It is the perfect time to get into a new show, and Prime Video is releasing a brand-new YA series Beyond Black Beauty on October 15. Before the show’s release, we got to chat with actress Kaya Coleman, who stars as the leading Jolie Dumont, to learn more about her character’s journey and the most fun parts of being on set. 

Beyond Black Beauty follows 15-year-old equestrian Jolie Dumont whose Olympic dreams are dashed when her mother moves them from Belgium to her family’s urban ranch in Baltimore. Jolie wants to escape until she bonds with a rebellious horse named Beauty. From then on, Jolie learned to embrace her family’s rodeo legacy, continue her Olympic-hopeful future and learn the value of home. The show also stars Lisa Berry, Gilles Marini, Ashton James, Gabrielle Lazure, Akiel Julien, and more!

“I was so grateful to have the chance to be around these [horses] knowing it takes a whole community to raise them.”

Kaya is an up and coming talent in the industry, having gone full on into performing just a few years ago. She is also known for a role in the 2022 horror film Dangerous Game: The Legacy Murders. Kaya said she was so excited to get the role of Jolie and felt really grateful to be on a set and continue to practice her craft. 

PULL QUOTE: “I still feel like I am making my dreams a reality, there is still so much more to learn.”

Jolie spends a lot of time with horses during the first season, and Kaya said she learned a lot about the animals, including how to hit her marks during scenes while mounted on a horse! Talk about a cool experience! Kaya said the horses on set were so smart and well-trained and she developed such an appreciation for the animals. 

“One of the first things I learned was how to hit a mark with a horse.”

Kaya also gave us such insightful tips for how to cry on cue, which she has to do multiple times in the first season. She said it’s a release and she really needs to be in the moment and feel everything Jolie is experiencing to make it seem natural. 

One thing to watch for this season is the relationship arc between Jolie and Alvin, played by Akiel Julien, and Kaya said there are some beautiful moments between the two characters. When the show comes out, Kaya said she hopes fans feel seen and can connect and relate to many of the character’s and their stories.

[Alvin and Jolie] have a really great relationship arc.”

Thank you, Kaya, for chatting with Young Entertainment! Make sure to follow her on her Instagram at @kaya_coleman_. Watch the rest of the interview where we ask her more about her tips for crying on cue, filming intense scenes, and where she would hope to see Kaya in a potential season two! While you’re there, be sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment. 

Consider this: 

• Kaya’s tip for crying on cue is to not focus so much on the camera and instead allow yourself to feel the feelings of your character in that moment. 
• Lucid body technique is a physical acting technique as a way to feel how to shift your own energy to meet the given circumstances of a character.