April Brinson

Q: You and your sister both started out as dancers. What got you interested in acting?

A: Violet’s actually the reason I started acting. She really wanted to try an acting class and didn’t want to have to go alone, so I went with her. From the moment that class was over, I was obsessed. I had always been very imaginative, but being able to channel my love to create into acting was a dream come true.

Q: Growing up in Oklahoma where the entertainment industry is not as prevalent was there anyone who doubted you could pursue an acting career? How did you push through any doubt?

A: While in Oklahoma I didn’t face a lot of doubt, but no one thought acting would be a long-term path for us since it isn’t prevalent there. However, Once we moved to Los Angeles, people thought we were crazy. I really feel like having Violet by my side made anyone’s doubt fade away, because no matter what, I had someone who understood what I was going through and would always support me whenever I couldn’t stand on my own.

Q: How did the opportunity to be in Sharp Objects come about? How did you react when you found out you and your sister had both been cast?

A: Booking Sharp Objects was an exciting ride. Before our first audition, casting didn’t know we were sisters, Violet and I thought we were auditioning for the same role, and we had to learn to roller-skate. Obviously, we were both very nervous for various reasons (one of which was the roller skating), but we support each other 100% even if we’re going head to head. We try to channel Venus and Serena Williams, they’re our sister idols. However, once we found out we were going to work together, we were beyond thrilled. We found out while we were at lunch together and we couldn’t stop laughing. We would calm down for a minute and then one of us tried to process that we were going to be on set we would both start laughing again.

Q: What was it like working with Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson? Did they ever give you advice?

A: In one word it was incredible. I have grown up watching them in movies and idolizing them. My first day on set, I had a scene with Amy and I thought I would pass out. When we started working though, she eased all my discomfort right away. She was very warm, friendly, and said if there was anything I needed or had questions about I could ask her. Because of how comfortable she made me, I was able to stay conscious throughout the day and do my very best work. Patricia is not only an amazing actress, she is a fabulous person. She was always warm and open towards me and really made me feel a part of all that was going on. I felt that just by watching her work, I learned so much. She’s truly inspiring.

Q: What was it like delving into the world of Sharp Objects? In an interview on CBS Amy Adams said playing a messy character was freeing. Was it freeing for you to play a character that stirs up trouble?

A: I love to play characters that are the complete opposite from the way I behave on a regular basis. We all have multiple sides to us that we don’t share with the world all the time. So, being able to play a wild child on set for several months was very liberating. I could express all of those darker sides of myself in a safe environment.

Q: Your character Jodes gets picked on. How do you prepare to play Jodes and get into that vulnerable headspace? Can you relate to Jodes in any way?

A: Throughout filming, I really had to identify with the moments in my life where I have felt less than or unwanted. I also had to find the desire to please Kelsey and Amma even though they continued to treat me poorly. In order to have these emotions up front and ready for filming I would spend time writing or thinking about specific instances in my life that are similar to Jodes. After I found the triggers that Jodes and I shared, I could often use them as a way to understand other emotions and situations that Jodes was in that I have not experienced in my own life.

Q: Can you discuss any upcoming projects?

A: There’s not much I can say right now. I’m auditioning lots and can’t wait to tell you about upcoming projects in the future.

Q: Outside of acting what do you enjoy doing?

A: I love to be outside and active so, I’m always hiking, swimming, or biking. I also really love to turn unhealthy recipes into healthy ones and then cook. The best day is always when I get to do these things with my friends.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

A: If you love it, stick with it. Sometimes you just have to push past all the hard stuff to get to the good stuff. Once you reach the good stuff though, it makes the hard stuff worthwhile. Also, don’t be afraid to celebrate your accomplishments. If you book a job don’t feel like you need to stay quiet. Share your excitement with the people you care about. After lots of rejection, the celebration can remind you why you love to act.