KIDZ CLUB
Rising Starlet:
Meet Monae Duplessis
By: Emily Rea
Energetic, bright and full of spunk, Monae Duplessis seems poised to take on the world. At just 9 years old, her probing mind is always thinking, and her exuberance radiates with every vibrant smile—which lights up her face (and any room she is in) quite often.
A fourth-grader at Walter L. Parlsey Elementary School, Monae is truly a well-rounded girl with her hand in a multitude of activities. She is currently taking lessons in piano, dance—hip-hop, jazz and ballet—and karate (in which she holds the rank of blue belt). She also loves to read and has set a goal for herself to read 180 books this year! She has also recently given kite-surfing a try with her dad at nearby Wrightsville Beach.
It seems Monae has the enthusiasm and ability to conquer anything. But ask what her true love is, and she’d say acting. Having caught the acting bug early on, Monae is positioning herself to absorb as much thespian experience as possible. She currently performs through Treasure Island Live Theater (or “TILT”) at her church, but make no mistake about it: Monae’s natural stage presence and lovable personality make her the perfect candidate for a stage of any size.
Born in North Carolina and a resident of Maine for three years, Monae has also had the good fortune to visit her parents’ home country of South Africa. She has one younger sister, Addie, who is in the second grade.
I had the opportunity to ask this pint-sized performer a few questions about life in her world right now, and she was more than happy to comply. Here is how she responded.
KIDZink: What do you love most about living in Wilmington?
Monae Duplessis: Are you kidding? The beach is right here.
KI: What, in your opinion, is the best part about being an older sister?
MD: Bigger allowance and later bed time!
KI: Where would you like to visit if you could go anywhere in the world?
MD: I want to go to Hollywood.
KI: When did you first decide to give acting a try, and why did it interest you?
MD: I [have been] imitating characters since I was 3. I gave acting a try when I was 6 and starred in a national commercial. I love to entertain people.
KI: What do you love most about it?
MD: I love to pretend to be someone else.
KI: What is your dream role?
MD: To be on the cast of “Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”
KI: What would you like to be when you grow up?
MD: An actress. My back-up plan is to be a writer.
KI: Your dad says your goal is to read 180 books this year—that’s so impressive! What number are you on, and what has been your favorite book so far?
MD: I am currently on number 102. I love the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series by Kathryn Lasky.
KI: If you could be any character out of any book or movie, who would you be?
MD: Harry Potter is one of my favorite characters. Who wouldn’t like to ride on a broomstick?
KI: What steps are involved in achieving a blue belt in karate, and what was most challenging about attaining it?
MD: You start off with a white belt and progress to yellow, green and then blue. It is challenging to compare your skills against other students.
KI: Which is your favorite between hip-hop dancing, jazz and ballet, and why?
MD: Hip-hop is my favorite because it reflects my personality.
KI: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
MD: Be true to yourself.
KI: Name one thing you couldn’t live without.
MD: Books.
KI: What is your favorite movie of all time?
MD: Peter Pan.
KI: What is one thing about you that most people don’t know?
MD: I’m bilingual.
KI: Describe yourself in three words...
MD: Fun, caring, inquisitive.
KI: If you could be a lawmaker for a day, what one thing about America would you add or change?
MD: I would lower the gas prices. That will make a lot of people happy—especially my mom!