I played Emmy Mendoza who marched to the beat of her own drum. She was really funny and very clueless most of the time but she loved wholeheartedly and was full of energy. She was definitely feisty and over protective over her friends and family.
2. Were you a fan of the show before you were cast?
I came onto the show about halfway through the first season. I believe it was episode 10 when Disney first introduced Emmy. We started filming before the show initially aired. I had auditioned for other roles leading up to Emmy, but I’m so thankful those didn’t pan-out because Emmy added a completely different dynamic to the friend group which allowed me to be a part of the show for three seasons.
3. “Sydney to the Max” had an amazing young cast. What did you learn from working on this show?
Leading up to “Sydney to the Max”, I had mostly worked on dramas with the majority of my scenes with adults. Being on the set of “Sydney to the Max” was such a welcoming experience. Working with your friends day in and day out was such a blessing. We had so much fun and a genuine appreciation for one another that it really conveyed on screen. Oh goodness, I learned a ton on the show! It was my first real introduction to multi-cam comedy, I learned that timing is everything and that one character sets up the joke and the other lands the joke. It’s a total team effort. I learned so many amazing things on the show, it helped mold me into the actress I am today.
4. What was your favorite memory from working on that show?
I’m not sure I can pick just one memory, obviously hanging out in each other’s dressing rooms and having lunch together will forever be imprinted on my heart, but I do have an untold story for you. One day during a network run-through, I got the hiccups just as my scene ended. For reference, these run-throughs are a huge deal and all the suits were physically present. The best way to explain it is like a live play performance that you can’t stop, the show must go on so to say. So my scene ended and I ran off stage while we were transitioning to the 1990’s set, and I’m panicking. My mom has me chug water, I’m holding my breath nothing is working. The clock is ticking down because my scene was next. Laura, one of our amazing producers, comes to me and asks what is going on. We explained the situation and she said to run up and down the far end of the sound stage (away from everyone) and I didn’t hesitate. I start sprinting up and down, maybe a minute or two goes by and Laura and my mom are just watching me like a hawk, most likely praying this actually works. Next I hear moving on! By this time I’m totally out of breath and run to set, just as the stage directions are being read, I hit my mark and I opened my mouth to speak and the hiccups were gone! Not sure if it was the sheer panic that scared them away or the actual running but they disappeared and I remember the rest of that run-through being magic, everyone was on fire and the laughs were rolling strong for everyone…that day will never be forgotten.
5. Since that show you started adding producer to your already extensive resume. What was the catalyst for taking a step behind the camera?
I’ve always had an interest in understanding the process, one of my earliest memories of work was when I was five years old and I was filming a commercial and the director had me watch the playback and I thought it was the coolest thing. Now that I’m older and I have had wonderful opportunities to work in front of the camera, I’m interested in making my own projects and telling my stories. I guess you could say it was inevitable for me that I’d make my way behind the camera. I’m a creator and it’s important in this industry to be well rounded and to make projects for myself and others that will give opportunities that no one else would give.
6.Why do you feel diversity in this industry is so important in this industry?
Diversity is important in the entertainment industry to ensure representation of various groups that reflect themselves in the media. This fosters inclusion, validation and promotes a positive impact for underrepresented communities.
7. Are there any upcoming projects you can share with us?
My goal is to always make meaningful and impactful projects, the project that is currently in development is a psychological thriller that will resonate with audiences. It tells a meaningful story of friendship, and the scars that life has given us.
8. Fun question: What is your favorite Broadway play or musical and why?
My mother loves musicals, so I was introduced at a very young age. I was five years old when I first saw “The Lion King” on stage and I was in awe. But my absolute favorite musical of all time is “Phantom of the Opera”. I would play the CD over and over again. When I was old enough I saw Andre Lloyd Webber’s movie rendition which changed my world. I remember when I finally was able to see Phantom on stage, I refused to get out of my seat at intermission and I cried tears of joy when the curtain dropped. Phantom speaks to my soul, the music is just so special.
9. Where can we follow you on social media?
IG: realjuliagarcia
TikTok: realjuliagarcia
Facebook: Julia Garcia
X: realjuliag