Locomotion - Actor Interview with Junie Edwards

I recently had a chance to interview Junie Edwards, who is starring as "Lonnie" in Children's Theatre Center's upcoming production of Locomotion. Here's more about Junie:

Junie Edwards (They/them) is an actor and emerging playwright. Recent acting credits: Sophisticated Ladies; Merrily We Roll Along (SPCPA); Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story (History Theatre); Marie Antoinette (Emerging Professional Ensemble); Something Happened in Our Town (Children's Theatre Company). Recent writing credits: Published play titled “Afroyo” under DramaNotebook. This is Junie’s first lead role ever!

What has been the best part of working with the CTC?
The best part of working at CTC is the way I'm allowed to give my complete input on the production I'm in. We're allowed to have conversations surrounding any ideas we have. Our production is open to hearing our voices and opinions and it creates a supportive environment.

What is it like to have your first lead role?
Well, it's an amazing experience. It's still very surreal even during the production's rehearsals. Though it's my first, my approach to this being my first lead role is the same, but the nerves are completely different. It's also sort of a challenging responsibility to have, but a good kind, one
that I'm glad to be learning from everyday.

What surprised you the most about working with this production?
It's crazy how almost every production I'm a part of parallels my life. I guess I was just blown away that the cycle didn't end with Locomotion haha. Lonnie's interest in writing, his deep love for his family, the loss he experiences, and the way he searched for new forms of love and support after that loss are all aspects of the show that I emotionally relate to. It's also crazy that though I resonate with him a lot, I will be playing an 11 y/o child on stage. That's a huge difference between us!