When Stephanie Zaharis auditioned for Diamond Head Theatre’s Shooting Stars performing arts program at the age of 7, she was so stressed out that she broke down in tears. But she passed the audition anyway because she was the best-prepared child in the rehearsal hall. Ten years later, just a few days past her 17th birthday, the ‘Iolani senior has an impressive list of credits in mainstream community theater. In September, Zaharis gave DHT’s season-opening production of “Billy Elliot” one of its brightest performances with her portrayal of sassy Debbie Wilkinson. This past summer she was one of the two young performers selected from a group of “70 to 80 kids” to appear in a talent showcase that will be held Nov. 21 in New York. Zaharis was in the middle of a tightly scheduled week of school when we talked at the Waikiki Yacht Club.
You’re off to New York next month to perform in front of more than 100 directors, producers and casting agents — any one of which could cast you in something. How did that happen for you?
I did a summer program in L.A. with the Broadway Dreams Foundation. I auditioned to get into the program, and then we had a week to put on a show. Coming from Hawaii, it was pretty intimidating, but it was a really great experience overall. When it was over they chose two kids to go to New York in November. I was one of them.
Not to jinx it, but what’s next?
Hopefully, I’ll be given the opportunity to do work on Broadway, but just having the opportunity to go to New York and do an audition on that level is a great experience.
I’ve seen you play adult roles quite convincingly, but in “Billy Elliot” you stole several scenes playing a 12-year-old with a vocabulary and attitude most people would say was inappropriate for a girl that age. How did you get into that character and then play it with so much dramatic impact?
Playing Debbie was so much fun. I’m a pretty bubbly person, and to channel that while I was on stage, I let it sink in that it was just a party every night. That thought allowed me to let loose and be Debbie.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I’d love to be on Broadway in 10 years, and I plan to go to college and get my education in musical theater. But you never know where life takes you.
