Jenna Kenny is an Australian actor who is auditioning and self-taping for leading roles worldwide. She has recently had leading roles in ‘Cleora’ and ‘Lucy’s Friend’ and followed by a supporting role in ‘Magdala Rose’. She has worked on Feature Films, Short Films, TV Series and TV Commercials. Jenna also has experience in Theatre, Dance and Weapons Training. Jenna loves being able to put her own twist on each performance.
indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Jenna: I’ve never studied for a Diploma or other qualification. Instead I do lots of classes and workshops. I’ve studied with Tom McSweeney, Joss McWilliam and Kristina Sexton just to name a few. I mix up my study with doing Acting Classes, Audition Workshops and Workshops with various Casting Directors. There wasn’t really a moment that made me want to act. When I was 8 my mum’s friend asked if we wanted to go to an acting agency, we said yes, I got my first short film, loved it and have been doing it ever since
indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Jenna: I don’t think I use a particular technique, I’ve learnt about Meisner, Stanislavski and the Chubbuck technique but I don’t use a specific one.
indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Jenna: I do classes and private coaching and as many workshops as I can to improve my craft.
indieactivity: What acting books do you read?
Jenna: I’m currently reading Kristina Sexton’s ‘Acting in LA’ book. It’s jam packed with information and is super helpful! I haven’t got through it all yet but I’m finding that from the very start it has already got information in it that is great for Actors new and experienced.
indieactivity: How do you keep fit as an actor?
Jenna: I try and take time out from everything by spending time with my dog KC, I take her for walks and keep up her practice with her tricks. I also love to read, so when I have time I love to get into a good book.
indieactivity: How do you prepare for a role?
Jenna: I try to read the script as many times as I can and after that I try to look behind the words and find the real meaning behind it.
indieactivity: How do you create a character in a script into a person?
Jenna: I like to read through the script and see how the character interacts with others and from that I normally get a good idea of who the character is. From there I create a backstory for the character to give it more depth – who their family is, their likes and dislikes, what their life was like growing up. I think of everything and anything that hasn’t already been included in the script. Doing this helps me to keep the character more authentic and real.
indieactivity: How do you stay fresh on a production set?
Jenna: I don’t really have to do anything. I love being on set so it kind of energises me. Although, for those really long shoots or the late at night shoots something sweet to eat always helps.
Jenna Kenney – in the lead role of Pippa in Ivy Shambitt and the Sound Machine
indieactivity: Describe a memorable character you played?
Jenna: In a Short Film a few years ago I got to play evil Gretel from Hansel and Gretel and we had to kill Little Red Riding Hood and sing and be super creepy, it was so much fun! Another memorable character which I played recently was Mavis in ‘Waiting for Alistair’ – the short film will be doing the Festival Circuit later this year or early next year.
indieactivity: Explain one creative choice you took on set?
Jenna: On a feature film I worked on I got to choose the costume for my character and basically had free rein which was really exciting!
indieactivity: What do you want most from a director?
Jenna: A Director who knows exactly what they want and can explain it well so you’re both on the same page?
indieactivity: What actors do you long to work with?
Jenna: Alicia Vikander and Jenna Coleman
indieactivity: Why?
Jenna: I think they’re both incredible and they’ve played such a wide range of characters. They both also work incredibly hard to become their characters, Alicia trained with a personal trainer for months for the role of Lara Croft in Tomb Raider and Jenna went to a ‘boot camp’ for ‘Victoria’ where she learnt different horse riding styles and did accent training. They’re both fantastic role models and it would be a dream come true to work beside either of them.
Jenna Kenney as Esclarmonde De Pereille in Magdala Rose
indieactivity: What advice would you give to actors?
Jenna: Just keep working and training and try not to compare your success to someone else’s. Everyone is on a different path.
indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
Jenna: I started acting at 8 years old and have done Feature Films, Short Films, Commercials and Theatre. I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to play so many different characters. In one of my first short films my character was really sick and passed away, the last scene before her passing was really powerful. It’s scenes like those that really stay with you as an Actor. Last year I was able to get my UK Citizenship and I’ve just recently got my Canadian work Visa so having both of these really opens up more opportunities for me. In the US I’m represented by RVP Management and in Australia I’m represented by AED Management
Follow Jenna Kenny on Social Media
Website
IMDB
Facebook
Instagram
Vimeo
StarNow
The Key Facts Behind How Jeff Nichols Made The Indie Hit MUD
Jeff Nichols gives himself directorial challenges to master on every project.
In Conversation with Michael Oblowitz Director of Confidential Informant
Confidential Informant stars Mel Gibson, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth
