IT’S JAYLA TIME! YOUNG BLACK STARZ CHATS WITH JAYLA CALHOUN

Jayla Calhoun is the 10-year-old actress who plays the daughter, Ebony Stallworth, in Bounce TV’s new original comedy series Family Time. The show which airs on Monday nights at 9pmET/6pmPT on the new broadcast network, is all about the Stallworth’s; a family who goes from working class to middle class overnight. Family Time also stars Omar Gooding, Angell Conwell and Bentley Kyle Evans, Jr.

Young Black Starz had an opportunity to chat with Jayla about the show, how she got the role, family, school, music and more. We even asked Jayla some super random questions and you must read the exclusive interview to find out what they are. (Haha)

How are you Jayla?

I’m fine, doing very well

That’s good! So, you play the role of Ebony Stallworth, the daughter in the new series Family Time on Bounce TV. I bet it’s so cool to be such a big part of the series! What was the process to getting that role?

Actually I would say it was a blessing for me. My mom was on Twitter tweeting Mr. Bentley Evans about how much I loved being on his show “Love That Girl!” and he tweeted back saying he had another part for me. We got a call from [the] casting [director] Mrs. Leah Daniels-Butler whom I appreciate and had a pleasure of meeting during my audition for “Love That Girl!” and she told my mom that they want to cast me for the role of Ebony Stallworth!

That is a blessing! How did you react when you got that news?

WOW! I jumped up and down screaming! LOL

Lol! So how would you describe your character Ebony? What is she like?

Ebony is a cute 10-year-old girly girl and has a smile that will light up the room — but don’t get it twisted, she knows how to work it to her advantage. Ebony is the baby of the Stallworth family and she always has angle. Don’t do any dirt around her because she’s most definitely going to snitch and she knows how to work her brother for what she wants. This little drama queen is an old soul and knows a little too much for her age.

She sounds like trouble! Are you similar to Ebony or a very different?

I’m a little similar to Ebony because sometimes I do work my brothers for what I want and I will snitch on them sometimes LOL. I’ve had some drama queen moments and I’m definitely a girly girl.

What do you like about working with the cast?

I really liked how we all connected on and off the camera, and I really liked how Mr. Omar Gooding [who plays dad] and Ms. Angell Conwell [who plays mom] practice their scripts or lines continually after every shoot. That just let’s me know that I always need to practice and focus and still have fun with it too. Bentley Evans Jr. [who plays the brother] is real cool, it was just like having another real big brother!

EXCLUSIVE! Click to see tons of photos of Jayla on set of “Family Time” and “Love That Girl!”

Do you have any funny or memorable moments from the set?

Yes, when we were shooting a scene and I said the wrong word that was not part of my script. When Mr. Bentley yelled “Cut!,” I burst out laughing at myself and everybody else did too!

Why should people watch the show?

Well not only is the show funny, but the show will reflect on real family issues that a lot of families can relate to. I hope people tune in and support and like it of course.

So, how did you get started in acting?

My mom and dad started putting me in talent shows when I was four. I would mimic commercials and TV shows that I liked and I would make up my own little commercials. I loved standing in the mirror looking at myself and acting out. LOL I started going to acting classes to build on my craft and here I am ready to do what I love!

You’ve mentioned that you also worked on an episode of the show “Love That Girl!” I bet that was a lot of fun. That’s a funny show! What kind of role did you play on there?

I played a 10-year-old girl who was a bit sassy at times when her mother [played by Tami Roman] wasn’t around and sweet when she was around. She also had a crush on the neighbor’s brother.

What was it like working with Tatyana Ali?

It was really cool working with her. She is a really nice person and pretty too and I like the way she acts.

She started acting at a young age just like you and she’s still working today. Do you hope to act as long as she has or do you plan to do something else when you’re older?

I do hope to act as long as she has and do other stuff too when I’m older, but acting will come first for me because I love it!

QUICK CLIP! Jayla on “Love That Girl!” *Warning* Language may be offensive to some.

How do you handle school and acting, are you home-schooled?

No, I go to a public school and I love getting good grades just like I love acting. So far I’m able to handle both with no problems.

I hear that you love taking pictures too, would you also like to try some modeling?

I actually already had some experience with the modeling industry. It’s really fun. When I took modeling classes we had this big showcase and I got to walk the runway modeling for Gap Kids. I know I’m not going to be the height of a runway model but I would like to do some print modeling.

