Student Highlight: Jai Soundar

You can spot Jai this year in Tiny Fugitives and Superman.

Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The Actor’s Scene, but we also love to share their successes with the world! One student that has really caught our attention lately is Jai Soundar. Jai has a background in theatre and commercial, but is getting ready for a big launch on the film scene this year. You will spot him in Seth Rogan’s upcoming film, Tiny Fugitives, and the new Superman film.

Let’s hear more about his acting journey so far:

Jai, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with us! It's an honor to speak with a young actor who is filled with purpose and vision. Let's start at the beginning, what made you want to become an actor?

What made me want to become an actor is that when I was about five or so I was watching a movie, and I asked my mom, “Why doesn’t anyone on TV look like me?”. In response my mom said that I should be the change I wanted to see, which is a quote by an Indian major leader, Gandhi. I didn’t understand what she said at first, but as I grew up and became an actor I could interpret what she said all those years ago. I think she meant I could either sit at home and keep wondering or get up and try to be THAT kid on TV; that way other kids wouldn’t have to ask that question anymore.

This is so cool! Acting is already a wonderful experience, but it is much more meaningful knowing that you get to be a part of the change you wanted to see when you were younger. What do you think 'little Jai' would have said if you told him that he would one day be acting in movies?

What I think little me would most likely feel in that moment is a sense of excitement and determination- and for a young little boy, a little excitement can go a long way! I’d also be excited because I had found a way to time travel in a later part of my life. You don’t know how much I wanted to learn how to time travel!

What would you say to those who want to make a positive change in the world, but feel overwhelmed by getting started?

To those who want to make a big change to the world through acting make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons; such as because you love it or because you were inspired. Be wary, though, of the other reasons some people go into acting. You should never do acting if you don’t want to or if you’re forced to. Don’t act for the popularity because if you act for popularity you mix up your career life and your personal life.

Also even though it’s scary, just try and push through the fear because it’s better than not attempting it at all!

What is it that you love about being an actor?

I can express my feelings and emotion through acting in ways I couldn’t if I wasn’t an actor. I also really like acting because I can inspire kids of all ethnicities to do what they want to do. The stories out there should include people who look different. I think that’s meaningful and makes people feel like they belong in this world.

What was something that surprised you about first working on a set?

The first time I ever went on a set my role was a small role, but even the smallest role can have a big impact! Although my role was small, I had to stay there for a week- which just shows that there are no small roles, only small actors who don’t feel blessed about acting in any role (no matter how big or small).

I was also surprised by how much was involved in making film and TV. The crew on every set work SO HARD. They are the best, and I always try and remember to say Thank You to them.

Yes! Staying grateful and thankful are so important! Tell us, what are some of your favorite types of acting moments?

Some of my favorite moments in filming are probably scenes with stunts because they give me a sense of exhilaration. I love doing things that are built around the concept of exhilaration, such as rollercoasters, competitions, and exhilarating video games. Also some of my favorite moments are acting with other people. I love watching other people act and I love laughing or smiling with them after Cut is called.

So many actors are curious about what it's like doing stunts on a set. Can you tell us more about what you did (or what you saw) and what the process was like?

Since the movie I did a stunt in is not released yet I can’t say too much, but what I can say to those who don’t know what the stunt process is like, it is very safe since we have stunt doubles. Stunt doubles do stunts so that the actual actor is safe from all the trouble. Everyone on set always made sure I was comfortable and fine with everything I was doing, which was really nice.

Very cool. Let's switch gears and talk about about your acting training. What is some of the best acting advice you have been given?

Most of the tips that have been given to me have morphed me into the actor I am now. An example of one of those tips is the One-to-Ten Energy Scale, ‘One’ meaning use very low amounts of energy (nearly the amount of energy people use when they sleep) and ‘Ten’ means go all out, be energetic, like the life of the party.

Another tip I will always remember is when someone told me to act in a way people can connect with you. I don’t know if I always do that, but I try.

You know that at TAS, confidence is very important to us. So, we have to know, what makes you feel confident?

When it comes to acting I feel confident in a quiet place while practicing lines because I have room for error. When it’s quiet I can increase my knowledge on acting while also being able to get to know my character.

Making space to be quiet is wonderful advice! Tell us more about your process for 'getting to know your character'. Tell us the steps you take and what you find helpful.

I mark up all my scripts with the emotions I’d use for each line, the way I will move my body, and the level of energy I will use. It takes the longest part of my prep, but it’s the most helpful for me. I also try not to get too set in stone on my ways, in case the director wants me to change my tone or approach.

What would be your dream role or acting project?

My dream project would be, to be in the expected Third Avatar the Last Airbender series because I love the series concept. I’m also a huge fan of the Sci – Fi genre.

