TRUMBULL -- Rachel Arianna Weintraub, a seventh-grader at Hillcrest Middle School in Trumbull, has had her moments in the spotlight before.
The 12-year-old actor has appeared in national commercials, off-Broadway shows, and even made a cameo on "Saturday Night Live." But her next act is a role she truly cherishes.
Weintraub is leading the charge to fight back against bullying.
"I was actually bullied," Weintraub said, "I was able to stand up for myself, and I want to help people who are being bullied find support."
Rachel has begun her campaign, called "Words Can Soar," with partner Free2Luv, a national anti-bullying group. Because she knows a number of child actors, Weintraub has reached out to them to join her for a cabaret performance at a theatre district club called 54 Below. The money raised for the kid-led show will go directly to fund initiatives for Free2Luv programs.
"We have kids from all different areas of the arts," Weintraub said. "I want to use the arts to help end bullying."
Hillcrest Middle School Principal Stafford Thomas says he supports Rachel's efforts. "All the best practices and educational research proves that students learn best when they are learning from their peers, this is why it is such a powerful message."
The anti-bullying event is November 7 at 54 Below in Manhattan. Tickets range from $30 to $50. For more information click here.
