From musicals to TV series, Celina Smith has shown she is ready to be a star. And coming out today, she will be Annie for NBC's upcoming holiday production of "Annie Live!". Annie has been a long term hit in Broadway's history since its debut in 1977, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Smith may be young, but she is building a prolific career, and at the same time is also working to make the world a better place, through her work with the non-profit organization called Saving Our Daughters. To learn more about Smith, please continue reading our interview below.

Where are you based?
I am based in Atlanta.

Jejune is aware that you started singing at the age of seven, but you decided to transform it into a career at nine years old, when you acted as young Nala at The Lion King. Could you tell us how it felt to land this role and how it happened?
My manager sent me to an open casting call. It was fun and a lot of people. I got through the first round of auditions, and then my mom and I had to fly to New York. I remember the last day of the audition: We were in an Uber going back to my aunt's house. My mom hung up on the people that called to tell me I got the part. I don't think she recognized the number and none of us expected a call so soon! Even the Uber driver was excited!

You are currently "on screen," playing Rebecca on Tyler Perry's Young Dylan, a sitcom on Nickelodeon. Can you tell us a little bit about this show and your character?
Well, the show is about Young Dylan, Rebecca's cousin, and he comes to live with her family. I love playing Rebecca. She's funny, and I like playing with fashion with her. Rebecca, she's competitive and smart, and the whole family is funny.

We were in the middle of the pandemic when Tyler Perry's Young Dylan was released. What was it like having it come out while you couldn't go out?
It was kind of weird and cool at the same time. I mean, everything was super odd because of the pandemic. I'm just grateful to Mr. Perry for finding a way for us to do it, though. It's just cool that we were still able to film, especially season 2.

Most recently, you were announced as the main character to play Annie for NBC's upcoming holiday production of "Annie Live!" This is amazing! It is one of the biggest hits in Broadway's history since its debut in 1977, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Could you tell us how the process was to become Annie?
Wow, it was amazing and terrifying! Everything was over Zoom, and I had to do a lot of auditions, at least it felt like a lot! I try not to think about an audition after I've finished it, but it was hard with this one.

Photo credit: Paul Gilmore/NBC - Key art credit: NBC Entertainment

How did you prepare to give life to the character Annie? Did you watch all the movies and Broadway shows?
I've watched all the movies to prepare, actually for my auditions. But I most definitely added my own spice!

Do you feel particularly inspired by one of the previous actresses that played Annie?
I mean, they are all iconic and inspirational! I wish I had the chance to see it on Broadway. Getting to work with Andrea McArdle is amazing! I think I relate most to the 2014 version. I am 12, it's the closest to my age, and it's the first one that I ever saw.

You will be working with big names inside the industry like Taraji P. Hansen, Harry Connick Jr., and Nicole Scherzinger. How does that feel?
Amazing! It's nothing I ever thought I would be doing. I get to work with and learn from some iconic people. How cool is that!

Annie Live is a sweet holiday film. Are you excited about the holidays?
Yes! I am excited. I can't wait to spend it with my family, especially my sisters.

Jejune believes it is beautiful that you have already been actively involved with a non-profit organization called Saving Our Daughters at such a young age. Could you tell us a bit about this organization and how you got involved?
Saving Our Daughter is an organization that helps girls with social issues like bullying. It was co-founded by Keke Palmer. My manager introduced me to Saving Our Daughters, and I'm so happy she did.

You are an inspiration for many young girls in the world, especially for the ones at Saving Our Daughters. Can you tell us a little bit about your work with Saving Our Daughters? Why is this so important to you?
Saving Our Daughters is important because I get to encourage girls like me and girls who have been bullied. I got to speak to some girls at a school, encourage them, and answer questions about being on a show. So far, it's just been through Zoom because of Covid. I can't wait to be able to talk to them in person.

As a young Black female, have you experienced any of the situations that Saving Our Daughters was put in place to protect girls from?
Sure, I have experienced bullying. I'm in 7th grade. I think most of us have.

You are just at the beginning of a promising career. What are the next steps for Celina Smith as an artist and a kid?
I would love to do movies as an artist. As a kid, I see playing Roblox and hanging out with friends in the future.

Would you like to share some tips for young artists that you and your career inspired?
I would say be yourself, be patient and have fun.

How have you been staying positive during the shelter in place? Have you gone back to the new normal?
Staying positive during shelter in place wasn't easy because, I mean, I love my family and my room, but I mean all the time! I was able to go to school, maybe more than most, so that helped. I think I'm adjusting to the new normal. I got vaccinated as soon as I could.

What's your motto in life?
Never give up – that's my motto for life.

To keep up with Celina Smith, please follow her via her Instagram:
@officialcelinasmith

Celina Smith Becomes Annie This Holiday