At age 9, actress, singer, and voice actress Rafaela De Vita is experiencing an important moment in her artistic career by joining the professional cast of Shrek – The Musical, currently playing at the Teatro Renault in São Paulo. With experience in musical theater, voice acting, and music, Rafaela shares the role of young Fiona in one of the biggest productions in the country, consolidating a career that began in childhood. In an interview, the young artist talks about her preparation for the stage, the challenges of acting in a super production, and her passion for exploring different areas of entertainment, from acting to voice acting.
Rafaela, you already sing, act, and do voice acting, and now you’re making your professional debut in a major production like Shrek – The Musical. How did it feel to receive such a special opportunity?
It was incredible! As this is my first musical, I was so happy and surprised by the whole process, from the first auditions to preparing for the role and finally, going on stage alongside such big names in musical theatre. I don’t think I can properly describe the emotion I felt. I’m enjoying every minute!
You’re going to play young Fiona, a character that’s very beloved by the audience. What charmed you most about her when you started to get to know her better?
What I like most about Fiona is that, even as a child, she hasn’t been a very typical princess. She’s always changing her mood and showing different ways of being and expressing herself. That’s what I like most about her!
Your career has already included theater, voice acting, television, and music. Do you feel that each of these areas helps the others within you as an artist?
Yes, absolutely. None of them — theatre, music, dubbing, and television — could be complete without the other.
In Shrek – The Musical, you share the role with other child actresses and perform within a huge production, alongside very well-known names in musical theatre. What has it been like experiencing this world behind the scenes?
Very good! Everyone is respectful, especially towards the children. At first, there’s a bit of nervousness because I’m a big fan of these artists, but then you get used to it and feel more at home, like part of this big family.
You’ve played very different characters, such as Cosette, the Cowardly Lion, and King Julien. What do you enjoy most about the challenge of immersing yourself in such distinct stories and characters?
The opportunity to play different roles and explore distinct personalities helps me grow as an artist.
In voice acting, you’ve participated in very important productions, such as Moana 2, and now you’re also on stage in a large-scale musical. What changes for you between giving voice to a character and performing it live, in front of an audience?
They are different things, but equally enjoyable. When I do voice acting, I put everything I have into “being the character” as faithfully as possible. In the theater, in front of an audience, I live the character, but I feel I can put a little more of myself into the role.
Besides acting, you’ve also been attracting attention for your music and are preparing to release your first single. What does music represent today within your artistic dreams?
Music represents another way of living and expressing my feelings.
Even at such a young age, you’ve already built a very beautiful path. When you think about the future, what kind of artist do you dream of becoming?
In the future, I’d like to be a comedian. I think it’s because I enjoy hearing people laugh!
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