Kayla Henry
She played in Stephen Baxter‘s Dollar Baby Rest Stop as Carrie.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Kayla Henry: I am a Montreal based actor. I grew up in a small town in the Laurentians of Quebec, Canada, and moved to the city of Montreal to study theatre at Dawson College. I have been working as an actor since graduating in 2016. I am also a musician and singer/songwriter.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?
Kayla Henry: I think I’ve always known. I consider myself lucky to have had such certainty in my path from a young age. I’ve never really veered away from the arts, and I don’t plan on it. Acting is such a broad umbrella that there is always something new to discover, it keeps me inspired and motivated.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Rest Stop Dollar Baby film?
Kayla Henry: I submitted to the casting call for the role of Leah. After watching my acting demo reel, Stephen emailed me to request that I audition for Carrie. I sent in my self-tape, and the rest is history.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Kayla Henry: Simple: A solid main character, with a real internal conflict.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Kayla Henry: I auditioned for the part.
SKSM: You worked with Stephen Baxter on this film, how was that?
Kayla Henry: Wonderful! Stephen knows how to surround himself with organized and motivated artists, so the cast and crew acted as a well-oiled machine. As a director, Stephen was both precise and open. He showed that he had a clear vision, and a great deal of trust in his actors. His approach allowed for creativity and discovery, that’s all you can ask for!
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Kayla Henry: Well, Eric Davis would tell you that at the end of each take of the book reading scene, I would enthusiastically follow him all the way off screen, in character, with a ridiculously eager smile so that when we heard “cut,” he would turn around to see the crazed face of his NUMBER ONE fan.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Kayla Henry: The Montreal acting community is a pretty small world. I’m always happy to run into cast and crew members!
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Kayla Henry: I’m working on bettering myself as a musician and overall human being. I’ve also been doing narration work as well as acting in film and television. I play a principal role in Incendo’s film “Thicker Than Water” which should be coming out soon!
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Kayla Henry: I love reading his work, but when it comes to watching the films I’m not a big horror or thriller fan (I’m a scaredy cat). It took me 3 tries to get through the film “Misery.” That being said, I’m oddly attracted to the idea of acting in horror films!
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Kayla Henry: I used to be a coach at an Axe Throwing center, and I miss it everyday. There is something very thrilling about being a tiny girl throwing large weapons. Bullseye!
But seriously, you should try it!
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Kayla Henry: Thanks for watching and supporting indie films! Passionate people make for great stories, so stay inspired, because youinspire us to do what we do.
SKSM: Would you like to add anything else?
Kayla Henry: Thank you to the fabulous cast and crew for bringing me along on this adventure!
Also, if you want to see what I’m up to you can check out my website: kaylahenryonline.com
