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2010 – Adam Mayfield

Today’s actor Q&A for Christmas Eve is with All My Children’s Adam Mayfield. Adam played the part of AJ’s uncle/Emma’s stepdad “Scott Chandler” from 2009-2010. He has a new film in the works as well as a television show, to learn more check out his fansite

1. How did you enjoy working with Rory and Declan McTigue and Tate Berney?

The twins were hilarious! Those two were always playing in dressing room areas when they weren’t called to set. Always laughing and playing. And their dad was great – letting them be kids as much as possible while making sure they did their job when needed.
I got to spend much more time with Tate, since Scott never had much interaction with A.J. during the New York tapings.

2. How did you enjoy working with Lucy Merriam, Emily Alyn Lind and Danielle Parker?

Again, not much interaction with Lucy in New York. She was very close to both Cameron and Melissa, though. They adored her. She was a lovely girl.
Emily had great chops for such a young actress. She was clearly destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother, another very talented actress. She also had a stellar personality. Not an ounce of fear in that girl, always cheerful – both she and her sister, who was often on the set as well.
Danielle and I had a special bond, I felt. She was quiet at times, but there was something about her. Both on camera and off. She just had this way about her that exuded warmth and grace – necessary qualities for the character of Emma. Survival traits for a young girl who has seen so much tragedy in her short life. Whether she knows it or not, her quietness comes across as a deep underlying sadness when she plays Emma – perfect for the character. That and she’s a consummate hugger, of which I am a total sucker for.

3. What has been your favorite scene(s) to film with any of the kids?

Any one-on-one scene I ever had with Emma or A.J. They were seldom, but tender and fun. There was always a bit of magic whenever I worked with the kids. It always felt like total play.

4. Were there any special things you would do before going into a scene that required working with the children?

Joke with them, play games with them. Get them to feel as comfortable as possible. Help them with their lines. Some of the kids I worked with, I swear they totally forgot they were acting, which is amazing. I learned a lot from that.

5. Do you have any funny stories to share about working with any of the kids on set or backstage?

Tate would sometimes think that we were still rehearsing and not actually taping a scene (a mistake not exclusive to his age range, to his credit) and would still be trying clown with one of us during recording. Sometimes, it worked so well that we would simply move on to the next scene. I’d watch it a month later on T.V. and think,”Oh man, that was perfect.”

6. What do you find the most challenging element if any about working with children?

Helping them to keep focus and remembering their lines. It’s so important to find that sweet spot of helping them maintain focus but making them feel at ease as well. You try too hard to keep their focus, they lose their sense of play. You clown around too much to get them comfortable, it becomes a party. Heck, the same rule applies to adult actors. I just think we cover all that stuff up better because we’ve been on the planet a little longer is all.

7. Did you find there were any changes in the portrayal of ‘Scott and Emma’ scenes once ‘Scott’ became her step father?

Oh, yeah. The content didn’t necessarily change, but the quantity sure did. The closer Annie and Scott became, the more scenes that involved Emma, which was a joy.

8. Do you find that getting the opportunity to work with the different children who have played “Emma” and “AJ” has provided any aspects that have helped you as an actor?

Being aware of the nuances that may change is helpful because it keeps my own instrument sharp – that awareness. One Emma is more playful than the other, the other more insightful. It’s important for me as an actor to be aware of how that changes our relationship without forcing it. Just letting it happen.

9. What advice would you give for anyone looking to become an actor one day?

Please, please, please want to do this for the love of the craft. Not for the glamor or the attention, not for the notoriety or the praise. You will be miserable. Trust me. Do it because you love to act, because you love to play, and it would be nice to get paid for it. Period. You do it for that and you can’t go wrong, no matter what happens.

We’d like to thank Adam for participating in the Star-Kidz Holiday Q&A event this year!