting on a high school musical (that year we were doing "The Sound of Music.") I used all of Troupe 3140 (Shorecrest’s Thespians Team) in my film and all of the lines were improvised. When the filming and editing process was complete, it was shown to the entire Upper School right before opening night of the musical.
AC: There are so many of them, but one of my favorite memories is from my senior year. I took a filmmaking class with Mr. L and Mr. Runge. One of the films I made was about the process of putting on a high school musical (that year we were doing "The Sound of Music.") I used all of Troupe 3140 (Shorecrest’s Thespians Team) in my film and all of the lines were improvised. When the filming and editing process was complete, it was shown to the entire Upper School right before opening night of the musical.
SPS: What advice do you have for Shorecrest Class of 2017?
AC: My advice to the Class of 2017 is to begin writing the next chapter of your story. Travel, try new things and meet new people. But never forget that you can always come home and rely on those who have been with you throughout your life so far.
AC: My advice to the Class of 2017 is to begin writing the next chapter of your story. Travel, try new things and meet new people. But never forget that you can always come home and rely on those who have been with you throughout your life so far.
SPS: What advice would you give to recent alumni just graduating college?
AC: Don't be afraid of the unknown. Sometimes we hold ourselves back from taking the next step towards our goals in life because we don't know how it will all turn out. But taking that step towards the unknown is what makes life a great adventure! Everything will work out the way that it should. All you have to do is take the first step.
AC: Don't be afraid of the unknown. Sometimes we hold ourselves back from taking the next step towards our goals in life because we don't know how it will all turn out. But taking that step towards the unknown is what makes life a great adventure! Everything will work out the way that it should. All you have to do is take the first step.
SPS: How did it feel coming back to Shorecrest for Career Day?
AC: It was great! Although it felt a bit strange, since it feels like it was just yesterday that I was a student. I enjoyed sharing the knowledge I have about my profession with the students.
AC: It was great! Although it felt a bit strange, since it feels like it was just yesterday that I was a student. I enjoyed sharing the knowledge I have about my profession with the students.
SPS: What has changed and what has stayed the same?
AC: While some of the teachers have changed and students have come and gone, the feeling of home still is there.
AC: While some of the teachers have changed and students have come and gone, the feeling of home still is there.
SPS: What was the best part of working on "Hairspray"?
AC: "Hairspray" was a fun experience! For this show I served as the directing apprentice and worked alongside the director, stage manager, cast and crew to bring the show to life. I have been in a few musicals in my career so far, so it was nice having the opportunity to be on the director's side of things and learn how all the pieces are put together. I hope that all who came to see our show at Demens Landing Park felt like they were in 1960s Baltimore and enjoyed singing and dancing along with us.
AC: "Hairspray" was a fun experience! For this show I served as the directing apprentice and worked alongside the director, stage manager, cast and crew to bring the show to life. I have been in a few musicals in my career so far, so it was nice having the opportunity to be on the director's side of things and learn how all the pieces are put together. I hope that all who came to see our show at Demens Landing Park felt like they were in 1960s Baltimore and enjoyed singing and dancing along with us.
Thanks so much to Alexandria for taking the time to talk with us. If you’d like to learn more about what Alexandria is up to, check out her Facebook page!
