Schoolgirl takes centre stage in America for role in Disney movie
‘THE BEST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD’
A YOUNG actress from Billericay took centre stage at the world premiere of a Disney film in America.
Disney+ hosted the event for the Disney Original Movie Out Of My Mind at Park City’s Library Center Theatre as part of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.
Phoebe-Rae Taylor, a Year 10 student at Mayflower High School, in Stock Road, Billericay, plays the lead role as Melody Brooks.
The role sees Melody navigate sixth grade as a non-verbal wheelchair user who has cerebral palsy – a condition Phoebe-Rae also lives with.
With the help of assistive technology – voiced by Jennifer Aniston – and her devoted friends, the character shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it.
Phoebe-Rae auditioned for the part when she was just ten, with plans for the film delayed due to the pandemic.
Phoebe-Rae said: “I have just been to the world premiere of my film. It was really weird to watch myself. It was amazing.
“Everyone is shocked when they hear this, but I have never acted before in my life. The director got in touch as I was signed up with a modelling agency.
“It has been the best experience I have ever had. It is definitely what I would want to do if I got the opportunity again.”
She spent five months filming in Canada two years ago, but missed just two weeks of schooling as her teachers provided her with work throughout her trip.
She is now back preparing for her GCSEs at Mayflower.
Head teacher Damian Lee said: “Everyone at Mayflower is extremely proud of Phoebe and her amazing achievement. To be selected from the numbers of young people who auditioned shows the positive impression she made with the producers. We are not surprised by this as Phoebe is one of life’s shining lights with an infectious smile and great personality.
“Having spent time with Phoebe hearing about the film and the strong messages it conveys, I can’t wait to tune in and watch it for myself.”
The film, an adaptation of the book of the same title, premieres on Disney+ later this year.