Two other films I’d like to be in are Pokémon (the anime) and The Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie. And any DCU or Marvel movie would be icing on the cake.

Finally, what advice do you have for other young actors just getting started?

I’d give them the advice, “No matter who you are or where you’re from you can do anything you want… you just have to put your mind to it” As well as to do what you want to do, if you want to be an actor that’s great and if you don’t want to be an actor, that’s okay. Don’t let anybody pave the way for you.

I also learned something important from Johnny Knoxville when I worked with him on a recent film. He told me that if there isn’t a movie or a role you’re getting out there, MAKE a role for yourself. Create something and make yourself unique. I will never forget that.

Parent's Corner

Parents know that it takes a lot of hard work to make sure their babies shine brightly in the spotlight. We are so thankful to have Jai's mother, Devi, join us with some tips and advice for parents of young actors.

Devi, thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions. To start off, what is some advice you’d give to other parents of young actors?

We are fairly new to this ourselves, but I would say what has helped us as a family is:

We check in with Jai often on his feelings about the industry. We often ask him if he is enjoying himself, as this process can be very confusing when you submit tapes and are not expected to hear feedback- especially at such a young age!
We also reassure him that we are just here to support him and if at any point he wants to stop, we can! That way, he doesn’t feel a certain pressure or harbor a feeling that he is letting us down.
We rely heavily on advice from his wonderful acting/music coaches, as they’ve navigated this much more than we have as his parents.
We listen to podcasts about how to help support child actors in such a tough industry (Parenting in the Spotlight by Denise Simon) is a great one.

That is wonderful advice! Do you have any helpful tools you picked up along the way?

My husband and I poured into all the research we could regarding how to properly support a child actor. We have watched a few helpful masterclasses on voice and acting, as we ourselves have no personal background in performing arts. In our family, we keep it simple by asking Jai 3 questions after every set day.

1. Are you gaining joy out of this? We remind him a ‘win’ is not booking. He should enjoy the character breakdown, self-tape, audition, and callback process too–because they are all a part of his craft. We also tell him that every part of acting is just self-betterment. If he doesn’t end up an actor, at least he will have an immense understanding of emotional intelligence, confidence, public speaking skills, etc.

2. Do you feel like you’re using your own voice? Through our research, we noticed child actors can especially be overlooked or feel the pressure of acting in a way unnatural to them to impress adults. Even during our self-tapes, I try to remind myself that I can’t ask Jai to change the way he’s acting, because he’s the experienced one in it, not me! And if he’s not using his own voice and own approach, it just won’t come out authentic.

3. Are you giving back? It’s pretty unconventional for a 10 year old to have a job in general! After a project he did in school, Jai really felt compassionate about donating to Smile Train, a nonprofit organization and charity providing corrective surgery for children with cleft lip/palates. Jai came to us and said he wanted to donate some of his last earnings from his film to the charity, and we were proud to hear it.

Honestly this is a side of acting that you don't hear talked about very often. There is such a tremendous opportunity to spotlight those in need; you must have been incredibly proud to hear your young actor want to get involved and help. How did you foster that conversation and desire to make a difference?

Thank you, we are so very proud! To be honest, I don’t know how, but Jai has always been very emotionally aware. When we travel to India, he is always overwhelmed with the disparities he sees in some of the areas we travel. What made him specifically passionate about assisting children with cleft lips is after a discussion at his school when he saw pictures and heard stories of kids who struggle, not just with physical appearance but with some abilities to speak due to the disability. We like Smile Train because they do so much more than surgery–they also help children with nutritional, speech, orthodontic support, hearing care and psychosocial counseling.

Tell us what makes it all worth it? Why do you keep going, even when things get hard?

Jai looked up at us when he was five and asked us- point blank- why no one else on TV looked like him. We were shocked and didn’t know what to say at the time, mainly because it was so young for him to pick up on that. Fast forward to now, what makes it all worth it is when we see Jai get so excited about seeing diversity on the screen.

We keep going because his mission is to tell stories and work with actors/directors who want to cast all ethnicities. Even though he gets half (if not a third) of the auditions his peers receive, because he doesn’t always fit the description, he works several hours a day because he wants kids watching him at home to feel they can be a part of any narrative, too. Though acting is a completely new territory for our family, we do it for that five year old Jai who taught us how impactful representation can be.

That is amazing! Way to go Jai, and thank you Devi, for taking the time to answer these questions for us. We know that other parents will find your input a valuable part of their own journeys.

Want to keep up with Jai?

Check him out on:

IMDb

Instagram

Actor’s Access (Resume)

Jai and his family support Smile Train, a charity that benefits children around the world who are born with cleft lips.

Student Highlight: Jai Soundar