Words by Carol Wright | Photographer: Rakesh Sidana
We got to chat with actress Avaah Blackwell about her role in Star Trek: Discovery and what originally made her passionate about acting.
When did you become passionate about acting?
Great question. I became really passionate about acting during my highschool years where I got the chance to explore some amazing characters in a beautiful theatre setting at Bishop Grandin High School, in Calgary, Alberta. I had always liked acting, but my drama teacher, Ms. Stratulat, had a wonderfully infectious love for the craft and really encouraged me in a healthy way. Nothing was ever given, it was always earned, and she cast me in two very cool roles for our highschool plays (One was as a pirate who thought she was a parrot – my very first creature role) and the other was as a the role of “Ray” in Rebel Without a Cause, a stronger role usually cast as male. Momma S was wayyy ahead of her time!
When I moved to New Brunswick to complete my last year of highschool with my dad, I knew no one. It was a lonely time, and I decided to try out for the neighbouring school play. Through that I connected with one of my dearest friends Taylor, and we did Beauty and the Beast together – I played everything from a fork to a gargoyle in that play (yes, more creature work – I guess it was fated) and have just kept at it ever since.
What did you learn during your time attending Prague’s Film School?
Collaboration is key. Communication is your best friend, and there are many methods to it. It was a great time with 50 film students from around the world and 10 international actors. I learned so much about how different cultures approach storytelling, and it was a beautiful, eccentric, fun, crazy, cool time. Nancy Bishop was a huge influence on me, and always taught us the importance of starting our own work and being dedicated to the craft.
When did stunt performing become of interest to you?
Though I’ve always been ino physical action and interested in martial arts, I started to become interested in stunt performances about five years ago. I noticed I was getting more and more auditions for action roles, and I heard one stunt coordinator mention how hard it would be to find me a double. So I thought “Well, I’ll just double myself then” and started training, loved it and just kept at it.
You’re reprising your role as the Osnullus in Star Trek: Discovery season. What has it been like to play an alien and step into the shoes of your character?
It feels pretty natural. Haha. I don’t know, I just like playing aliens and creatures. I find them relatable somehow.
Were you a fan of Star Trek before joining the series? How has it felt being a part of the iconic Star Trek franchise?
Yes, I always liked Star Trek, but have gotten way more into the universe ever since I’ve been on the show. There’s so much to take in and so much to learn. Mind Blowing. Such a gift to be surrounded by incredible artists and professionals. It’s been a great ride so far and there’s always more to learn.
Tell us a bit about your upcoming project Jupiter’s Legacy. What can people expect from the series?
I can’t say much as It’s all very lock and key at the moment, however people can expect incredible action sequences from the entire stunts team, beautiful story telling, great performances.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Stay humble, work hard, train harder, and just keep at it.