Whiz Kid: Alexander Readmond

Alexander Readmond, 15, a sophomore at has been inspired by drama and music his entire life. 

He moved to Eldersburg to live with his grandparents, Bernie Sr. and Alice Readmond on their farmette at age 6.

"I considered it my home," said Readmond. "I had many interests, like soccer, baseball, wrestling and swimming, and especially my baby lambs, my pony  'Whisper' and hatching baby chickens that we raised. But I became particularly captivated with music and performance."

In second grade he took lessons and learned to play the piano. His older 'brother' James Baker, was an inspiration to him.

"He was in seventh grade when I was in first grade. He was smart, he read a lot, and he played piano and violin. He helped me read, learn piano and he read Bible stories to me. I became enthralled by musicals, old movies that I watched, and especially by 'The Nutcracker.' Even though I was good at soccer, my grandparents knew I was good at dancing in third grade I started dance classes at . I liked it even more than soccer," said Readmond.

But then, for 2 ½ years, he moved away from the area. "I missed my life here in Eldersburg. I missed my grandparents, James, my old friends, my animals, going to church at St. Joseph’s and all of my interests," said Readmond. 

Finally, in seventh grade, he moved back to Eldersburg with his grandparents to stay and in eighth grade, his teacher, Ms. Furguson, at cast him as the male lead in Lady Pirates of the Carribean.

"It changed my life and made me happy again. I knew then that drama was my passion," said Readmond. 

When he was a freshman at Liberty High, he was cast as the younger brother, Edmund, in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He received a Cappie nomination for best supporting actor. He then went on to perform in Class Acts, the one-act play Conflict and High School Musical 2.

At the end of 9th grade he was inducted into the Thespian Society. He's also on the Drama Board as the middle school liason.

"Last year, I worked with the middle school students at Oklahoma Road Middle School, giving them feedback, just like they would in high school. So they made me the middle school liason, to help recruit middle school students to the drama program."

In addition, Readmond was also chosen as a Cappie’s critic. Cappies critics are comprised of a group of students from each school that watch and critique the high school plays in the Baltimore/Metro area. 

As a sophomore this year Readmond was chosen to play in Liberty High School's production.

"It was fun to play Peter Pan and to actually fly, and rediscover the innocence of childhood," said Readmond.

Last year he played the father in Looking the Other Way, a play written and directed by students. It won numerous awards at the Maryland Thespian Festival.

"This play was hard for me," admitted Readmond. "I had to play the role of a drug-abusing father, and it brought back a lot of bad memories."

The young actor is now working towards Liberty's production of Aida in the spring. "I’m designing costumes for the guards and soldiers, and I’m playing smaller roles. I love all aspects of drama, and I’m glad to be at Liberty High, where I can realize my dreams." 

He thanks Tony Cimino for helping him make all of his dreams come true. "He's my mentor and the biggest inspiration ever to me. He's one of the most important people in my life."