Local Rising Star: Bella Glancy as Belinda Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Bella GlancyThe Guthrie Theater’s A Christmas Carol is something we look forward to year after year. Charles Dickens included many children in his timeless story – Tiny Tim and the other Cratchit children, Ignorance and Want (under the robe of the Ghost of Christmas Present) and the rag tag carolers in the opening scenes. The Guthrie’s 2023 production has 18 main cast members and 12 child actors. We talked to one of this year’s child performers – Bella Glancy – who plays the role of Belinda Cratchit. Bella just turned 11 and in our interview, she gave us insight into auditions, balancing school and acting obligations and future plans in the performing arts.

Q:  Congratulations on being cast in the Guthrie Theater’s A Christmas Carol. Please tell us about your audition.

A:  I think my audition went well. We were given some lines to memorize and some songs to practice. They prepared us well before we went in front of the judges. It was a very positive experience.

Bella as Belinda Cratchit, with Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim - photo credit Dan Norman

Q:  Please tell us about your character.

A:  Belinda Cratchit is a very well-mannered, but fun character to be around in the show. Even though her family is poor, they are happy. She tries to do her best to help and to have fun with her family even though they don’t have a lot of money.

Q:  Do you have any special makeup or costume for your role? If yes, how does that feel when you’re ready for the play?

A:  While I don’t have any special makeup, wig, or hairpiece that I wear, it is very fun to dress up in the different time periods and to not be in 2023 anymore. The costumes are beautifully designed and accurate to the period. I do get to wear a pretty cool dress and add a bonnet and cape for different scenes.

Q:  How do you balance your schoolwork and other activities with your acting commitments?

A:  Well, I do my homework digitally so I can bring my iPad to rehearsal and work on it sometimes there or in the car or during downtime in tech. We also have Mondays off so I can use that as a catch-up day.

Q:  What would you tell other kids who are interested in acting in a play?

A:  I would say it is really fun. If you are nervous, I say just do it - you’ll get over your nerves. It’s fun and once you get into the show it’s something you just want to keep doing. Be yourself and show the directors who you really are and have fun!

Q:  I can’t wait to see you in the play. What are your plans for the future? Do you want to continue as an actor?

A:  Yes, I would say I want to continue as an actor and I also want to do singing and vocal work. I want to be a performer and maybe perform on Broadway.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

A Christmas Carol is on stage at the Guthrie through December 31 – get your tickets here.

.

In partnership with The Food Group, the Guthrie is hosting a food drive throughout the entire run of A Christmas Carol. Donations will be collected on Level One of the building.