Ruth Righi – Sydney to the Max

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What are the projects that you have recently been working on?

A) Being on set takes up a lot of my time so I’m usually there. When I’m not, I’m trying to work on my music and stuff like that. I’m trying to focus on school as well since I still go all the time. Usually, I’m on set, but since we have been on quarantine, I’m social distancing and have more time to make music, practicing different instruments and focusing on school.

Q) How was your character Sydney Reynolds on “Sydney to the Max” originally described to you?

A) When I first auditioned, I got a little character description and I got to read the draft of the first episode. Right away she was super bold, super outspoken and stood up for what she believed in. I thought that was really special.

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

A) Initially, I think she was supposed to be a skater and I’m kind of glad they didn’t do that since I’m not very talented in that arena. After they found out I played bass, they added that to the character on the show.

Q) Before the COVID-19 concerns, did the cast spend much time together off set?

A) Definitely! The whole cast is together every single day, especially Ava and I since we’re in almost every scene. So, we spend a lot of time together on set and at lunch we’re together. Then, on the weekends or whenever we have a break we try to go hang out, see a movie or have a sleepover.

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it something that comes naturally to you or have you had to work at it?

A) I think I can relate to Sydney and some of her personality traits. Her way of speaking kind of came easily to me. I always loved performing and watching comedies and sitcoms. So, it’s a really cool experience to get to do that with Sydney.

Q) With new episodes coming out, what can you tease is in store for Sydney this season?

A) An episode came out recently that was something Disney had never done before and it was about Sydney getting her period. It was cool because it’s something that every girl gets and Disney has never done an episode on it before. So, kind of normalizing that was something really special. There is also an episode coming out where Sydney gets to sing a little bit. I’m really excited for that. There are a few songs this season. We touch on some really important topics, such as environmental awareness and attention disorders. There is some really cool stuff that was put into Season 2.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you get to the episodes?

A) I really love it when someone tells me they watch the show because it reflects everything that we’ve been doing and the hard work we put into the show and how much love we put into the show. To see that reciprocated and people watching it is really sweet and amazing. I get little DMs on Instagram and Twitter and it always warms my heart to see people connect with the show and connect with the topics that we talk about.

Q) What do you think it is about “Sydney to the Max” that has made it a fast fan favorite series?

A) I think what is really cool about it that people have liked is that it is a family show that the whole family can watch together. The adults can relate to and it can start a conversation of, “This happened to me. Did it happen to you?” That kind of helps bond the family together, which is something really amazing about the show and also the new topics that it is addressing.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure we share with our readers about this sweet series?

A) I think the amount of fun we have; I think it’s really cool how it’s shown on the show and how people have taken away that from the show. There is so much love put into the show and I just love the response that it’s been getting.

Q) What advice would you give to other young individuals hoping to become actors and actresses?

A) A lot of people say this, but I think it’s really true, keep doing what you’re doing. Of course, there are going to be no’s and rejections. That’s a lot of the job and audition process, but if you really love it then just keep doing what you’re doing and your hard work will pay off.

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

A) I would just say thank you so much for watching the show. Their support warms my heart and I love getting to know you guys and I love you!