Sydney Mikayla plays the role of Trina Robinson on General Hospital. From daytime to voice over work she has been quite busy this year. You may also recognize her from her episode of Fuller House and The Gabby Douglas Story!

1. What inspired you to become an actress? How has working in this industry changed since you first started out?
I was inspired to become an actress by my mom. She’s a professional actress and she put me into acting when I was about 5 and I just kept going with it. I think the industry used to be more about fitting into a certain mold, but I think that it has definitely made some changes since I started. For example, when I was younger I thought I had to straighten my hair because I thought that would help me book more jobs. But now I feel like the diversity has expanded. I see more roles on television now that are created for all types of people. Shows are looking more at people as individuals and what they can bring to the table and if they love it, then maybe they’ll create a new role for you! So I love that I’m seeing more diversity and I hope it continues.

2. You were in an episode of Fuller House last season, was it nerve wracking at all to film in front of a live audience ?
I had such a great time working on Fuller House! I don’t think it was too nerve-racking to shoot in front of a live audience because I’ve done live theatre. I’ve trained and performed numerous shows with The Amazing Grace Conservatory. I don’t have as much time to participate with them now, but when I do, I always enjoy it. So for me, performing in front of the live studio audience was similar. Yes, you do get nervous, but once you get into character it’s pretty smooth sailing. I loved it. When I took the bow at the end with the rest of the cast, I was just thinking how much fun it was and that I’d love to do it again.

3. How much did you have to practice when training for your role in the Gabby Douglas film? What were some of the challenges in filming her life story?
The Gabby Douglas Story was so much fun for me! It was my first time traveling to Canada to film and I did have to train because I had only done a little bit of cheerleading prior to the film. I didn’t have any previous gymnastics experience and I really hadn’t even started any dance training yet. I basically think I looked like a little stick just running around, but it was a great experience and I had an amazing stunt double, Maxine. I just really wanted to show how hard Gabby had worked and how much she and her family had sacrificed. I tried to show the intensity and determination she had for her sport.

4. General Hospital is not your first daytime soap appearance, you filmed an episode of Days of Our Lives as a child, what do you remember about filming your episode of the show?
Yes, I did have a brief appearance on Days of Our Lives. I think I was in 4th grade and I played a girl scout. It was just one episode and I just remember thinking “Yes, I get to miss school today, can I do this again?”

5. What has it been like to join the cast of General Hospital and how do you keep up with the fast paced filming schedule?
Joining the cast of General Hospital was a bit difficult at first but I love it so much. I say it was difficult because if you watch the show you know that I’m not the first person to play this role. I’m the 2nd person to play this character, so unlike other roles I’ve done, Trina didn’t really get in introduced I just kinda jumped into the character so it felt like jumping in 12 feet of water. My castmates are very professional and they definitely bring me up and have my back. So whenever I get nervous I just remember that a way I’m just playing a version of myself. I’m really excited to play this role. Knowing my lines helps me to keep up with the fast pace on set. As long as I know my lines, I know I’ll be ok.

6. Your character Trina has quickly won over fans of the show, how much do you relate to Trina and how are the two of you different?
Trina is more bold than I am. She says whatever she wants, kinda does whatever she wants. She’s a great student, she loves the art gallery, and she has great fashion and make-up. (thanks GH make-up and costumes). I think Trina is a better looking and more outspoken version of me. If we were twins in real life I’d probably be the boring twin and she’d be the popular prop queen. I think I’m more of an introvert.

7. Not too much is known about Trina’s backstory, if you could write it, what would you say happened in her past that led her to Port Charles?
I won’t say too much about a backstory, but I know an episode aired that revealed that Trina took a DNA test and she is related to someone in Port Charles. So I can’t wait to see what will happen next. Who knows? Maybe there’s some drama there.

8. This year you attended your first General Hospital fan events, what was the experience like and were you surprised at all by how many fans came out for the weekend?
Well attending the General Hospital Fan event was a great way to break me out of my shell because I’m a bit of an introvert. I can usually be found in a pair of sweats, no make up, etc… But going to the event and seeing the support I have and hearing people say I’m doing a good job made me feel great. It makes me want to keep going and remember why I do what I do. It’s not only for yourself but to bring joy and entertainment to other people. I’m glad I can do that.

9. You’ve been sharing scenes with Maura West, what has it been like to work together and what has she taught you as a young actress?
Maura West is incredible. She has already taught me a lot about professionalism on set no matter how famous you are. In the soap opera world she is royalty! One of my best memories so far with her was shooting one night, we were tired, she had this scene that was basically just a monologue and she did it in 1 take! That was so great for me to watch. She killed that scene, so professional and so prepared. I’m definitely taking notes.

10. Do you have any favorite scenes you have done on the show so far? Is there anyone in the cast you hope to share scenes with in the new year?
Besides my scenes with Maura West, my favorite scene was with William (Cameron). He was about to give away Oscar’s car and I was trying to convince him not to and we actually shot it inside the car. I loved it. I hope to share more scenes with Eden (Joss) because we all know that girl talk is juicy. I think the audience would definitely be interested in that, you never know what secrets could be revealed. I also want to have more scenes with Curtis (Donnell) because he’s an incredible actor.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks to everyone who watches General Hospital or any of the other shows I’ve done, I appreciate your support. Also, be sure to check out my new show, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts dropping on Netflix January 14th. I just attended the screening and it is a phenomenal show with a great cast. You will love it!

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