A couple of years ago, I noticed a young lady in a Lifetime Christmas movie short film entitled A Family For the Holidays, and I was so impressed by her that I continued to follow her career long after this delightful movie aired. Imagine my surprise when I discovered she would be joining another favorite junior actress of mine (Gracyn Shinyei) for the brand new CW show this past fall, Batwowan. Suddenly, Ava Sleeth is becoming a highly sought-after, recognizable young talent, and it absolutely boggles the imagination to realize what may be just around the corner for this aspiring starlet. Recently, she and I were able to compile an interview that has taken many months to configure and optimize, and it is my distinct privilege to present it to my readers today!
RH: Ava, it’s so great to get to chat with you today.
AS: Nice to chat with you too, Ruth. Thank you for asking me.
First of all, Ava, how old are you now?
I’m twelve.
That’s just amazing! I always say some of my favorite people to chat with are young people because you guys are always so positive and doing all this great stuff in film and TV. So how long have you been acting?
I’ve been acting since I was eight years old.
So why did you decide to become an actress?
“Got Milk” commercial behind-the-scenes
Well, I was in a fine arts program at school, and I really like dance, drama, and art. One of my favorite subjects has always been drama. When I was in grade one, we did a play, and I played the part of a princess (the paper bag princess). My mom noticed I was really outgoing on stage. My sister was in the program too, and she had done lead roles in all the school plays. My sister wanted to try acting for film, so my mom took us both to an agency so my sister could sign up. They signed her up, and then they asked, “What about you, Ava? What do you want to do?” And I was like, “I want to try this out and see if I like it.” So I booked a role after going to my second audition. It was a commercial, and I really liked it.
So how old were you when you got an agent, Ava?
I was eight, on the verge of nine.
You mentioned you were in this fine arts program. Have you been taking any other kinds of acting classes?
Dead of Summer with Elizabeth Lail
Yes, I’ve been to a couple of workshops, and sometimes I do some one-on-one coaching when I do a self-tape. But they don’t want to coach me too much at my age because they want me to be as natural as possible. They say I have good instincts, and they want those good instincts to come through in my acting.
So you booked a commercial first. But what was your first TV or film role?
My first TV role was Dead Of Summer. I had just turned nine. It was a fairly big role. I was playing the younger version of the main character. I had to scream a lot in the garage. And I actually got to hold a gerbil, and the gerbil kept running away.
I actually watched that particular series, and I do remember the flashback scenes, though I wouldn’t have made the connection back then. I was watching because some of my friends were in that show. I can remember there being a lot of scary moments in that show.
Dead of Summer with Elizabeth Mitchell
Yeah, that’s right. I wasn’t even allowed to watch that show back then because it was too scary for me. I was only allowed to watch my part in the episode.
I understand that completely. You’re not the first young person to share a story like that. I know of parents who have done the exact same thing with their kids. Sometimes they didn’t even get to see their part until they were older. So, the second thing you were in was Supernatural.
Yes, that was my second show, and it was really cool. It’s in its final season now, but it has been a popular show that films up here in Vancouver. It was a flashback scene, and it took place in the 1900s so the wardrobe was pretty cool. I got to work with some really experienced actors: Alicia Witt, Ian Tracey, and Nils Hognestad.
Supernatural – “Lily Sunder Has Some Regrets”
How cool that you got to work with Alicia Witt! She is not only a favorite actress of mine, but Hallmark loves her too. I remember when that episode was on, but I haven’t had the chance to see it yet.
It was a really fun set to be on, and the people were wonderful. Alicia is really nice!!
So what was the next thing you booked?
Doomsday Pilot – with Claire Holt
Let’s see. I booked a pilot called Doomsday. I think I also booked another couple of commercials right before that. As far as the pilot goes, it didn’t end up airing. It was supposed to be a big show, but it just didn’t make it. It was with Claire Holt. But here’s an interesting story. Claire has blonde hair, and I have brownish-blonde hair. So we had to bleach my hair because we thought I was going to be a recurring role. I was playing the younger version of her character. But then when the show didn’t make it, I had to slowly bring my hair back to my natural color, but I was really blonde for a while. It was kinda fun to try a new hair colour and it showed me that being THAT blonde does not really go very well with my complexion.
A Family For The Holidays
Oh, my! I know those things do happen. Lots of shows never make it. But where I first really remember seeing you was in A Family For the Holidays. That aired a couple of Christmases ago when Lifetime was doing a series of mini-movies. Kirsten Hansen and I are good friends, so I was very excited to see this one.
