Jade Pettyjohn – School of Rock

By starrymag | March 31, 2016

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

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

A) “School of Rock” is my most recent project that I’ve been working on. So, make sure to check that out on Saturdays at 8pm on Nickelodeon. I also have an independent film coming out this year, which is the opposite of “School of Rock.” It’s called Girl Flu.

Q) Please tell us about your film Girl Flu and about your character.

A) It’s a coming of age film that follows a girl named Bird. She gets her period for the first time and she is learning how to cope with being a woman.

Q) How did you come to be a part of the show “School of Rock?”

A) I got a call from my manager and agent saying that they wanted to see me because I got an audition for the TV show of “School of Rock.” I had a freakout moment because I loved the movie. So, I auditioned for it about six times with different kinds of auditions and different actors. And here I am now!

Q) Did your character change at all from your original audition?

A) I would say so. There was a certain amount of time to prepare for the audition and add my touches to her. Now we have a full season of the show, I get to play around with her and add nuances that may not have been in the film. So, there is time for me to put my own touches on it.

Q) What are some of your additions to the role?

A) I really just talked to the writers to see what they are going for. I took the character created by Miranda Cosgrove who had a sarcastic take to it and I definitely used that and added a loving, girly aspect to her. There is some other fun stuff, but you’ll just have to watch!

Q) In what ways do you identify with your character Summer?

A) I definitely connect with her. We are different types of people, but I love playing her and how she gets stuff done. She is super productive and wants to make sure things get done. I really love that attribute to her. I love how much she loves academics and that’s something I definitely connect with her as well.

Q) Is there anyone you wish you got to work with more?

A) Fortunately, we have some really great writers and I have different scenes with all the cast members. It’s pretty balanced out so I can’t wait to show everyone all the scenes we have been working on.

Q) What can you tease is in store this season for Summer?

A) She learns a lot. A little spoiler that I can say that you will have to watch is that she gets to rap for something. So, that will be pretty interesting.

Q) Did you have to practice a lot for that scene much?

A) Absolutely! In the car, I would blast out Big Boi, Eminem, Kanye West or Dr. Dre and just try my best to rap. I figured it out!

Q) What is it about the show that has hooked viewers?

A) I definitely think that what drew me to the project was music and I love it was a group of kids who learns how to express themselves through music. They get together and form a band. Hopefully, it inspires some kids to pick up an instrument, play some music and listen to music they haven’t heard before.

Q) Many schools don’t get the instruments they need for their music program. Is this a good way to inspire kids to get involved in the arts?

A) Absolutely! I one hundred percent agree with that. I think it is so important for kids to have art programs in their schools. It’s such a beautiful thing to create art, dance or be a part of the drama department. It’s such an important thing I think and it is super fun. I really hope that it changes and I hope that we can all make a difference about that.

Q) What makes Nickelodeon such a good fit for the show?

A) I think that the film has a few Nickelodeon elements in it to begin with. I think it is a great launching pad. Once we got the opportunity to make this series on Nickelodeon I think it was really genius and I think it is really fun. You get to follow the kids more, which is a Nickelodeon thing. And we have amazing writers to blend everything together.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming “School of Rock?”

A) I think one of the really fun moments was in the first episode where we got to play as a band for the first time. We used classical instruments and then turned it into our own rock band version. That was really fun because we got to turn it into something amazing. It was great because we all play instruments in real life. So, getting that flavor was a spark of something. That was a really great moment on set.

Q) How has music had an impact on you?

A) That’s a really good question. Music is such a big part of my life. I think music is universal and I love hearing stories. I love listening to different artists. They have their own stories to tell, but there is something that you can relate to. It makes you imagine and playing it is a whole other amazing thing. You get to create your own stories and communicate. That’s a really big thing and has influenced me a lot.

Q) Who are some of your favorite artists?

A) I have so many of them! Recently, I have bene listening a lot to Alessia Cara, Twenty-One Pilots, Fiona Apple and The White Stripes. There are so many that the list goes on and on. I listen to jazz, rock, rap and pop. I listen to everything!

Q) What have been some of your favorite Nickelodeon shows?

A) I was definitely a big fan of “iCarly.” I loved it and think Miranda Cosgrove and Jennette McCurdy are amazing. I loved “Zooey 101.” They were amazing! I also really loved “Henry Dangerous” and I got it work on that show, which was super fun.

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying the instant fan feedback you have been receiving to the show?

A) It’s been great! I love hearing what people thought of the show. I think it is super cool. There are some artists I have seen on Instagram and on Twitter that make fan art and I think that is so cool! I love it so much!

Q) What have you taken away from your time on “School of Rock?”

A) I have taken away a lot. I learned a lot about physical comedy through Tony Cavalero who plays Dewey on the show. It was amazing for me as well because I got to play music with other kids my age who were musicians. I have met some of my best friends that way who are some of my castmates. It’s been a pretty epic experience overall.