Juliet Doherty – High Strung Free Dance

By starrymag | November 6, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) This year I was able to perform a dream role of mine Lise in an 8-week run of the musical An American in Paris. Most recently I worked on the set of Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story coming out in 2020.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the film High Strung Free Dance.

 

A) High Strung Free Dance follows 3 artists – a dancer (my character, Barlow), a musician and a choreographer as they create a Broadway show.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the movie?

 

A) When I first read the script, I knew I wanted to be a part of a film that showcased the entertainment world in such a great light. From a dancer’s point of view, I found the narrative to be an honest account of an artists’ struggles to catch a break while telling the story in a very uplifting and inspiring way.

 

Q) How was your character originally described to you?

 

A) When I auditioned Barlow was described to me as a bright-eyed, optimistic dancer with BIG aspirations.

 

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

 

A) Barlow is a very intense and driven character. I tried to add some goofiness for levity when the scene allowed.

 

Q) What kind of physical and mental work went into getting prepared for this role?

 

A) Physically, I was training very hard before arriving on location in Bucharest where we shot interiors for the film, training 5+ hours a day. Once the cast all arrived in Romania we rehearsed for eight hours a day for three weeks to choreograph all the pieces in the film.

 

The mental work came later for me. It was a daily practice of looking at what we were shooting and getting into the right mindset and focus for those scenes.

 

Q) What advice did director Michael Damian offer while shooting that you took to heart?

 

A) I loved working with Michael. When directing me, sometimes he would ask for more “dynamic energy”. It is something so straightforward; it’s the secret ingredient. I remind myself of that phrase frequently.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming?

 

A) Some of my favorite moments were made around 4 am, when we were just being silly and sleepy, but enjoying the company of the incredible group of people on set. We all worked really intensely for 8-weeks straight, the cast got really close.

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming?

 

A) I’d sleep almost exclusively… and I’d order room service.

 

Q) What do you think it is about High Strung Free Dance that will make it a fast fan favorite film?

 

A) I think people will fall in love with the characters, each one so specific and relatable. Artist and non-artist alike, the film will move you and amaze you with its range of talents and ingenuity.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive from viewers?

 

A) Yes! I hope people will send me their reactions and I’m looking forward to connecting with fans of the film.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

 

A) Well, first off, THANK YOU x infinity. It means a lot to have the literal blood, sweat and tears of a project be recognized and appreciated. I would also like to say to the supporters who are mentors or have kids – take them to the theaters on Oct 11. The message of this film is so important to see and be exposed to while you’re growing up, encountering different people, and finding out the workings of the world.