14-year-old rising actress and recording artist Kayla Bohan as she discusses her lead role alongside Emmy and Tony-nominated "Glee" star Matthew Morrison in the feature film "From Embers.”
All images courtesy mw-pr.com Photographer: Kate Bohan
You began your acting career at a very young age. How did you first get interested in acting, and what inspired you to pursue it so early?
I had some acting experience from school plays and community theater. I liked taking on different roles and playing characters. I made my first feature-length film when I was seven years old and I received a lot of positive feedback, which encouraged me to continue pursuing it.
Can you tell us more about your character in "From Embers" and how you prepared for this role, especially considering the emotional depth and complexity involved?
I read the script multiple times very carefully trying to gain a deep understanding of the story and its themes—especially my character’s motivations as well as her relationships and development throughout the story. Three years ago, my favorite cat went missing and I couldn't find him. Whenever I think of him, I get sad and begin tearing up. I know what it means to lose a loved one or in this case a treasured pet. I try to use my memories and life experiences to create a connection with my characters. I think this helps me bring authenticity to the roles I play.
What was it like working alongside Matthew Morrison in "From Embers"? Did you learn anything from him that you think will stick with you throughout your career?
Yes. It was really wonderful being in scenes with Matthew. Matthew Morrison is a very talented and intelligent actor. It was such an honor and pleasure to work with him. In this movie, I play his thirteen-year-old daughter. Matthew is very generous and taught me so much. More and more I’m learning how to draw from personal experiences to infuse authenticity into the characters I play. I hope people will enjoy this film and that the characters and story will remain in people's hearts and minds long after they leave the theater.
You wrote two theme songs for "From Embers." How did you balance your roles as both an actress and a songwriter, and what was the inspiration behind these songs?
My character is a 13 years old named Chloe. The role is an emotional one and a significant part of the story about a mother trying to uncover the truth about her husband's death. I really took a lot of time developing an understanding of the story and my character’s importance in it. The character, Chloe, is very similar to me—a girl who loves art and is full of love and kindness towards people. In the creative process, the other actors, crew, and set helped inspire me to bring the Chloe character to life. I am also very honored to have become a part of the music in this film. “Panorama” is a sweet, heartfelt song. I tried to imagine how the character, Chloe, might sing about her father and put that feeling into the songs. That’s where the inspiration came for that song. The song “Maybe This Is How Life Should Be” was inspired by a first-person narration of a child writing to her mother. It's about love and longing. It’s deep and personal with the lyrics representing the sadness that was shown throughout the film. Each line of lyrics tells a story. Even though you may lose what you love, in the end, love will find a way to come back to you in another form.
Can you walk us through your creative process when it comes to writing music? How does it differ from your approach to acting?
Singing a song and performing are different, but they are inseparable. When you finish writing a song, you need to then inject the performance element to add vitality to it. As an actor, your performance is purely the meaning of your role. So, I think songwriting and performance complement each other. Music brings strength to people. Music is full of passion and actors are living beings that breathe life into characters that allow the audience to see themselves and feel emotions in the roles the actors play.
What was the most challenging scene for you in "From Embers," and how did you tackle those challenges?
There was a scene where I had to run in the rain in the dark, and I had to fall down multiple times. I was drenched by the heavy rain and it was in late at night. I was exhausted, cold, and sore. But I gritted my teeth and finished it, even though my palms and knees were hurting. I am proud of myself and my team. We performed the scene very well in spite of the hardships.
What other projects are you currently working on, or do you have any exciting plans for the future that you can share with us?
This year is my first year of high school, and I am very much looking forward to it. At the same time, my studies do not allow me to do very much at the same time. But during the holidays I’m looking forward to being able to act in a movie about teenagers.
As a rising young star, how do you navigate the pressures and expectations of the industry, and what advice would you give to other young actors and musicians trying to make their mark?
Pressure varies from person to person. Obviously, I have to face some challenges and pressure in my studies, which is a driving force for me to move forward. My advice would be to like and be true to yourself—and to stick to what you love.
Can you share a memorable moment or behind-the-scenes experience from working on "From Embers" that stands out to you?
Yes, sometimes I get nervous on set and forget my lines. When I saw the behind-the-scenes footage, I found it very interesting because I could see how I continuously improved over time as I became more confident with the material and the character I was playing. It’s a good reminder to keep trying, to never give up, and to keep practicing and embracing the process.
What are the most important things you have learned while growing up as an artist?
Practice, practice, practice, and more practice. Everything gets easier the more you practice. Always try to express yourself in your art. This will make your art more unique and beautiful.
Where can people find more information about your work and upcoming projects?
I am active on Instagram @kayla.bohan and YouTube @KaylaBohan. My personal website is kaylavbohan.com. And you can find my music on all the major music platforms. Feel free to reach out