10 Things about Savannah Lee May
Your career is just getting underway. How did you get started with acting and what were some motivating factors that led you to that decision?
I started off dancing when I was 3 ½, but I always had a huge interest in acting. When I was 8, I auditioned for my 3rd grade musical and I ended up getting the lead. It was the first time I was going to be on a stage doing something other than dancing, so I wasn’t sure if I would love it, just as much. I completely did. That’s when I first really discovered my passion for it, but I didn’t start training in it until I was 11. I auditioned for a musical theater academy in Houston Texas called The Humphreys School of Musical Theater that’s affiliated with Theater Under The Stars. Training with them and doing many musicals over the next five years is where I truly realized this is what I wanted to do with my life. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.
Which actors have had a positive impact on your career thus far and which ones would you want to work with, if given the opportunity?
There have been so many that have made an impact on my career and what kind of actor I would like to be. It’s hard to really pinpoint just one. There are actors that I admire just from being a fan, but I’ve also personally worked with some that I have definitely learned from. However, someone that I would love to work within the future is Steve Carrell. That’s always my immediate answer to this type of question and it will forever be that way, haha! He’s just a comedic genius and one of the big reasons I love comedy so much. Another person I would love to work with is Anne Hathaway. She’s one of those actors that can literally play any type of role she is given. I admire her work and who she is as a person, so it would be an honor to work alongside her.
Currently, you’re on the Netflix series Julie and The Phantoms. How were you first introduced to the series and what made you excited to be a part of it?
It’s funny, when my agent sent me the breakdown for the show, I had already heard about it from Owen. He was in the middle of bootcamp when I had my first audition. This was a really big deal, so I flew back from Texas to be there in person for my audition. The day before, Owen and I actually met for brunch and he talked to me all about the show. I was already so drawn to the project with it being a musically based show. I grew up doing musical theater and music has played such a huge part in who I am today. Oh, and then, there was the fact it was with Kenny Ortega. Someone I have only dreamt of working with since I was 7….no big deal, right? I can honestly sit here and say that was the first time I was ever nervous for an audition. I typically just go in and think “do your best, leave it all in the room and if it’s meant to be it will be.” This was different because I wanted this role more than anything I’ve ever gone out for. When I found out I booked it, there were instant tears. Every day since then, I continue to pinch myself to make sure this is all still really happening. I was so thrilled to be a part of it that day and now, I just feel so incredibly grateful.
For those who have not tuned it yet, what is the show about and where does your character fit into the mix of things?
The show is about a young girl named Julie who lost her passion for music after her mom sadly passed. She then meets these three ghosts who were a rock band in the 90’s and they decide to form a band of their own. Julie is the only one who can see the three boys. But to their surprise, they become visible to everyone when they play with her. They then decide to form a band of their own called Julie and The Phantoms. Throughout the series, they are helping Julie find her passion for music again and she is helping them become the band they never got to be. I play Carrie, the queen bee and diva of Los Feliz High. She has a girl group of her own called Dirty Candy and she is Julie’s biggest rival. She does give off that instant “diva” vibe but there is a lot more to who Carrie is than meets the eye.
As you mentioned, you play the role of Carrie. What can you tell us about her personality and what you enjoy most about bringing her character to life?
Carrie can definitely be classified as your “mean girl” and one of the bad guys of the story, but there’s a lot more to her than that. She is determined and incredibly motivated to always be her absolute best. Even though she’s not the nicest person, by any means, she’s not a person that was born with hate in her heart. There are layers to who she is and there are reasons as to why she does the things she does. Her relationship with Julie is a unique one, but I think that stems from their past. We don’t really know what went down between the two of them to make their current status so isolated, but that was something that was really fun to play on screen. All of the banter and smart remarks I had with Mads were a blast to shoot! As well as, a lot of the dialogue I had with Jadah, who plays Flynn. Those are some of my favorite moments from filming the series. Both of them are such talented actresses and they really embody their characters to a T. It makes those scenes more realistic and you actually think we can’t stand each other. When in reality, I have nothing but love for the two of them!
What has been the most exciting time and positive experience you’ve had thus far working on set with this group of actors and crew?
This is going to sound cheesy but all of it, haha! The show as a whole was just the best experience I’ve ever had. When you’re surrounded by an insane amount of talent in one room and you’re all so passionate about what you’re doing, it’s a feeling unlike anything else. There was so much hard work put into this show, especially from the main four in the band that is Julie and The Phantoms. They poured their heart and souls into everything they did. I think you can clearly see that on the screen when you watch the show. And let me tell you, watching that firsthand on set or in rehearsals was so inspiring and it came together in an almost magical way. Everything has just been so exciting and especially right now with all the feedback we’ve been getting. Our album just hit number 1 on the iTunes charts as well as being the number one soundtrack, and in the top ten on Netflix. All of that happening within 6 days of it being released… I still haven’t really wrapped my head around any of it. It’s truly so surreal.
Without giving too much away, what can we expect to see from Carrie and the rest of the cast in this first season?
You can expect some pretty stellar performances, a whole lot of laughs, moments that will move you to tears (Fair warning. “Unsaid Emily” will break your heart into a million pieces, be prepared) and characters that you will completely fall in love with. There are also a lot of surprises that the audience will not be expecting. I mean, I read the scripts and I was still taken off guard watching it for the first time, haha!
If you weren’t working on your career as an actress, what career type would you choose instead?
Probably trying to become a choreographer. Dancing was my first passion and having that be such a huge part of my life, I have always been interested in choreographing. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have watched a show or movie that had a big dance number in it, and I was in awe of what was happening on screen. I would love to give other people that same feeling. You know, I think choreographing in general is a difficult job but especially when it comes to Film/TV. Not a lot of people realize it, but there’s a big difference between that and what goes on an actual stage. You have to learn how to choreograph for the camera and not necessarily the audience. Even though acting will always be my top priority, I would love to branch out into that as well, one day.
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles fit your personality and taste?
It changes daily, haha! It just depends on my mood, I think. I really love the relaxed but still put together. I’m a sucker for cute jeans and a nice blazer. The majority of the time, I’m more dressed down, but I always throw on accessories to give the look a little extra something. I just always want to look presentable. Especially in this business, when things can happen so last minute or in the spur of the moment, I want to look my best. I definitely have designers and brands that I love like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino, and a few others. Those I think would have to be the ones that I probably am influenced by the most when it comes to my everyday style. However, on days where I’m just going out with friends or not doing anything work related, that’s where I think my personality really comes through my clothing. Like I said, my taste changes daily, but my main goal with fashion is to make it somewhat original. I definitely pull ideas from things I see online, but I actually have the most fun putting something together that is a completely original thought.
Besides Julie and The Phantoms on Netflix, what other projects are you working on or have coming up in the near future?
As of right now, I’m focused on Julie and The Phantoms and really hoping we get another season! I just want to be back with everyone creating again. We’ve truly become like a second family and being apart from them for this long has been so hard. I miss them all, more than they know!
Twitter: @SavannahLeeMay
Instagram: @SavannahLeeMay
Photos: Amanda Elkins