WHS sophomore has acting bug

Educators fighting the problem of Internet bullying have a new ally, and she's only 14 years old.

Alexandra L. Wetmore, daughter of Cynthia L. and Brian A. Wetmore of Watertown, is one of the stars of a short film scheduled to be shown at Watertown High School this fall. The film, titled “BFF,” is already being shown at schools in New York City.

“I had to play a snobby, mean character, and I'm not like that at all,” Alexandra said of her role. “(Roles like that) are fun because I won't be mean in person to other people, but it's justifying being mean because people know you're not mean, it's just your role. You get to be a different person than you really are.”

The Watertown High sophomore played a girl whose cyberspace machinations threaten to come between the friendship of two best friends. She got the role in “BFF,” which stands for “Best Friends Forever,” after her manager suggested the film to her.

The movie, which was written and directed by Ilya Chaiken, was filmed over two days in Brooklyn by Real Works Productions. “BFF” was not Alexandra's first venture into the movie industry, however: the 14-year-old has held roles ranging from a girl in a commercial for the MTV show “Block Party” to God himself (the latter was in a play).

“Usually I play the snobby mean girls,” she said. “I really don't know why.”

Alexandra takes acting lessons twice a month in New York City and is involved in drama club, environmental club, Key Club, Interact Club and Students Against Destructive Decisions at Watertown High. She also has gotten her feet wet in the world of modeling.

“I did a Barbizon modeling school a while back and it was really fun,” she said. “I got to walk on a runway.”

In addition to “BFF,” Alexandra's recent projects include a vocal audition for a three-girl Pennsylvania-based band called Soundchix. If asked to do a callback, Alexandra could end up going to Los Angeles to film a show about the band with OneChantz Entertainment.

Acting has yet to go to the Alexandra's head, and her favorite parts of show biz are still the simple joys. In addition to traveling to different auditions, she says, she enjoys meeting people and occasionally playing hooky.

“Every other weekend, I'm going to New York City for an audition or something. I get to miss school,” she said with a laugh.

Alexandra said she hopes to find herself acting in drama movies in Los Angeles in five years. Her past projects can be seen online at www.youtube.com; search for “Alexandra Wetmore.”