You should be nervous,  afraid even. You peek out from behind the curtain, taking in the audience who eagerly waits for your performance. Memorized lines, dance moves and practiced gestures flood your consciousness. What if you forget your part, you think. People will be watching; will they notice a mistake? The thoughts swirl in your mind but you try to remain calm.

You smile, swallowing the remnants of a Ricola cough drop and apply a fresh layer of lipstick for good measure.  With a deep breath, you leap into your performance, welcoming the bright spotlight as you lose yourself in the excitement of the performance.

This is how Sacred Hearts Academy freshman Kira Stone feels before every performance.

A passionate actress since age 3, Stone participates in a myriad of performing arts.

“I have been taking voice lessons since I was about 10 years old and dancing ballet since age 3,” said Stone. “I also am an active member of Diamond Head Theatre’s ‘Shooting Stars’ which is a performing arts program that features different styles of dance and vocals.”

Stone has participated in many shows, including “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins” at Diamond Head Theatre and  “Hollywood Arms” with The Actors Group.

Recently, Stone starred as Alice in the Academy’s 2013 fall production of “Alice in Wonderland” and as both Hannah and the Scarecrow in the 2015 production of “Wizard of Oz.”

Aspiring stars need role models. For Stone, her inspiration comes from her mother who also performs and dances.

“She is the one who encouraged me to audition for the first time,” Stone said.

Along with entrancing audiences with her undeniable talent, Stone has captured the hearts of those around her.

Stone’s ballet teacher Micki Kolberg admires Stone.

“Kira is committed to her love of the arts, theater and dance,” Said Kolberg. “She’s also very sweet and sensitive.”

Students who have worked with Stone in plays not only admire her talent but her also her attitude.

St. Louis junior Angelo Oasay, who worked with Stone in “The Wizard of Oz,” was impressed by her.

“The level of maturity she possesses is what really sets her apart from others her age,” Oasay said. “Sometimes, you even forget that she’s a freshman.”

An acting career can run into many obstacles. While some face conflicts with directors or struggles with memorizing lines, Stone’s challenge is of an eccentric sort: her height.

“For a while Diamond Head Theatre would do kids’ shows and I would be just a little too tall,” said Stone. “I had an early growth spurt and that frustrated me for a bit.”

Her frequent disappointment was soon eased.  

“I was put in more mature roles after a while, so it worked out!” said Stone.

Stone recognizes and acknowledges the support and guidance from her instructors, especially Kolberg.

“She is loving and kind and makes sure we are comfortable with what we are given,” Stone said. “She is also one of the reasons I kept doing ballet. She is an inspiration to me every day.”

Despite being only a freshman, Stone plans to continue performing through high school and college.

“I love performing and telling a story to an audience. Dancing and singing comes fairly naturally to me, so I hope to continue both of those things,” said Stone.

Stone also aspires to perform on Broadway one day. Though she believes it is just a dream, she has unshakable support.

“She’s got it on lockdown!” Oasay said.  “You can just see the hard work she puts out every time when she is given a role. The performing arts field definitely suits her.”

Kolberg stands firmly behind Stone.

“I have no doubt that she’ll be successful in whatever she decides to pursue,” said Kolberg. “She’s a very caring person, and I think that people like her are much needed in the performing arts world.”

“Performing arts has changed my life. It has helped me grow in my attitude, as well as my character,” said Stone. “My theater friends are the best friends I could ask for. Each show is a unique experience. I hope to continue performing my whole life.”