Eight year-old Jessica Clarke books Online Learning and shares her experience with classmates at 3-2-1- Acting school for kids in Los Angeles. Jessica, tell us about the commercial you shot recently. What was it for?
Jessica: It was “Online Learning.”
We’ve attached the link to your commercial in this article. What can you tell us about your audition process? What did you do that got the job?
Wow! Congratulations! That’s called “book a look” when you’re cast off your headshot or photo. That means you had just the look casting wanted for this project. How did that feel?
Jessica: I was a bit nervous that everyone will think that I won’t be so fun to do it with.
It’s natural to wonder how you’ll fit in with other cast members and the crew, but I bet once you got on set you were great and everything went well.
Jessica: Yeah. Everyone was so nice.
What kind of preparation did you go through once you got on set? Did you go to make-up or did they dress your hair?
Jessica: Yep. It looked kind of like—they twirled and twirled and twirled, and they kind of bobby-pinned it like this to make my hair go nice and neat.
Yes, it looks very nice in the final cut. And there you are, front and center! It looks like you’re really in school, too. Where was set?
Jessica: It was in a real classroom. I did lots of things there. We had to bring my rolling backpack of course and ended up we didn’t end up doing any of my work.
It’s great to always bring homework, but since this was a Saturday shoot, the requirements for school work on set are a little different.
Jessica: Yeah. I’m a homeschooler, so I can do any job I need to. I do school work every day. Well, usually Saturdays we do a little bit of work.
In the final cut, it looks like you’re in a classroom watching a show-and-tell type of student presentation. You look really wrapped up in the presentation. Did you use any acting techniques to look so interested?
Jessica: Yes. I was thinking like I was smelling cookies, and I was staring at them.
You mean you were pretending you could smell cookies during that take?
Jessica: Yeah. Like I was sitting in front of an oven, and I was doing this. (stares eagerly ahead) Like, “I smell cookies!”
Wow, terrific! Yes, visualization is an important tool to bring added reality and depth to what you’re doing in any scene. Great job applying that technique! Have you used that tool before?
Jessica: Well, I thought of doing it in my bed one night, and I tried that, and it ended up I started giggling in my head.
Do you ever try it out in any of your acting classes for kids here at 3-2-1- Acting?
Jessica: Yes, I have. Like the camera has been an oven full of, like, sweets and treats.
I’ll bet that really helps to keep your attention on the camera during a rehearsal or a take.
Jessica: Oh, yes!
You’ve been taking classes here at 3-2-1- Acting school for children, teens and young adults in Los Angeles for a little while now. What’s your experience been like here at 3-2-1-?
Jessica: That it’s very fun, and it’s great, and it gets your skills to not be shy anymore.
You sure don’t seem shy now. Does what you learn in acting class help you when you meet other people?
Jessica: Yes, and it helps me to not be shy anymore.
That’s great to hear. I never think of you as shy. Did you used to be shy?
Jessica: Very shy.
Why were you shy before?
Jessica: Because everyone would–used to laugh at me usually.
But that doesn’t happen now?
Jessica: Nope, because I’m very talkative now.
You seem very comfortable and confident for this interview. Well done. So, if you were going to be talkative about 3-2-1-, what would you tell other kids about the classes or this kids acting school in Los Angeles?
Jessica: Well, I would tell them that you should try out for 3-2-1- Acting Studios. And it’s very fun. And you might want to do it for a long, long time. You might want to do Showcasing to get an agent.”
Yes, the Talent Showcase and Acting Career Seminar is a wonderful and quite successful program in helping young people get into acting professionally, just like you have. Do you like having a talent agent?
Jessica: Yep. And she wanted me, and she thought I looked nice and cute.
Well, you are nice and cute. And it sounds like your talent agent is the right fit for you, sending you for auditions and helping you book jobs!
Jessica: Yes, she sends me on a lot of auditions.
Sounds like she’s a good part of your team.
Jessica: Yep!
Jessica, we’re excited to see your professional progress and can’t wait to hear about what you do next! It’s great you’re keeping up your training, too, so you’re always ready for that next audition and your next big job. Keep it up, keep in touch, and we’ll keep everyone posted right here on your future successes! Congratulations again!
