Exclusive Interview: Lindsey Blackwell Talks 13: The Musical

Lindsey Blackwell is one of Hollywood’s brightest young talents. She’s best known for the dynamic characters she’s brought to life in projects including The Resident, Council of Dads, and David Makes Man.

This summer, she stars in the high-anticipated Netflix original 13: The Musical.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Lindsey about her thriving career, 13: The Musical, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Lindsey: I’ve been acting in this industry since I was four years old. Honestly, I grew to love it. With every project I do and as every year goes by, I just love acting and performing more and more.

PC: There are so many different facets to your talent. Does one come more naturally to you? Is one more challenging?
Lindsey: I would say that acting and singing come more naturally to me than dance does. I wouldn’t consider myself a dancer, but I feel like now that I’ve done 13, I have to. But I also play piano. I will say that comes more naturally to me as I’ve gotten better at it.

PC: You’ve had so much success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Lindsey: A memorable moment for me was the first time that I saw myself on a billboard. I was a part of the Georgia Aquarium campaign here in Atlanta. It was when I was nine or ten. It was a very proud moment for me to see myself on a billboard where I live.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Lindsey: My parents. I wouldn’t be able to do it without their support. Being a child, there are not many things that I can do by myself. My parents have been supportive of me since I was four. Their support, love, and patience have been ever-growing. I’m really thankful for them.

PC: Tell us about 13: The Musical, your character, and what attracted you to this project.
Lindsey: 13 is about a twelve-year-old nearing his bar mitzvah. He’s from New York. After his parents get a divorce, he has to move from NYC to a small town in Indiana. He has to navigate new friends and deal with his parents’ divorce all while trying to make his bar mitzvah the coolest party ever.

My character Kendra is a kind and generous person. She’s the head cheerleader at her school. She’s trying to find her own way as the movie progresses. I really connected to that. When I first got the breakdown for Kendra, I was like, “We’re the same person!” We are literally so similar. It was honestly mind-blowing. Our similarities really drew me into this role because I could see myself in her and that made our connection even stronger.

PC: How did you prepare for this film?
Lindsey: We filmed in Canada. I had to move from my house to Canada for five months. We had two months of rehearsals. We had to learn new songs, choreography, and lines. It was honestly so much fun. The cast immediately clicked. It was like a family, and that made the process so much easier.

PC: There are so many show-stopping numbers in this film. Which was your favorite song to perform and why?
Lindsey: I would say “I’ve Been Waiting.” It’s the opening number for my character. It’s so cute to see Kendra and Brett and their connection through this number. It’s a pretty big number. It was the first dance and song that I learned. I saw the final product, and it was mind-blowing.

PC: There are so many great messages in this film. What do you hope audiences take away after they see it?
Lindsey: 13 does an amazing job of showing the importance of forgiveness and the importance of friendship. It’s such an amazing message for families and young kids to see. It’s such a universal message. Everyone will be able to connect to that.

PC: In addition to 13, you’re also working on an EP. Is there anything you can share about that?
Lindsey: It’s going to be three or four covers and an original song. This is my first EP and my first original. I’m really excited for people to hear what I’ve been working on. I’m really proud of my work.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Lindsey: The Office.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Lindsey: Home.

PC: Favorite book?
Lindsey: Wonder.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Lindsey: It’s a tie between Hamilton and Hadestown.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Lindsey: Lizzo.

PC: Dream role?
Lindsey: I would love to do a biopic.

To keep up with Lindsey, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch 13: The Musical on August 12th on Netflix.

Photo Credit: Eley Photography