Jaden Waldman, who voices Peter in the PBS Kids show Pinkalicious & Peterrific was able to answer some questions for the BSCKids audience recently.
BSCKids: Can you tell us how you got the part of Peterrific?
Jaden Waldman: First, I sent in an MP3 (self-recorded) from home. I had to memorize the whole script since I was only 5 and couldn’t read that well yet. I also had to record a song so I sang “We’re All Made of Stars” from Finding Neverland. After I submitted that, I had a callback in New York City where I had to perform the scenes and sing in-person. Finally, I went to one last callback where they narrowed it down to a few boys and girls for the roles and they paired us up to see who would match well as Pinkalicious and Peterrific. Kayla and I were so lucky to be chosen!
BSCKids: Do you have any funny behind the scenes stories for recording the show?
Jaden Waldman: You can’t see me but every time I sing a song at the recording studio, I’m dancing during it or in between takes. The songs are so catchy and dancing helps me to keep my energy up.
Anytime you hear Peter laugh in the show I’m really laughing because the voice directors are so funny!
BSCKids: If you could guest star on any show, which one would it be and why?
Jaden Waldman: I’m not sure which show, but definitely a comedy because I love being funny so much. It’s just what I do!
BSCKids: Tell us a bit about your character on the show.
Jaden Waldman: I play Peter, the little brother of Pinkalicious. Together, with our friends Jasmine and Rafael, we go on adventures and explore things like music, dance and visual arts throughout our town of Pinkville.
My character Peter is a lot like me because he is funny and finds humor in everyday adventures. My favorite part of playing Peter is being able to make funny voices and trying different sound effects. I like to make jokes just like him.
Bio: Jaden Waldman (Peter)
Jaden Waldman is in second grade and is thrilled to be playing Peter in Pinkalicious and Peterrific! He has appeared in many commercials and has film and theater credits as well; most recently he played the role of Ben in the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes. He rides a scooter just like Peter and really does love playing the kazoo. In addition to acting, singing and dancing, Jaden plays soccer and the drums. He loves Legos, school and reading books.
BSCKids: How familiar were you with the Pinkalicious & Peterrific characters as you started doing the voice work? Did you read the books?
Jaden Waldman: I love reading the books, I’ve read them all! My favorite book is the newest in the Pinkalicious series, Peterrific. It’s my favorite because Peter shows off his adventurous side by trying to build a tower to the moon. Plus, it’s a great read for girls and boys, so a lot of my friends have read it too!
BSCKids: What would you say has been your favorite scene to film so far?
Jaden Waldman: I’ve enjoyed every scene we’ve filmed for Pinkalicious & Peterrific, but my favorite scenes are when I get to sing. The most memorable was when Peter had the blues and was singing in a blues style! It showcased a very different singing style for Peter. Plus, I was able to work with the legendary voice director, Ed Lewis, to create this episode.
BSCKids: How supportive has your family been about your entertainment career? How tough has it been keeping up with school work?
Jaden Waldman: My family has been extremely supportive and so has my school. PBS KIDS and WGBH has been great about scheduling my recordings after school so that I never miss much schoolwork. Since I take the train into New York City, I am able to get all of my reading and homework done easily. I even still have time to play with my friends and sister, play soccer and play my drums!
BSCKids: Do you have any advice for the younger fans out there who might want to get involved in acting?
Jaden Waldman: Always take your acting pretty seriously but just be yourself and show your personality. Don’t let yourself get down if you don’t get something, just keep working hard, don’t doubt yourself and keep on being positive!
BSCKids: Where can we find you on the web?
Jaden Waldman: Instagram: On Instagram @jadenmyleswaldman, which is run by my parents
Learn more about Pinkalicious & Peterrific here: http://pbskids.org/pinkalicious
Special thanks to Jaden Waldman for taking the time out of his schedule to answer some questions about Pinkalicious & Peterrific coming to PBS Kids on February 19th.
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