Whiz Kid: Erin Barkman

Although she's been appearing onstage in talent shows and plays since first grade, 17-year-old Erin Barkman landed her first lead role this year when she played Babe Williams in Perkiomen Valley High School's "." In the interim years, she's portrayed smaller, yet still iconic, characters such as Dolly Tate in "Annie Get Your Gun" and Queen Gertrude in "Hamlet."

When asked in an e-mail interview what her favorite memory, and biggest challenge, were in "The Pajama Game," Barkman responded: "My favorite memory from 'The Pajama Game' was stepping out into the bright spotlight onstage and singing my heart out, and then getting a great response from the audience.

"This is always the best part about being on stage. When you know that you have conveyed what your character is really feeling, and you are making the audience feel like they are intruding on a private moment in your character's life. That is real success. This is also the most difficult part, but when you pull it off, it is the most rewarding benefit you can get from performing."

Now that she has her 10th show under her belt, Barkman is going to finish her senior year at PVHS and move onto college "with a minor in vocal performance and a major yet to be determined."

"But you only have one life to live, so you better live it doing something you love; and that is what I intend to do," Barkman stated.

Do you know a standout local kid? E-mail Local Editor Ann Cornell with your nominations--ann.cornell@patch.com.