I’ve heard your voice-over demo too. You sound great for voice-over work! Do you think it would be cool to voice a character in an animated movie?

Yes, I think it would be real cool to do an animated voice-over character. I’ve always wanted to do that. Sometimes when I watch animated movies I like to check out the behind the scenes to see how the actors are in the booth saying their roles and acting them out too. It looks really cool!

Speaking of animated movies, what are some of your favorites?

I like Despicable Me, Mars Needs Moms, Lorax and many more

Is it true that you are also taking vocal lessons? Do you plan to put out music?

Yes, I’m taking vocal lessons with a great vocal coach and I plan on hopefully getting some tracks out there in the future. I actually want to make my own music station one day like Kidz Bop.

What kind of music would you like to make?

I like Pop, R&B and some Rap. I also like a lot of old school music that my mom and dad grow up on. LOL

We know that you have a little brother [Damarr Calhoun] who also acts. Do you hope to work with him some day?

Yes, my little brother is the bomb! I love his drive. He’s following behind his big sis, and I can’t wait till we work together.

Do you have any other siblings?

Yes I do. I have a big brother. He is 15.

So you’re the only girl? How is that?

Yes, I am the only girl. It’s actually nice because I don’t have to worry about my brothers copying me and me and mom are always doing girl stuff that my brothers can’t do. LOL

What are some of your favorite things to do with your brothers?

Playing cards and play the Wii

You’re originally from Colorado, right? Do you miss it there?

Well, I was born there but not raised there. My dad is in the Army so I spent half of my life in different states and the other half in Greensboro, NC. Now my new home is here in LA.

What grade are you in?

I’m going to the 5th Grade!

EXCLUSIVE! Click to see tons of photos of Jayla on set of “Family Time” and “Love That Girl!”

What are some of your favorite subjects?

Reading and Math

Well, it’s summertime now and I’m sure you’re happy to have a break from any subject, right?

Yes, I have more time to play with my friends LOL, but I’m actually looking forward to going back because I’m going to be in a higher grade. I’m ready for the challenge.

Do you go to a lot of water parks during the summertime?

No, not really but we’re planning on going to a few this year. We do go to a lot of amusement parks though. I love getting on roller coasters.

What else do you love about summer?

The hot weather so I can wear more cute outfits

I’ve noticed that you like wearing a lot of sparkles. I think they are so cool too. You really are a girly girl, huh?!

Yes I am, I love wearing sparkles on my clothes and hair accessory and even my shoes. I love to shop for sequin and sparkly things and doing a lot of girl stuff with my mom and friends.

Do you have a favorite outfit, pair of shoes or accessory that you own?

Yes I have a hand painted jacket and shoes that I love painted by Mrs. Robin Tavares-Russell. She is the bomb! LOL [Mrs. Robin is the mother of Chelsea Tavares, Kylee Russell and Halle Russell.]

What hairstyle do you just LOVE to wear?

I love to wear my hair in a spiral ponytail, which my mom hasn’t done in awhile LOL

What would you say is the best thing about being a kid?

Having fun being me

What’s best costume you’ve ever worn?

My cute pink baton dress!

What do you order when you go to McDonalds?

A McChicken mini meal and an apple-pie!

I love those apple-pies, too! Do you like sprinkles on your ice cream?

No, I don’t really care for sprinkles on my ice cream

Oh, what flavor ice cream do you like best then?

Cookie Dough

Who do you credit for your success?

Well, first I like to thank God, my parents and family for believing in me. Mr. Bentley Kyle Evans and his team for giving me the opportunity to work with them and also my agent and my coaches who support me as well!

Who are some of your role models in acting and in life?

In acting I have a few but I would have to say Keke Palmer because she’s always playing good positive roles. My mom is my role model in life. I love her drive and how she sacrifice for her family. My mom is an awesome strong woman!

What advice do you have for young people who might be interested in acting?

Have fun and be yourself. If this is your passion go after it and don’t give up!

Thank you so much Jayla for your time and congratulations on your new show! I’m praying that it is a success and that this is just the beginning of many more great things to come for you!

Thank you and I really appreciate the love and support. Stay tuned!

Please tune in and support Family Time when it airs on Monday nights on Bounce TV. If Bounce TV is in your area and you have satellite or cable you may need to turn your TV to AUX mode to get the FREE broadcast channel.