POP News Mag

Actress Jordan Rice: She's Got That Swagger

After A Semester In London, Her Passion For Acting Is Hotter Than Ever

Jordan Rice, who plays Jackie Carson in the hit Apple TV+ series "Swagger" created by Reggie Bythewood and starring O'Shea Jackson, Jr, is known for making daring moves. At age 11, before obtaining an agent, she landed her first professional acting role in Ava DuVernay's SELMA, which was executive produced by Oprah Winfrey. Then as a high schooler, she became a Young Arts Winner joining the likes of previous winners Viola Davis and Kerry Washington. In 2021, during her senior year of high school as a homeschooler, she became the only student in the state of Georgia to be recognized as a Presidential Scholar In the Arts Semi-Finalist for that year.

When Jordan was just 8 years old she developed the life motto "If they don't remember your name, you're not working hard enough". She took this mindset with her when she auditioned for and got accepted into the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta (YEA) that same year. Jordan trained with YEA for 10 years.

Jordan continues to live by her motto as evidenced in her latest bold move - forgoing the expense of a college education in the States to study Shakespeare at the London Academy of Music And Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) for a semester.

The youngest in the program, where all the other students were Juniors and Seniors in college, Jordan's intense work ethic enabled her to establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in the minds of her peers and professors even without having had any of the traditional college experience.

In An Interview With Jordan we asked, "So how did you get the role of Jackie Carson in the Apple TV+ Series, Swagger?"

I originally auditioned for another character funny enough! Part of that audition was to talk about your relationship with basketball. Umm, what relationship? My mom reminded me that being the sister of a basketball player and daughter of a coach was my connection to the game. I talked about that. A few months later, I got an in-person audition for Jackie, the sister of basketball phenom Jace Carson. It felt right.

A week later, I got an email to read with the actor playing Jace, Isaiah Hill. I loved being in the room with him, and it felt really comfortable. Soon after that, I got the offer. I loved the project so much, and I was so grateful to be able to tell part of its story.

How did you get into character, Jordan?

Every character is different for me in terms of what they need. For Jackie, I did a lot of journaling that included letters, drawings, and diary entries. Writing about her relationship with other characters or how she viewed certain situations helped me learn things about her. It's work that the audience doesn't know about, but it helps make my performance as her more full. It helped me stay in the realm of the character even on days when I wasn't filming.

What was your favorite moment on set?

A really cool thing was spending my 18th birthday on set. That day, wardrobe had Jackie in one of my favorite outfits of the season, the crew surprised me with a cake, and our director, Reggie Bythewood, said some nice words about me. It felt like a celebration of not just me, but the love we have for our show and each other. I'm so grateful I got to have a moment like that with people that I love, who I also get to work with. Not many people get to have a birthday like that, and I wouldn't have spent mine any other way.

Enjoy these behind the scenes clips of Jordan preparing for her role of Jackie Carson!

Follow @actressjordanrice on IG & Twitter

Follow @Jordan.ric on TikTok

Be Very Committed

By Fran Kiser

My 26 year old son, Terry Kiser, started modeling and performing in speech competitions when he was about 8 years old. I knew he was gifted in the arts. He comes from a long line of artists. His Grandmother was a teacher, musician (piano, organ and reed instruments) and lecturer, his Grandfather was a Drummer. His Great Grandfather was a musician and educator. Both of his great uncles were musicians as well; one sat first chair in the Ray Charles orchestra for many years as well as being an musical educator.

I play flute, sing, and once played violin and piano. My dream was to be a dancer (Ballet and Jazz) of FAME and a theater actor as well. So I know oh so well about the arts and going after your passion. That's why my husband and I support our son in his dreams wholeheartedly.

My drive comes from the love of my son and assisting/supporting him in any way possible. As a parent you want your child to be happy and successful! You also know your child and their gifts.

Terry is still climbing and striving, but I KNOW HOW TALENTED HE IS and that God has gifted him in connecting with people. I am so excited and look forward to his success! It does not come overnight for all; it has some joy and hurt along the way.

You have to be very committed to your child's success. It required long hours and a huge investment of your time. You have to be there for the emotional roller coaster if you truly believe in your child’s dream. Encourage always! If YOU DON’T BELIEVE, then let someone else nurture their talent. It does take a village; you cannot do it alone. They need all the support they can get! The doubters will talk to them and there will be a lot of barriers/hills to climb.

I have always been a mom who volunteers as a way to show my support and my love for the arts. I lend my skills backstage to make sure the artists are taken care of by learning their show line ups and lending my emotional support (Stage Mom). If there is a need for financial support for a project, then I will lend my skills for a fundraiser with the help of others. I try to make sure he has the tools needed for his journey in his continuous teachings in acting, singing and dancing. Sometimes you have to lend that support financially to make sure they are able to gain access to those tools that are out there like online services (backstage, actors access).

I always keep an eye out along with him for audition opportunities; which aren’t always disclosed. I have to network within the industry as much as possible to gain access to valuable opportunities as well. He has an agent, but as the supporter/parent you have to do the work yourself as well. Even though Terry is an adult, we both try to keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities in his field of talent.

I try to support his journey by attending all his events. It means a lot to see that support from family and friends. Putting in the time makes a difference in their success!

Follow Terry on Instagram @vibez_tk

7 yr old Recording Artist Kevin Andre Says "Run And Tell That"

Kevin Andre is not your typical 7 year old. He was reading at age 3 and is writing his own books. On top of that, he plays 2 sports - baseball and football. Kevin Andre sings, writes songs, and plays both drums and piano. He already has 3 music credits under his belt and is already working on another.

His latest release, "Run And Tell That", a Gospel R&B groove, is set to be performed at the Gospel Music Workshop Of America Convention later this month.

Kevin Andre's mom, Marva, says he was just a year old when she and his dad noticed his interest in music. When we asked her to give us the details, Marva said:

"There were several clues. One was that he would get upset when I didn't clap correctly to a song. This would trip me out because I'm thinking how's a little child who's just barely talking going to get upset and correct me because he thinks I'm off beat? He would come home and mimic what he saw and heard at church when he was about a year and a half. Another clue was when he was about two and a half, we were visiting his little big-sister ( Kaile ) and she played a song for us on the piano. He went to the piano and attempted to repeat her. I was shocked that he did not bang on the keys as kids normally do."

So where did Kevin Andre's parents find a coach for their son at such a young age? We asked them and this is what they said:

"Honestly, it wasn't hard to find a good coach because we knew about Dana Rice Music's Fame Studio by taking our god niece, Kaile, to Piano Lessons. We also knew that Dana Rice would be an amazing teacher because she also taught other kids that we knew - and they were great!

We wanted to sign Andre up with Dana Rice Music's Fame Studio; however, he was too young at the time, so we had to wait until he turned 4. As soon as he turned 4, we signed him up with Dana which truly has been a blessing! He is doing great things with her and we love how she nurtures his musical abilities.

Kevin's Dad is highly involved in his music learning as well. When we asked him what keeps his son motivated, Kevin Sr. said:

One thing that helps Kevin Andre stay motivated inside and outside of the classroom is that we let him play and sing without discouragement. He also loves Gospel music and church. We always give him positive affirmations.