Eccentric, electrifying, and amazing to watch. All of these words can be used to describe the inspiring performances of Meredith Lynch. The 15-year-old actress has been in six plays at Chantilly High School, and her newest role is starring as Adelaide in the school's upcoming musical, "Guys and Dolls." However, this stage-hungry debutante has more to her story than just a bushel and a peck.
For Meredith the love of the stage all started in a 7th grade performance of "Romeo and Juliet" at Franklin Intermediate School. She was the star and loved every minute of being on stage, the lights, the breathless moments, the long strung out anticipation, exasperation and, at the end of it all, the applause. The sheer rush of joy that washed over her, as if being born into a life of bows and praise was all Meredith ever wanted. From that moment on she was hooked, trying out for all the plays she could. She practiced diligently, and performance after performance, gave the crowd a show well worth their ticket.
When Meredith came into high school, the doors swung open in terms of opportunities for dramatic expression. As she recalls, "When I first got here I didn't realize how intense everything was. Eventually I saw that while we all had talent, we lacked the direction that wasn't offered to us in prior years. The teachers sharpened our skills as performers by making us be serious about acting. They made us consider ourselves professional actors and actresses, and that's just what I needed." In her freshmen year, Meredith was cast in "My Very Own Story" and "Stop Sending In the Clowns." Enjoying both roles and her new found leadership in the drama department, it was only natural for her to follow up that year with the summer children's show "Attack of the Cafeteria Zombies."
Meredith Lynch is a great role model for any high school thespian. She volunteers much of her time and effort to the department and has participated on the Theatre Sports Team and has been a member on Chantilly's Cappie Critics' team. Although she is a drama buff, there is more to her than just theatre. She is also a varsity tennis player and has been at Chantilly since freshman year. She has also been singing all her life and been an avid film maker since she could work a camera.
In the future Meredith plans to attend college for film/video production or go into business and become an entertainment lawyer. When asked what a dream of hers would be she answered, "To be in 'Thoroughly Modern Millie.' It is such an amazing show, and even if I was just ensemble I would love to be a part of such a masterpiece. It is truly one of my favorite shows of all time."