Kirsten was so nice, and she directed me really well. I felt like she really understood me. And I also got to meet some other great people. Dean Petriw played my brother and that made things fun because whenever there’s another kid on a film set, you get to have fun in between takes.
Definitely. And Peter Benson played your father.
Yes, that’s right.
with Dean
He and I are good friends. And what a sweet story that was too. In fact, after I watched it, I told my parents that they had to watch it too. It had such a lovely message.
Yes, it was a great story. It was a good reminder of the real meaning of Christmas and what is important at this time of the year.
I loved the story, and I thought all of you were fantastic.
Thank you, Ruth.
And that’s when I started noticing your name popping up.
A Family For the Holidays
I have an interesting behind-the-scenes story about filming that movie. In the final dinner scene, I was carrying yams to the table and I was supposed to say they smelled delicious, but they actually smelled really bad. So when I was walking, I tried to act so happy, but really, those yams were killing me inside.
{laughs} Ava, I never would have known that! You did a great job of acting happy. No one would have known. So you were also a part of The Simon Biles Story.
The Simone Biles Story – Courage to Soar
Yes, that’s right. I played a young gymnast.
I loved that story! It was a great movie, and even though you played a small part, I’m glad you got to be a part of it.
It was great to be a part of it.
So I understand you have a very special part in a new, popular series. Why don’t you tell us about that?
Yes! Batwoman! I play Young Beth/Alice who is the twin sister of Kate Kane/Batwoman. Everyone thought she died in a terrible car accident as a child, where Kate escaped and she plunged into a river (in a car that went off a bridge) but she survived and was found by a pretty evil guy who held her captive. So through all of these horrible experiences in captivity, she turns into Alice (Kate Kane’s nemesis). She was given the Alice in Wonderland book to keep her company in her cell, and she kind of escapes into this book and begins to take on the character of Alice. It’s an amazing role and I’m so thankful the Batwoman writers and producers continue to give me these amazing scripts to work with. It’s really a dream come true!
How did you happen to get this role?
with Gracyn and Camrus
Well, it started out like any other audition process where I was called in to audition, but my older sister had an audition at the exact same time, so my mom asked if we could tape for it and casting said “yes.” We then rushed a tape with Michele Partridge of The Drama Class on my school lunch hour. We wanted to make sure casting got the tape the same day and that it was a good one! I have to give Michele a shout out because I’m so glad she made herself available that day on short notice. Anyway, about a week and a bit later we found out I was shortlisted and then I was asked to come down to the casting office to read with about 1ten or so potential “Young Kates.” I found out a couple days later I booked it so I was pretty happy!!
What was it like getting to work with all the other actors? Any behind-the-scenes stories you can tell us?
I’m having a great time. Everyone on set is really nice! I loved working with my “twin” Gracyn Shinyei – she’s so easy to work with and she’s very professional.
with Rachel
I haven’t seen Ruby very much, she’s super busy being the lead of the whole show. I met her briefly and she was very nice. Camrus Johnson (who plays Luke Fox) gave Gracyn and I a big hug the first time we saw him. He’s like the nicest guy!!
Nicole Kang (who plays Mary) came to chat with me while I was with my tutor the other day and she’s a dancer so we talked about dance. She was so nice. Nicolas Holmes (who plays Johnny/Mouse) is awesome – he’s also very professional and very easy to work with. His Mom is also a very experienced actor, so he’s used to sets and stuff. John Emmet Tracy (who plays Cartwright) is super creepy in the scenes but is SO nice as a person. He’s always cracking jokes and making us laugh. And Rachel Skarsten (who plays Alice) has been amazing with me. A lot of times you don’t get to interact with the leads, or your older versions in flashbacks, but she has made herself very available to me. She always gives me hugs when she sees me and takes time to talk with me. I really love her. She’s made this experience even more special. Plus, she’s an amazing actress so I’m learning a lot just watching her in the episodes.
Without spoiling anything, what is your favorite episode and why is it your favorite?
Well, of course, my favourite is episode five because that’s my biggest one so far. I got to really challenge myself as an actor. The director of that episode was Carl Seaton and he was awesome to work with. He gave me direction, but he also let me put a lot of my own ideas and instincts into the scenes. I think he’s a really great director. I’ve been doing some more filming for Batwoman lately, so you haven’t seen the last of Young Beth.
What do you and your parents think about the show overall? What kind of feedback are you getting from the fans?
