Actor Spotlight
Yes to glitter and no to Justin Bieber: Dallas actress Alexis Nabors knows whatshe likes
Believe it or not, playing a child onstage is way more difficult than it looks. Last year, Alexis Nabors nailed the dead-eyed boredom and childish unpredictability of little Betty Foster in Level Ground Arts' cult Christmas show Santa Claus vs. the Martians.
This year she's back to reprise the role. As the show goes into its holiday home stretch, she took the time to fill out our survey of serious, fun and sometimes ridiculous questions.
Full name: Alexis Kaitlin Nabors
Role in Santa Claus vs. the Martians: Betty Foster
Previous work in the DFW area: Nine and How to Succeed... at Irving Community Theater, Side Show at PFamily Arts, a murder mystery or two, several shows at the Pocket Sandwich Theater, Rover Dramawerks, and a film or two.
Hometown: Dallas
Where you currently reside: North Dallas
First theater role: Helga, a Kit Kat girl in Cabaret.
Most challenging role you’ve played: My first two-week rehearsal period was for Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol at Labyrinth Theater. As Bogle, my character carried maybe two-thirds of the show.
The first week of rehearsal was spent recovering from strep throat. The last week of rehearsal was spent memorizing lines with a gallon of mint-chocolate-chip ice cream and creating a character that turned out to be one of my favorites.
Special skills: Belching on command and figuring out how to sneak glitter into whatever show I’m doing.
Something you’re REALLY bad at: Driving.
Current pop culture obsession: Not Justin Bieber. I am not a Belieber.
Last book you read: Identity Crisis. Before that, The Hunger Games.
Favorite movie(s): Captain America with Chris Evans, Puncture with Chris Evans, Not Another Teen Movie with Chris Evans …
Favorite musician(s): Ke$ha
Favorite song: “Twentieth Century Fox” by The Doors
Dream role: I have never had a good answer to this question.
Favorite play(s): House & Garden by Alan Ayckbourn. I just love the concept.
Favorite musical(s): HAIR, Spring Awakening, (title of show).
Favorite actors/actresses: Julia Roberts, Robert Downy Jr., Chris Evans, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale.
Favorite food: Mac and cheese, popcorn.
Must-see TV show(s): Breaking Bad, The Vampire Diaries, Veronica Mars.
Something most people don’t know about you: I wish I painted more.
Place in the world you’d most like to visit: Venice. I’d love to go back.
Pre-show warm-up: Depends on the show or how I feel. Either a Red Bull and a cup of elotes or “lip bubbles” and “tiny oohs” with a few body stretches.
Favorite part about your current role: I can bring so many childish characteristics to the role. I have combined several bits from kids I babysit, thrown a little Toddlers & Tiaras in there and many deadpan stares.
Most challenging part about your current role: Not breaking on stage because of Cassidy Crown [who plays one of the Martian children].
Most embarrassing onstage mishap: Breaking on stage. Bad actor! Bad actor!
Career you’d have if you weren’t a performer: Professional glitter-er. Or makeup artist.
Favorite post-show spot: Angry Dog
Favorite thing about Dallas-Forth Worth: The skyline. I actually wish I had a shower curtain with a simple black outline of Dallas’ skyline.
Most memorable theater moment: Closing performance of Nine, my first community show and done with some of my idols: Patty Breckenridge, Sara Shelby Martin and Andi Allen) At curtain call, bows happened, audience roared, and I knew this was the life for me.
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Santa Claus vs. the Martians runs through December 29 at Level Ground Arts.
