I recently had the privilege to interview Jade Pettyjohn. Jade Pettyjohn is an eleven year old singer, dancer, musician, and actress. For those of you who don't know, Jade will play Mckenna Brooks in Mckenna Shoots for the Stars which comes out on DVD July 3rd and airs on TV July 14th at 8/7 c on NBC. Without further ado, here is the interview!:)
Me: What was the audition process like and when was your first audition?
Jade: The first audition for American Girl was late May of 2011 and the callbacks and the mix and match followed in Mid June. Basically, when a project is started they have a whole bunch of people audition. I don't know how many people they called in. It is usually about 50 girls. Then the call back is when they are trying to take it down from there top choices into about 5 or 6 people. Once that happens they do a mix and match where they have the top picks from the bigger roles do the scenes together to see how everybody works with each other. That part can take a while. :)
Me: Do you feel you are like Mckenna in anyway?
Jade: I do. I feel like we have a lot in common. We both have supportive parents and I feel like we are both determined to do what we love. But mine is with acting and hers is with gymnastics.
Me: Did you become good friends with Ysa Penarejo and Kerris Dorsey? If so, do you still keep in contact with them?
Jade: I did. I still keep in touch with them via facebook and email. When we were shooting we would go to each others condos and watch movies and pop popcorn and go shopping and all that fun stuff.
Me: Was it hard being away from your home during the summer while filming?
Jade: Well of course I missed my home and stuff a little bit. Especially because my Dad was still working. But I would skype with my dad and we would have dinner together over the Internet so it wasn't that bad. Plus I was really excited about what I was doing and did not have too much time to really think about it.
Me: Did you do all your gymnastic stunts?
Jade: Well I can't tell you that. It's a secret :) But I did get to train with the junior Olympic team, which was so much fun and I still keep in touch with most of them.
Me: Do you like American Girl dolls? If so, which one is your favorite?
Jade: I do. I would say McKenna is now my favorite but before that it was Julie. Oh, and speaking of Julie... a piece of movie trivia for you. Kerris has a sister who is also an amazing singer and actress. Her name is Justine Dorsey. She played Julie in the musical shows at American Girl store in LA for a year. :)
Me: Are you wanting to pursue a career in acting?
Jade: Yes, most definitely. I love what I do!!! :)
Jade will be doing her first autograph signing on June 30th and July 3rd at San Jose Olympic trails in California. If any of you go please let me know! Unfortunately I can't go, because I don't live near California.:(
It was so much fun getting to interview Jade! Hope you all enjoyed! Can't wait for Mckenna Shoots for the Stars!:D
*Liddy*
6 comments:
On the 30th only? I'm going on the 31st :(
Nice job with the interview!
That's what Jade told me. Thanks for commenting!:)
*Liddy*
I love Jade!
Wow! Loved the interview. I read in AG mag that she has a stunt double, who does most of the tricks, but she sticks all the landings.
It's so cool how you get these interviews, Liddy!! Thank you!
P.S. Do you have a subscription to the A.G. Magazine? If you don't, they did an exclusive preview look at the set and it was cool--I'll show it to you when I see you next :)
Thanks for commenting everyone!:)
Bailey- No, unfortunately my subscription ended at Christmas, but I would love to see the article!:)
*Liddy*
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