Fan Mail Questions Asked of Princess Shayla

Q: What other acting roles would you like to take on in the future? A: I have thought a bit about the future and what other acting roles I would like to do. My agency is interested in submitting me for soap operas. That would be a good learning experience because the filming of a soap is very fast paced. One of the Power Ranger directors just got back from overseas where he was working as a fight coordinator on a film. He is going to coordinate a fight scene for me and film it so I can put it on my demo reel because I would also love to do action films. Russell Mesa (Arizona)

Q: How many actresses auditioned for the part of Princess Shayla?
A: I am not sure how many actresses auditioned for the part but the Casting Director mentioned that she went through 3,000 submissions for the entire cast. I feel very lucky and blessed to have been chosen.
Jeff (Albuquerque, NM)

Q: In the episode when Merrick showed up, how did you think it affected your character to see him?
A: When Merrick arrived I think it showed a more "human" side of Princess Shayla. Even though I am very loving to the Rangers and Animals, I also want to be loved. Our main focus is still to rid the world of evil while at the same time, showing we are human beings. We love, laugh, cry, make mistakes.... Everyone can be a Power Ranger if they so choose. We choose if we want to do good or evil. Think about it, if everyone on earth did atleast one nice deed a day we would live in an entirely different world!
Kate (Pacoima, CA)

Q: Why does Princess Shayla appear from the sacred pond?
A: Princess Shayla goes into the sacred pond to meditate. Sometimes to just relax and other times to figure out some of the problems that the Rangers are having. She materializes when she is needed.
Lauren (Nederland, Colorado, USA)

Q: How long have you been acting?
A: I began when I was 15 years old as a print model in the United States and elsewhere. To me, modeling is a lot like acting because I would create a character for whatever type of product I was selling. For example, if the shoot was an ad for a JCPenney's Spring dress, I would imagine a beautiful day with me on my way to meet friends for lunch at an outdoor cafe. It may sound silly but those feelings can actually be captured in a still photo. I eventually enjoyed TV commercials and small acting jobs in which I found putting voices to my characters even more rewarding. Little by little, I built my acting resume while still making my living as a model. In December 2000, I moved to Los Angeles to concentrate on acting full time. I had no idea where it would lead me. I appeared on several TV shows before being offered the part of Princess Shayla on the Power Rangers Wild Force.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I am an entrepreneur at heart. The end of last year, I began producing a video about modeling. It will contain tips and advice for aspiring models; or anyone for that matter. My goal is for it to help build self confidence by learning how to take better care of yourself. It is alot of fun and so rewarding. That project takes up most of my spare time but every once in a while I do go to the movies or bowling with friends.

Q: Do you enjoy playing the part of Princess Shayla?
A: I love playing the role of Princess Shayla. I couldn't be happier. When I started thinking about the part of the Princess, I imagined her as sweet and sensitive. Those are great Princess qualities but since she is the Ranger's mentor, she also needs to have leadership abilities as well. I try to combine all of those qualities into her character.