Words by Carol Wright | Photo Courtesy of Lasting Legacy Pr
We got to chat with Jackson Dollinger about Sydney to the Max, doing voiceover work, and his advice for aspiring actors.
When did you realize you wanted to act?
My acting career started as a happy accident. A friend had just started acting and I decided I wanted to try it out. My parents signed me with an agent and I quickly booked several commercials, including a National spot for Nissan. I really enjoyed it, so I decided to give theatrical a try. I did a stage play, voiceover, and a few guest star roles in that first year and then booked the Sydney to the Max pilot. The pilot was my first big project. I would say the moment that I knew I wanted to be an actor as a lifelong career, was the first day we were shooting the pilot. I loved being in front of the camera and taking direction. The feeling was undeniable.
What was the audition process like for Sydney to the Max?
The audition process for Sydney to the Max was a couple months. I initially self-taped for the role and then was seen for a first read. My first callback was a month later. We went to the wrong location for the second callback and missed it entirely. Fortunately, the producer still wanted to see me and I went in to meet with him. The next step was a producer session and chemistry reads at Disney. Last, I had my network test.
Can you relate to your character Max?
I relate to Max in so many ways. We are very much alike. Max is an avid skateboarder, and I have been skateboarding since I was three years old. Max is an only child, and I am an only child. He is fun-loving, happy and always does the right thing in the end. I think I am a lot like this as well.
Do you prefer acting on stage versus acting on TV?
Acting on stage is so different from acting on television. I personally prefer television over stage. The pace and pressure is much different when doing a live performance versus a television show that does not have a live audience.
You also voice a character on Puppy Dog Pals. Are there particular skills you need when you voice a character versus when you are acting face to face with other people?
Voiceover requires lots of energy and clear pronunciation. You have to make the listener’s imagination connect with the character. I really enjoy the challenge of creating the voice of a character, especially when it is an animal. The experience is very different because you are not connecting with another actor, yet you still need to deliver the same emotion.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
My advice to aspiring actors is to work on your craft by taking classes and workshops. Surround yourself with a team of people who support you and believe in you. Don’t take the ‘No’s’ personally and don’t give up. A career in acting requires hard work, persistence, and resilience. Lastly, be sure to HAVE FUN!