Having made many appearances in short films and stage productions, this year, Sarah Kay Jolly played the role of Young Teddie in two episodes of Netflix release Grace and Frankie. For the short film Emma Rae, where Sarah starred as the title character, she won Best Young Actress at the Top Shorts Film Festival. Sitting down to answer our questions, Sarah tells us about appearing in Grace and Frankie, her short film Emma Rae and attending Cannes Film Festival.
You play Young Teddie in Series 4 of Netflix’s Grace and Frankie, can you tell us about your character?
Teddie is Frankie’s older sister, and I play her when she was a kid! She is witty, sassy and definitely a fun older sister.
What was it like on set of the show and how long after auditioning did you start filming?
It was amazing! Everyone was so welcoming and nice to be around. The entire cast and crew made me feel like I belonged there. It was such an amazing experience! We started filming after less than a week! I found out that I booked the role in the morning, had a wardrobe fitting that afternoon, and my first day of filming was a couple of days later! I filmed on two different days since I was in two episodes. Each scene took about six hours to film!
Can you tell us about the short film Emma Rae, in which you play the titled character?
Emma Rae is a dark film that explores issues of abuse, drugs and bullying. My character, Emma Rae, highlights the dark, turbulent times that many teenagers must navigate. Emma Rae is a teen, who has been discarded by most of the people in her life, and she is being raised in the foster care system. The character has been abandoned, broken and bullied. She is dark, calculated and charming, and she does what she must to survive. It was super emotionally and physically challenging playing Emma Rae, but one of my favourite roles.
Your portrayal of Emma Rae saw you win the Best Young Actress Award at the Top Shorts Film Festival, what was this like?
It was such an honour! This was the first award I have ever won, so I was very surprised! I also just found out that I received the Award of Merit for Best Leading Actress by Indie Fest Film Awards.
How was it attending the Cannes Film Festival and which other festivals have you attended with Emma Rae?
It was absolutely incredible. It was probably the best week of my life! The culture there is so different! The food was amazing and the people were so nice. If I could experience it again, I would go back in a heartbeat. Hopefully one day I have the opportunity. I have actually attended a few festivals for Emma Rae, I also attended the United States premier at the Burbank International Film Festival. Right after that, Emma Rae screened at the Awareness Film Festival. I’m looking forward to attending many more festivals with Emma Rae.
When did you get into acting and how did you start?
I started doing theatre when I was nine years old. It was fun, but I wanted to be on TV. So, after a lot of begging, my mom finally took me to LA to meet with agents and managers. I signed with an agent and it basically took off from there!
What do you remember from your first ever audition?
I can remember being super excited but nervous at the same time. I was scared I would forget a line and embarrass myself! Thankfully, I don’t feel like that during auditions anymore.
What would your dream role be?
I love dramatic roles. I would love to be in a full-length feature or TV series playing a role that is mysterious and dark.
You appeared in an episode of Teens Wanna Know, what topics did you cover?
This was a light-hearted interview in which I was asked what I would do with an extra hour of time every day. I answered that I would watch more Netflix and Snapchat my friends.
We understand you’re involved with charity/volunteer work, can you tell us about this?
I love volunteer work! Currently, I volunteer at a retirement home every week, and am the head of the Colorado branch for The Shoe Crew. I have also volunteered for Say No To Bullying, LA Rescue Mission, A Place Called Home, Christmas is Joy, Together We Rise and The Jonathan Foundation!
Do you have any projects that you are currently working on or have coming up for 2019?
About six months ago, my independent short film Emma Rae premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Based on the feedback we received, the writer/director started writing the feature film. Hopefully production on the feature will start in the near future. Until then, I am continuing to audition for TV and film projects, and hopefully new roles introduce themselves throughout the year!
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