Naarah Akandi – West End Kids Troupe
Where are you from?
I am from Dunstable in Bedfordshire
When did you join West End Kids?
September 2021
What inspired you to audition for West End Kids?
Aspirations to be an actress and performer and West End Kids seemed like the best fit.
Performance Highlights:
What has been your favourite performance so far and why?
Children Respite Trust’s Summer Soiree (Eastbourne) because on my first week in Troupe I never actually thought I’d be able to learn all of Sounds of the 70s let alone be good enough to get into any of the numbers and that performance was a reminder that if I set my mind to something, work hard and believe in myself I’ll start to see some good results.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances?
Dancing in the wings with Isla DG as we waited to go on at BST
Training and Dedication:
How many hours a week do you spend rehearsing and training?
6 hours minimum
What do you find most challenging and rewarding about your training?
Most challenging: polishing and picking up and immediately applying notes.
Most rewarding: feeling like part of a team and getting into dances / good placings.
Future Aspirations:
What are your future goals in the performing arts?
To be a successful actress.
Which role or production would you love to be a part of?
Maybe something like Wicked or Newsies.
Personal Interests:
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of performing?
I really enjoy writing and baking.
What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?
When I was 10 I wrote a poem that won me and my family free tickets to a football game. (If it wasn’t Wrexham FC it wasn’t worth going to, Ed)
Motivation:
Who inspires you the most in the performing arts world?
Actresses like Jennifer Lawrence and Zendaya.
Experience with West End Kids:
How has being a part of West End Kids impacted you?
I really like knowing that I am better than I was, so improving.
How has being a part of West End Kids impacted you?
It’s introduced me to people that have become my best friends, it’s stressed me out at times but taught me how to deal with the stress and shown me through my progression in training that if I work hard it will be noticed.
What advice would you give to new members or those aspiring to join West End Kids?
Don’t hold back, give your performance all the energy you have 🙂
