meet the Bunheads
"Bunheads" is the newest hit ABC Family show heating up the Summer TV season. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls) the series follows a group of young ballet dancers and their unlikely mentor through growing up, dreaming big and living in the moment. Sutton Foster stars as a Las Vegas showgirl who impusively marries a man and moves to his hometown, a far cry from her bright lights, big city norm. When she takes over her mother-in-law's dance studio she's in for more than she bargained for becoming a role model for the young girls who's dreams live far outside the small coastal town.
"Bunheads" airs on ABC Family Monday nights at 9:00PM. Check out ABCFamily.go.com for more!
We got the chance to talk to the girls about being Bunheads and what it's like to work on the ABC Family show.
Emma Dumont | Julia Goldani Telles (Coming Soon) | Kaitlyn Jenkins (Coming Soon)
Bailey Buntain
When did you realize that you wanted to be an actress?
I started dancing when I was a toddler which then lead to singing and musical theatre when I got a little bit older. I realized it was the story telling aspect that I loved most and started to pursue acting from there.
What were some of your first professional jobs?
I got my first professional job when I was 10 years old playing Gracie Shinn in The Music Man for the California Music Circus. I remember thinking it was the most fun I had ever had and it was all I wanted to do.
What was your audition process like for “Bunheads?”
I was living in New York and auditioned for the show there. I had about three callbacks in New York and then the final callback in LA for the network. At all of the auditions we had to read for the part and also dance on pointe. Later in the process we also had to learn a jazz combination that Amy Sherman-Palladino taught and danced along with us. So cool!
How would you describe “Ginny?”
Ginny is smart, practical, and probably the most straight laced one of the group of girls. She has a sort of nurturing spirit and always has to know everything about everyone. Ginny is also going through a lot of changes that effect her self confidence, and she isn’t comfortable in her own skin yet. She is trying to figure out where she fits in and wants more than anything not to be stuck in her Mom’s shadow.
Are there any similarities between you and your character?
One of the reasons I love Ginny is the realness of her insecurities. Most girls go through that, I know I did! She is also a little bit of an old soul, and I definitely am too.
Do you and the girls get together after work and hang out? If so, what do you guys do in your off time?
We all get along really well!! We work a lot so it feels like we are together all time :) When we do hangout outside of the show we usually just relax, get take out, and watch chick flicks.
Do you have a favorite episode or scene so far?
That’s a tough one. I love them all but if I had to pick some stand outs... episode 7 (“What’s your damage, Heather?) and episode 9 ("No One Takes Khaleesi's Dragons") have some of my favorite scenes and moments.
What has been your favorite part of the “Bunhead” experience so far?
The most amazing part so far has been the people we are working with. Just being able to say Amy Sherman-Palladino’s words, because I have been a huge fan of her writing for a long time, has been a dream come true. Everyone from the crew to our amazing choreographer have been so awesome to work with. Of course, working along side such pro’s as Sutton and Kelly has been incredible. As well as the dynamic between the four Bunheads is something really special and fun to be apart of.
What are your can’t miss TV shows right now?
I got super into the first season of “Revenge”, so good!! I also love Mad Men and Law and Order: SVU.
What do you do in your spare time?
Lately, when I’m not working I try and spend as much time as I can with my family. They live in California and I went away to school in New York so I have been pretty far for awhile. Being back in LA for the show, I try to take advantage of being closer to them. I’m also involved and volunteer for Compassion international and the American Cancer Society. I love to go bowling, relax at the movies, fish with my nephews, and I’ve been trying to learn how to cook recently (key word “learn”, I’m not very good!)
Can fans find you on-line like on Twitter or Facebook?
Yes! twitter.com/#!/baileybuntain -- instagram @baileybuntain
What advice would you give to aspiring young actors?
Get involved and learn as much as you can. Community theatre is a great opportunity to gain performance experience. Test the waters in different things like singing, dancing, writing (whatever looks like fun and interests you)... the more balanced you are as a person the better actor you will be! And never ever lose the fun in it :)
Emma Dumont
When did you realize that you wanted to be an actress?
I'm from Seattle and I started acting in community theater when I was 6 and I loved it. I was already dancing at the time and still had some extra energy. I've been juggling various projects since then.
What were some of your first professional jobs?
When I was 7 I was in a play at the Seattle Public Theater. I also did some independent films when I was 12 and 13 and those were my first union jobs and I think that's when I decided I wanted to do this as a career.
What was your audition process like for “BunHeads?”
I auditioned in L.A. last year and was so excited about the show – even before I heard that Sutton Foster was going to play the lead. We had to do pointe work on carpet in the casting office so that was a new experience. It was also a bit different because we danced at every audition and there was a dance callback which was actually quite fun. Going in I knew there would be a ton of girls auditioning so my goal was to just do my best.
Had you had previous dance experience?
Yes, I've had 15 years of ballet and tap training. I've also taken contemporary, jazz, musical theater, swing, African and Irish Dance.
How would you describe “Melanie?”
Melanie is carefee and fun-loving except when it comes to her brother Charlie - who irritates her a great deal! She is a bit spicy but tries to be a good friend and a good dancer.
Are there any similarities between you and your character?
I actually don't have too much in common with Melanie. I'm more intense and my sense of humor is very dry. Also, Melanie is very easy going and I'm more of a leader I'd say.
What do you do on set in your downtime?
We don't have too much downtime on set. If we are in our chairs we are rehearsing our lines. If we had more I'd be doing lots of homework as I'm still in high school.
What has been your favorite part of the “Bunheads” experience so far?
Definitely working with Sutton Foster, Kelly Bishop and Alan Ruck as well as all the other adult actors. And there is always so much laughter at the table reads when we first go over a new script. I've also loved the different directing style of everyone that has come in to direct the episodes. So many directing styles - variety is so great to experience.
If you could pick a future“dream role…” what kind of character would you play?
I tend to gravitate toward difficult roles because I do love a challenge. I love all the comedy on Bunheads, but my passion is dramatic roles with depth and emotion. I think most humans are so complex - especially teens - so I'd love to portray a girl in some kind of crisis who overcomes it through a painful self-discovery of some kind.
Can fans find you on-line like on Twitter or Facebook?
Absolutely, my Twitter is @EmmaDumont0 (that's a zero) :)
What advice would you give to aspiring young actors?
I would say get your acting chops in community theater or professional theater if you can. You'll learn so much and you can then decide if acting is something you would like to pursue. Make sure that acting is what you want to do and not someone else's choice for you. If it is what you want to do, then take every opportunity that comes your way and be prepared to work hard.
"Bunheads" airs on ABC Family Monday nights at 9:00PM. Check out ABCFamily.go.com for more!