Headliners ON TOUR Nicholas interviews young “Annie” actress Ellie Pulsifer.

Eighttimes a week, 12-year-old Ellie Pulsifer plays the role of Annie in the national Broadway tour. I got to interview the seventh grader about being a star.

The first time Ellie saw the word “callback” was in the email for the “Annie” tour. She scored the lead role after doing multiple shows as a kid.

“I always did competitive dance, then tried a summer camp doing ‘The Greatest Showman.’ I fell in love with acting and went on to be in shows like ‘Shrek,’” says Ellie. Ellie is from Florida but is spending many months on the road. She’s on tour for the show traveling by plane and bus, staying in hotels.

“We do mostly night shows, so during the day I school online and submit my assignments,” says Ellie. The actress loves being on tour and says playing Annie is an honor.

“Annie carries the show, so it comes with responsibility. Everything is worth it because I get to sing ‘Tomorrow’ every night.”

But Ellie says her favorite song of the show is “Hark Knock Life” because she gets to use fun props.

“I sometimes get nervous backstage, but when the lights go down and you can’t see the audience, the nerves go away," she explains. So far, Ellie’s favorite tour stop was in Los Angeles because she got to perform at the Dolby Theatre. It was a dream come true for her.

“I’m obsessed with Broadway and hope to eventually perform in New York,” she says.

Before her big break, Ellie was an entrepreneur. When COVID hit, she started a business where she sold mini waffle makers and mixes to pay for her vocal lessons. Now, instead of making waffles, she’s drinking tons of tea before shows to rest her throat and prep for performances.

“Before showtime I stay pretty chill and zen,” she explains.

Ellie’s mom joins her on tour while her siblings and dad stay home. When she’s not singing on stage or doing online school, she can be found crafting and drawing.

And, Ellie says if you have dreams to be a star, never give up.

“If I had given up, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Annie is touring at ASU Gammage March 24 through 26.

Nicholas Bubeck is an Epic Kids monthly columnist and CEO of creationsbynicholas. com. You can follow his adventures on Instagram, @creationsbynicholas, and @mamaandmyboys.