We love the show! The fans seem to be really great! I’m having fun interacting with them on Instagram. My mom manages my account because it’s public, but she shows me the comments and asks what I want to say back.
Any other upcoming shows you can tell us about?
Yes! I am in AppleTV’s SEE which is out now. All of the episodes of season one are available now. Watch for me in episode six as Young Maghra. I’m very proud to be a part of this incredible show. I had to learn how to play blind for the show. I went in for sensory and movement training at the head office before filming. I got to work one on one with Hera Hilmar who plays Maghra so that was a lot of fun. She’s very nice.
SEE
When I filmed my scene, I didn’t realize I was going to get to work with Sylvia Hoeks until the call sheet came out the night before. She’s an amazing actress. I just watched her in Blade Runner and I still can’t believe I got to work with her!!
I also met Jason Momoa and gave him a pink scrunchie ’cause he loves pink. I was so excited to see that he’s worn it–haha!
I’m also in a independent film called Thunderbird and it had its world premiere at the Whistler Film Fest earlier this month. I’m so glad I was able to go to the premiere!
On set of Thunderbird Indie Film with director Nicholas Treeshin
How does school work for you when filming?
I just had my first tutoring on set this recently. Up until then, I’ve never worked three days in a row, so I haven’t needed to be tutored. I just catch up on my schoolwork when I get back to school.
One of the great things about you, Ava, is that you have remained grounded and positive without getting involved with negative things. How have you been able to do that?
Well, my family is very normal, and people treat me like a normal person. When I’m done filming, I just continue on with my regular life.
Joey Win for Supernatural
How involved are your parents in deciding what roles you take in the business?
They’re really good at helping to remind me that I’m just acting and playing a role so nothing is super scary. We have turned down some auditions for things that I felt uncomfortable with. We read the sides together before auditioning and sometimes we research the show in more detail and make sure that it’s a show I feel comfortable being a part of.
Joey Win for Dead of Summer
That’s amazing, Ava. I’m so glad your parents are doing that. Now, I know that acting takes up a lot of your time. But when you have free time, what do you like to do?
Dance dance dance – I take nine classes/week!! I like to hang out with my friends. I also like skating and swimming, playing basketball and volleyball.
In closing, is there anything else you’d like to say, Ava? Have I covered everything?
Well, I’d like to say this for other young actors especially. One thing I’ve learned about acting in dramatic scenes is when those big scenes come up, you really have to go full out. Really give it your all, you might think you’re doing too much, but if they say to tone it down a little, it’s easy to make that change. Oh! And save your best work for your close-up!
Skimboarding in my free time
Ava, that is some amazing advice! I’ve heard that from adult actors as well. That’s wonderful that you have learned that at your age.
And something else I’ve learned about auditioning is that you’re not going to get every role you audition for. There are lots of different reasons why you might get turned down for a role, and you can’t take it personally. You have to do your best every time, and if you don’t get it, you know it wasn’t meant for you and you’ll book something else that is a better fit for you. I feel like the roles I have gotten were kinda “meant to be”. I don’t worry about the ones I didn’t get.
You shared some really great advice, Ava, and I thank you for sharing. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to chat.
Ruth, it was my pleasure. I hope everyone enjoys me in Batwoman and my other projects.
There is not much better in this world of ours than witnessing positive youth in any sector of society accomplishing outstanding and influential things, and Ava is the absolute epitome of that particular class of young people that set exemplary precedents that will hopefully be emulated by youth all over the world. She is caring, gifted, kind, generous, patient, and above all, humble. Thanks to the enormous network which has been established through the support of her family and friends in the film industry, Ava has embarked on a career with a promising start while definitely making a veritable splash in the world of film and TV. With her diverse credits and indisputable diligence, she continues to delight and inspire people from a wide range of walks by telling stories that entertain and motivate the viewers. It truly is impressive just how much she has matured since I first connected with her, and every time I witness her prowess on screen, I find myself mesmerized yet again by her incredible giftedness.
If you have not had the opportunity to watch her in Batwoman or SEE, I would invite you to stream the seasons of both online while we await the return of Batwoman for the rest of season one (in which we may have the opportunity to see even more from her enigmatic character), returning on January 19th. And while you’re checking out all the amazing shows and films in which Ava has appeared, be sure to visit her links below and consider following her where applicable. I tend to think that Ava’s career is just beginning to accelerate, and I can scarcely wait to see what is on the horizon for her in 2020 and beyond!
FOLLOW AVA
