Jacqueline Scislowski – Power Rangers: Beast Morphers

By starrymag | April 8, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) I was lucky to have booked a feature film called The Root of Perfection before leaving to film “Power Rangers!” Thankfully, the production waited till after “Power Rangers,” so that I could still be a part of it! I play Caroline Peppers, a girl full of spunk and imagination! The other project I just wrapped recently was a Lifetime movie called Top of The Class! I play Nicole the aspiring valedictorian who ends up getting tangled up in a murder case! These should be coming out soon. So stay tuned!

 

Q) We’re currently seeing you on “Power Rangers: Beast Morphers.” How was your character Zoey Reeves originally described to you?

 

A) Zoey was described as a very health-conscious, always training ambitious girl who worked in the laundry department! She had trained and aspired to become a Battle Force cadet but didn’t quite cut. However, this never stopped her from continuously trying to create new ways to help her community and the environment! She never lets her fear stop her and always tries to stay positive and motivated through anything! From there we as actors got to sort of mold our characters and add our flare!

 

Q) Was there anything you added to her that wasn’t in her initial breakdown?

 

A) I don’t know if I would say I added something specific. However, I think just from making Zoey my own and bringing parts of myself to her, it allowed me to find moments within scenes to add a specific movement or reaction that was unique to Zoey. For example, adding a fist bump with Jax (Emmett Skilton) – that wasn’t written, but I felt like that’s the sort of dynamic they would have. So, just those types of small moments!

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the show? 

 

A) Yes! Oddly enough Rorrie [Travis] and I had met eight years ago in an acting class! I was twelve years old at the time living in Chicago, but traveling back and forth to LA. I was also on a Hip-hop team at the time. So, when Rorrie and I met we instantly bonded over our dance backgrounds! We both had no idea the other was also auditioning for “Power Rangers” until we spotted each other at the last round of auditions and did a quadruple take! Little did we know we would end up filming together! SO crazy, such a small world!!

 

Q) What kind of physical and stunt prep goes into each episode? 

 

A) On the days that we were filming a stunt or fight scene, we had pretty much five minutes to learn our routines. [laughs] Sometimes if it was close to lunch you might get lucky and film after lunch. In that case, I’d sprint to lunch, grab a plate and run to rehearse! Also, we usually only had about two takes, so that was nuts! It was such an adrenaline rush though, which brought me back to the days of dancing on stage. Doing our action was my absolute favorite part! We also had the most amazingly talented Japanese and New Zealand stunt men and women, who taught me so much!

 

Q) Certainly, the Power Rangers uniforms standout. What is it like for you when you slip into Yellow Ranger mode?

 

A) I gotta say, something about a skin-tight leather suit makes you instantly feel epic and indestructible! [laughs] The minute I put the gloves on and got into my ranger stance, I was in it – Beast Mode! It’s like a power suit. I wish I still had it so that I could just wear it to anything and everything. I would 100% wear it to all job interviews and even sleep in it, just so I could feel and exude that extreme power and confidence 24/7.

 

Q) What have been some of your favorite scenes or episodes to film?

 

A) There is one episode coming up that I cannot spoil, but was unexpected and a BLAST to film, so I cannot wait for everyone to see it! Although the Halloween episode from season one is still one of my absolute favorites! Playing Ingrid Iron Axe was like a dream come true. [laughs] She sort of feels like my spirit animal or more like – spirit Viking? I can say I think the crew was a bit shocked as to how into it I was. Hopefully, Ingrid can make another appearance in the future!

 

Q) With all that goes into creating the show, how do you shake off a long day of filming?

 

A) Three words: Epic. Dance. Party! Whether it be in the makeup trailer while we all wash our faces or in the car ride home, I ALWAYS had to blast some bops and go nuts for a few minutes. A personal favorite was “Cry For You” by September or anything with a huge beat drop!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you been receiving to the series? 

 

A) I always try to express the immense amount of gratitude I have for the fans because since day one of being revealed, we have received nothing but love! The Power Rangers fandom is truly a family. Every time I go live on Instagram, the fan interaction is so positive! They are always encouraging and supporting the show, as well as all my ideas and new content! As a cast, we all knew the fans would have high expectations and that made us even more determined to give them a new season to fall in love with! So, I am truly grateful that the fans have responded to the show thus far with such love and support!

 

Q) What does it mean to you to be to portray such an iconic character – the Yellow Power Ranger?

A) Because of how impactful and special this franchise is to so many generations of people, being the Yellow Ranger didn’t just end once we wrapped. Continuing to inspire, support and motivate the fans – as Zoey does on the show – I try to do with my platforms every day. It’s truly a special feeling knowing I am a superhero in the eyes of our young audience and that is something I don’t take lightly. I am so proud to be a part of showing young girls and boys how to feel courageous, confident and inspired! It felt like big shoes to fill once finding out I had gotten this role, but if anything, it added fire to my determination to make this the best season of “Power Rangers” yet, for the new fans and the OG fans!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you! I appreciate all of the love, support, encouragement and more! It’s crazy that two years ago I was just getting into action and stunts, making random dance videos in my room and working on figuring out what would be next for my journey. Fast forward to now having filmed my first TV series and STILL making dance videos in my room, just that now. 40.3k people watch them! [laughs] It’s crazy to see dreams start to become reality and I’m thankful for now have all of you on this journey with me as well! Looking forward to what new adventures we may go on!