Spotlight Kayla
Welcome to the Carter’s Crew: Spotlight. Let’s get our interview started with Kayla McClure who plays “Alice”.
CS:How are you doing today Kayla?
KM : Really well, thanks!
CS: The audience has read a little about your character “Alice” in the Crew: Character run down section. Is there something else about the character we may not know?
KM: Alice is a pretty typical teenage girl on the outside but when it comes to meeting people, stepping out and making friends, she’s really reserved and shy. I think one reason she acts like that way is because there aren’t very many people she can trust in her life - so she tends to shut down and doesn’t even try to reach out to people.
CS: Tell me about some of the similarities and differences you have between you and your character. Why do you think you connect to the role of Alice?
KM: Similarities: Wow, Alice and I are so opposite…but let’ see … well, Alice does love to dance and so do I! That’s one thing we have in common. Differences: Like I mentioned earlier, she’s reserved and shy, I really like meeting new people! Also, Alice’s family is quite different from mine. My family is supportive; they always have my back and Alice’s family isn’t very stable at all. She's not getting the support at home like she should.
I think I connect to the character of Alice because I feel compassion for her. Everyone has times when they feel like they’re an outsider, so I draw from that to help make her “real”.
CS: You are now part of the Crew and you're Alice!! How do you feel about all of this?
KM: I am so excited and the Crew has really been great. They welcomed me with open arms from the start - I never felt like the” new girl” – just part of the Crew. I can’t wait to work with them full time!
It was really interesting how things came together for me as far as becoming part of the show. I was involved in our church theatre and dance group for many years. Recently, I felt that season was coming to end, that a change was coming. So, I prayed about it and decided to take a break for awhile. When I made the decision I felt totally at peace about it. Shortly after that I heard about the casting call, I came out, auditioned and landed the role of Alice! God definitely had a plan and I’m excited to see it unfold.
CS: Do you think Alice will be a challenging character for you (in a good way) because of the things she goes through in life?
KM: I like challenges and I think it’s good to “walk in someone else’s shoes”; you’re able to see what people are going through, what challenges they face.
CS: Tell us about your audition process? What was that like for you?
KM: The audition process for Carter’s Crew was really different from other auditions I’ve gone to. Especially for dance auditions, judges are on stage sitting behind a table, (looking very stern), or behind a camera just waiting for you to read or dance etc. At the Carter’s Crew auditions I was able to relax and have fun with the cast members that I was assigned to read with. Everyone was really supportive as well. LOL, the improvisation part was kind of tough, but now that I’ve done more of it in our training classes, I feel more confident.
CS: Onto another area, being part of the production means long hours, early mornings and a great deal of work. Does that bother you at all?
KM: No, not at all. I like being busy and I like a challenge. I’m looking forward to the work and bonding with the Crew.
CS: Okay, now let’s get to know you a bit more.
- Chocolate or Vanilla : Vanilla
- Truth or Dare: Truth
- Mountains or Beach: Mountains
- Loud or Quiet: Depends on the situation
- Spicy or Mild: Spicy
- Busy or Chillin:’ Busy
- Sports Car or Motorcycle: Sports Car- corvette
- Theatre or Film: Both
- Sushi or Fried Chicken: Sushi
CS: What’s your favorite color? Purple or yellow depending on the day
CS: What’s your favorite food? Mexican or Italian
CS: What’s your favorite sport? Dance and jiu-jitsu
CS: Favorite artist or band? Brooke Fraser – She was originally part of the Hillsong worship team. Now she has her own album out and it’s pretty cool!
CS: How has a relationship with the Lord helped your life?
KM: My relationship with God is everything to me. He's made such a real difference in my life, a difference that I can see. Every time, I get in the word I’m reminded of how much loves me. For those who are unsure about God I would say this: People may think He is distant, judgmental and just looks down on everyone, ready to punish them when they fall. But God loves us more than we can ever realize. He knows everything about us, every prayer, every fear, every dream and he wants to become part of our life - to be a help in times of trouble, to walk us through every season of our lives.
