In this article, rather than doing an interview with Caroline, I wanted to share my experience with her.
Caroline is the daughter of my good friend Perri Druen (also in the film). Over the course of the last two years, while hanging out with Perri I came to know Caroline. There was something about her that made me think she would be a great candidate for the role of Claire. Although I’ve read it’s not such a good thing to write a role for a particular person, I found myself seeing her in each scene. I couldn’t help it. When I asked Caroline if she wanted to act in a movie, she shyly said yes. I explained to her it was a big commitment and once she was “in” it would be really important to stick with it. Perri and I had several conversations about it and Caroline was steadfast – she was indeed IN.
Without a doubt Caroline took on the most difficult role in the film in her portrayal of a high functioning autistic adolescent. With coaching from her mom – a York College of PA psychology professor and direction from Mike Gutridge, Director of In Your Afterglow and parent to an autistic daughter Caroline blossomed in her first acting role. She was patient and poised on set, she engaged respectfully with her co-actors and was truly a joy to work with. We had some very difficult scenes with lots of food preparation. This required some improv and several takes to get it right. Caroline quickly caught on.
I have a few favorite scenes from the film and several include Caroline. When I saw the first batch of footage of her “talking with the spirits” I got goosebumps.
What’s next for Caroline? After the dust settled from the long days on set, I asked Caroline if she wanted to do it again. I have another role in mind for my next screenplay called “The Feeding Hand.” Again she shyly responded, yes. In the meantime she will finish the 8th grade at York Suburban, York, PA and continue to hone her volleyball skills.
Click the following link to purchase your tickets to see Caroline In Your Afterglow, February 23, 2020.
https://appellcenter.org/show/capfilm-in-your-afterglow
