Actor Kaden Connors of “Heated Rivalry” sat down and chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos at Burgerology Midtown about starring in the indie film “Lunar Sway,” written and directed by Nick Butler.
How does it feel to be in New York?
Oh, it’s always incredible! When you come to New York, it just smacks you right in the face. It’s hard not to come alive here, you know?
How was it playing Sasha in Heated Rivalry… the coach’s son?
Yes, the infamous coach’s son! It was quite a treat because Sasha was a character who wasn’t really developed in the books. He was referenced, but not fully explored or explained.
It was awesome that Jacob, for the television adaptation, was able to expand on the character and develop his personality. Then, I had the opportunity to work with him to figure out who Sasha was.
What was it like being Ilya’s first?
I think being anyone’s first is always a flex! Anyone would brag about that.
It was an interesting experience because Sasha’s character was Ilya’s (played by Connor Storrie) first experience with a guy in Russia.
That moment was pivotal to Ilya’s character arc and also served as an important reference point for everything that was about to happen between him and his new love, Shane Hollander.
How was your experience in Lunar Sway?
I loved it! It was so beautifully done.
It was pretty quirky, but in an addictive way. It left you wanting more.
It definitely takes you on a wild ride. You never really know where the story is heading.
It goes all over the place and takes you for a wild ride. I know a lot of people were wondering, “Wait, where is this heading?” You don’t really know where it’s going to go.
What do you like most about Jovi, your character?
I think what I enjoy most about Jovi is that he has this interesting, almost controversial vulnerability about him, even though he has his walls completely up. He’s very guarded.
Yet for someone who paints people naked while being naked himself, it’s interesting that he still has such a guarded side to him. Finding that balance as an actor playing the character was really interesting.
How do you handle dialogue-heavy scenes?
It’s always a challenge when there’s a lot of dialogue, but it’s really about rehearsal and practice.
I always say that dialogue feels like less work when you’re working opposite someone who knows how to cue you and deliver their lines. They’re giving you something to work with; they’re constantly offering something.
They’re giving you all these offers, and that creates a natural flow in the conversation and dialogue.
So, the key is rehearsal. The more you understand your character, the more naturally everything flows.
Do you attach a particular emotion to the script, especially when approaching raw, emotional scenes? In other words, how do you make those moments more relatable to you?
There are many different techniques, but a lot of us draw on personal experiences or particular emotions that we need to access in the moment.
Often, we’ll draw from our experiences and memories. Memory also lives in our bodies. Acting is not just verbal; it’s everything. It’s about using your whole body.
As we work through those experiences, we are able to find the emotion within a scene, both as ourselves and through the character.
You seemed to have great chemistry with your scene partner Noah Parker in Lunar Sway.
Noah is so incredible, and I really enjoyed working with him. He is fun and spontaneous, but he’s also very focused and professional.
We found our chemistry so easily. It never felt difficult.
What was it like working with Nick Butler, the writer and director of Lunar Sway?
It’s really sweet because I hadn’t heard of Nick before this project came along. Now, Nick and I are such close friends.
I feel so lucky to have been selected to be part of his second feature film because the story was so incredible. When I received the audition breakdown, I knew it was going to be something special. Independent films often have so much heart behind them.
I also enjoy playing characters and exploring storylines that are a little peculiar, and this project definitely offered that.
I think that’s what’s so incredible about Lunar Sway. It’s not the only thing that came out of the experience. There are all the friendships, connections, memories, and everything else we’ve gained along the way.
Now we’re traveling around the world attending festivals for Lunar Sway. It is been such a wonderful experience.
You didn’t have any scenes with Liza Wilde, but what was it like working alongside her?
Oh, watching her do her thing is incredible. She is a master. It’s a master-class just watching Liza be Liza!
She has been part of so many incredible projects. What’s also fun is that, in real life, she’s very calm, collected, and sweet. It’s fascinating to watch her exist so naturally and then see the characters she transforms into.
Her range is incredible. She zones in right away.
Are you excited about the upcoming November events and screenings promoting the film?
Oh my God, so excited! It’s been incredible traveling to all these different festivals for Lunar Sway, and we’ve had some amazing screenings.
But this particular event is going to be special because we’re returning to the place where we filmed the movie. It’s a full-circle moment!
We’ll be reconnecting with the locals we became friends with and enjoying a really special reunion. I’m definitely looking forward to it.
How did it feel to be part of the impromptu Heated Rivalry parody musical on stage?
Oh my gosh! That was super random. But some of the best things in life are unexpected.
I had been invited to watch the show, and then they brought me up on stage, which was hilarious! It was just a fun little audience-interaction moment.
It was really charming and funny. I had such a great time.
I met some really cool new faces and some talented actors through that experience, too.
What would you like to say to your fans?
What I would say to my fans is to always be true to yourself. Just be you. Be authentic. Get rid of shame and allow yourself to exist fully as who you are.
I think that’s truly where happiness comes from.
What’s the one thing you hope people take away from ‘Lunar Sway’?
I would say that Lunar Sway shows you that anything can happen at any time.
If you lean into opportunities and allow yourself to run through the fields, so to speak, you’ll be surprised at where life can take you.
Sometimes people feel stuck in life. I think watching Lunar Sway can definitely help you get unstuck.
What would you like to say to all the ‘Heated Rivalry’ fans around the world?
Thank you! None of us could have expected the show to become what it has. Every single day, I wake up feeling so privileged and happy.
The fans bring such a big smile to my face and are incredibly encouraging as I continue to pursue my art. I’m very grateful to them.
Please never stop supporting art like this because it is clearly changing the world.
Have you seen how many fans are now going to cottages and watching the show with their friends? It’s hilarious what some of these people come up with. It’s so funny!
To learn more about actor Kaden Connors, follow him on Instagram.
Read More: Rave review of “Lunar Sway.”
