Stage lights shining, the crowd clapping, heart racing. The end of a play that you worked on for months. That is the feeling Ansley Melnick fell in love with and why she continues to act even today with her busy schedule. Between debate team, journalism and student services, Melnick still finds time for acting. 

“I saw my brother acting, and I thought he looked really cool. He was my biggest inspiration to start acting,” Melnick said. 

Ansley has been an extra in TV shows and movies such as The Darkest Minds and The 15:17 to Paris.  In The Darkest Minds, Melnick played a child with superpowers being held captive in a summer camp. In The 15:17 to Paris, she was a background extra. 

“Being on set is really cool. It is interesting to see what it would be like if I made it that far,” Melnick said. 

When she is on set or on stage, Melnick has to go through hair and makeup. Although the styling team usually do not do much to hair, Melnick says she wishes they would.  

“I want them to do something big with my hair, just because it seems fun,” Melnick said. 

Not only is Melnick involved with the acting program at Etowah, but she is also in three shows at Elm Street Performing Arts Center. 

Participating in the arts has helped her gain more confidence. Melnick was shy when she was younger, but acting really helped to bring her out of her shell. 

“When I’m on stage, it’s such an amazing feeling. I love entertaining people,” Melnick said. 

From Elm Street to movie sets, Melnick loves the atmosphere of acting and cannot seem to get enough of it.