Shay Rudolph
Shay Rudolph, the multi-talented actress who is exciting and emerging newcomer to the entertainment industry, is well-known for her role as ‘Stacey McGill’ in Netflix’s highly anticipated series, The Babysitters Club. She was a major recurring guest star in FOX’S series of Lethal Weapon, playing the character of ‘Maya’.
What inspired you to make your way into the acting industry?
There isn’t a specific moment that I can pinpoint that made me want to start acting. Whenever I watched a TV show or movie, it felt like an unachievable goal, and I never realized that acting was something I could actually do as a career. I did musical theater in elementary school, and it didn’t feel pivotal at first, but as I transitioned to filming on set, I realized that I always had a love for performing and acting even when I didn’t realize it. I think the main thing that still consistently inspires me is just my love for storytelling and creating.
Who is your role model?
Some of my biggest role models are Elle Fanning and Olivia Scott Welch. I look up to both of them so much and would be thrilled if I ever got to meet or work with either one of them.
Do you prefer acting for film or for theater?
I started out performing in theater productions and that’s where I realized I really enjoyed being on stage, but I have to say that film is my absolute favorite. I think that film gives you so much more time and flexibility for digging into a character or even just a scene. Film and TV acting feels like my home.
What is your favorite memory so far from filming The Babysitters Club?
Now that we’ve filmed two seasons, I’m able to pull from so many more moments, but I’d have to say that my favorite memory so far was coming onto set for the first time. In season 1, our first week of being in Canada was set up so we primarily had rehearsals and costume fittings. When we walked onto the sound stage, we saw all the sets being built and walked into each character's rooms all together as a group. I also absolutely loved all the costume fittings for my character, Stacey. Stepping into her wardrobe made me really feel like I was blended with her.
Dress by Rouje Paris
Earrings by Jenny Bird
Do you have any special talents?
Yes, I’ve played the piano since I was 7, so 9 years now, and it’s one of my favorite things to do besides acting. It’s the best way to decompress when I have an extra second in the day, and it allows me to relax my mind completely. Music is something I rely on all the time even if it’s just as small as listening to a song on my way to school. Actually, playing music on an instrument is even more rewarding and the feeling of playing a song that you love is indescribable.
What is your favorite thing about your hometown?
What I love about San Diego is that you have constant access to gorgeous weather almost all year round. While I do love seasons, I really can’t complain about having sun all the time. I live near the beach and it’s incredible to be able to walk to the water and watch the sunset on any given day.
If you weren’t acting, what do you think you would be doing?
Over this past year, I’ve fallen more in love with creative writing. Through taking some classes and writing my own rough drafts of longer pieces, I’ve realized that it’s a passion I can see myself pursuing throughout the rest of my life. In the future, I would really love to write my own screenplays for films that I could also act in or even write my own fiction book.
Plaid jacket by L’agence
Brown Shirt by Tibi
Pant by Derek Lam
Boots by Marc Fisher
Necklace by Celeste Starre
Did you played any sports while growing up?
No sports for me. I did ballet from the age of 5 until 12 when I had to quit because I realized that I wanted to be an actor full time. I have grown up playing a little bit of golf, but I can confidently say that I’ll be sticking to the arts instead of sports.
If you could play any role in the world, what would it be?
I’d really love to do anything, but a role that’s been on my dream board for quite some time now is a period piece film. I absolutely love the style of period pieces and think they’re always just so stunning in many ways. It would be a true fantasy fulfilled if I were to eventually be part of a project like that.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a super sweet, fluffy black and white cat named Lava. She’s not cuddly all the time, but if she warms up to you enough then you’ll be able to see all of her soft spots. She comes onto my bed most days of the week for hugs while I do some of my homework.
How do you prepare yourself to get into character before filming?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to play a character like Stacey who I am so similar to because I don’t have to change much about myself for scenes. The main thing that I’ll do is make sure I have my lines memorized so that I can focus less on the specific words and more on the emotions. Aside from that, I work super hard on just putting all of my other worries aside so that I can show up on set as my best self. Being on set with all of the other BSC girls when we’re all in costume and fully immersed in the world of our characters, is the main ingredient. There’s a specific feeling of harmony that shows up when we’re all blended with our characters in the middle of filming a scene. That alone is more helpful than anything else I have done before showing up on set.
What is your social media?
Instagram: @shayrudolph
Twitter: @shaygrudolph
TikTok: @shayrudolph
CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Tiziano Lugli
Talent: Shay Rudolph
Fashion Stylist: Natalie Hoselton
Hair: Rena Calhoun
Makeup: Loren Canby
Tearsheets: Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Brielle Italiano, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
