I am Kymoura Terry-Kennedy. When in middle school I was is Chorus, my chorus teacher Ms. Hines suggested that I audition for Pebblebrook “Performing Arts” High. I remember being so nervous (clammy hands and all) when it was my turn to audition I ended up doing a Maya Angelou poem “Still I Rise” and the feeling of people watching me turned my nervous feeling into a powerful optimistic light. The way I felt inside was indescribable. I felt overjoyed and relieved that they had chosen me to attend the school. I felt free. Finally, something i felt I was actually good at. I loved acting and acting loved me.
Did you study acting
Mr. Adams was my drama teacher in high school. The performing arts program at Pebblebrook was so ahead of its time as far as the art of acting and getting a actor prepared to really transform into the character. I learned well in advance so many different techniques. The program was so refreshing and eye opening. It gave me an outlet to be myself. Every year the curriculum was more intense and complex. The older students gave me great feedback and I looked up to them. One senior in particular I remember looking up to her she was (in my eyes) the best actress on the planet. Jameelah Nuriddin til this day I follow her on facebook and track her progress. Her acting ability was everything to me.
What acting technique do you use
“Stan” the man (Stanisvlaski), Meisner, Alexander Techniques, Tai Chi, Uta Hagen. All of these masters of the craft of acting have contributed in some way shape or form to how i develop characters and how I look at acting as an art form. Acting gives actors a chance to live in imaginary circumstances. Who doesn’t want to live the life of another person for 3 weeks or one night. Acting is an out of body experience for me every single time no matter the role no matter for how long. Alexander technique and Tai-Chi keeps my body aligned and helps me transform not just the way I speak but also the way i move on stage when I’m playing a character.
How do you keep fit as an actor: physically, mentally
Tai Chi and I take cycling classes. I’m not that big of a gym/workout person. I eat healthy and maintain a good work/life balance.
How do you prepare for role
I read the script quite a few times. I have rehearsal with the other actors outside of the rehearsal schedule. You can’t rehearse enough. Try different things every time but maintain you objective and get what you want from the other characters.
How do you stay fresh on a production set
I (Kymoura Terry-Kennedy) keep focus during re-takes. I ask for constructive criticism during down times. Sometime improve is requested which adds some oomph to the scene when the next take happens.
Explain one creative choice you made on set
Improv…Improv….Improv..is my best friend.
Describe a memorable character you played
Multiple Characters/George Street Playhouse Educational Tour/2010
What do you want most from a director
Guidance and Communication helps maintain a great actor/director relationship. I love directors that also let me find way with the script and character. l love to have that journey with finding my way through the analysis of the character I’m portraying.
What do you want most from an actor
Commitment and Teamwork. Becoming and being a professional working actor. An actor who knows how to take direction. An actor that fully commits to the role and works as a cohesive to put on a outstanding show
What advice would you give to actors
Be Yourself. Give Yourself. Act as if the character is yourself living in imaginary circumstances. Study, Study, and Study Some more. Leave it all on the stage or on the set. Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t overthink. Be cool. Acting is doing. Do something
Briefly write about your career
A couple of years ago, I attended The American Musical & Dramatic Academy where I gained immediate exposure to the innovating and inspirational world of Broadway in New York City. It wasn’t until I moved to Georgia that the TV/Film industry sparked my interest I booked “The Conjuring” Directed by James Wan. And recently wrapped with Rising Sage Theatre “Chainz/Broken” and Out of Box Theatre “The Submission” which I won for Lead Actress at the 2014 Metropolitan Theatre Awards.
