IN CONVERSATION WITH KERRICE BROOKS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Kerrice Brooks is stepping boldly into the future with her breakout role in ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’, currently airing weekly on Paramount+ through March. She brings fresh energy and emotional depth to the next chapter of the iconic sci-fi universe. Audiences may already recognize her from her scene-stealing performance in the Sundance indie favorite ‘My Old Ass’, but ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ marks a defining moment in her ascent. Before acting, Kerrice built a dynamic career as a dancer, performing in music videos for global artists like Billie Eilish and Rihanna, a background that informs her physical presence and command on screen. With one of television’s most beloved franchises as her launchpad, she is poised at the start of a thrilling new trajectory.

‘Star Trek’ is such an iconic universe. What did it feel like stepping into ‘Star Teek: Starfleet Academy’ for the first time?

Steppin into ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ for the first time felt like alignment, for some reason. Like a puzzle piece, fitting into some obscure image that, still, I can’t see. It felt like a true honor, and the most craziest thing in the world, and I think I went into shock when I found out. I have the video still, I was gagged. All those emotions are still exactly how I feel in this moment.

How would you describe your character, and what makes her distinct within the ‘Star Trek’ world?

Sam is everything and anything. We meet her as a photonic who was programmed to feel 17, yet is only really 4 months old. She’s present, she’s excited, and she’s earnest. She’s the first of her kind, and she’s sent to the school for a specific purpose for her people. Sam is a super genius, but her purpose isn’t about becoming a great Starfleet officer, her purpose is to report to her Makers. In experiencing organic life and what it really involves, she falls in love with it. Then it becomes about balancing her “allegiance”/duty to Kasq, and the Federation. Duty vs. passion. Where you come from vs. A whole new world. How can you juggle both? There’s just nobody like Sam.

How do you approach acting within a sci-fi world while keeping the emotions grounded and human?

I’m still sharpening my tools in my toolkit for sure, but I guess I try and keep it grounded by surprising myself. I’m no expert on genres by any means, but I do watch a lot of TV and film, and I notice the sci-fi projects that I love all had one thing in common: they’d have me pinned against the wall waiting for what they were going to do next. I fall into the story of it all because they keep me surprised. So, I try and do that to myself and surrender, and just have fun, and put every cell of my being into it. Really create the world and try and make some magic.

‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ focuses on a younger generation. What themes feel especially relevant right now?

So many themes explored in the show echo today’s world. The whole premise of poor families torn apart from just trying to survive, the theme of this new wave of young adults being thrown into the deepest of ends due to a galaxy-wide disaster, pressure. The show hits close to home for a lot of us on set for a lot of reasons. The theme of balancing honoring what came before you, whilst still carving your own path, that’s a big one.

You had a scene-stealing turn in ‘My Old Ass’. How did that indie experience prepare you for a major franchise?

Doing ‘My Old Ass’ was more prep than you’d think. Saying that because although Ro didn’t have too many scenes, meaning I didn’t film too many days, doing the project still changed me. It’s because that set taught me freedom. Professionally, getting that level of autonomy and open space to play made me learn to trust myself more. Because nobody around me was stressed, why not just have fun? And spiritually, it opened my heart up a bit. I’d never witnessed female friendship like Maddie and Maisy’s before. It was so intimate and safe and playful. I’d never had something like that, so my heart was a bit harder going into that movie. Coming out, I was softer, more awkward, and more honest. I have those girls, but really that entire team to thank for that. There was no being soft enough for Sam, if it weren’t for that experience.

Your background as a professional dancer is unique. How does movement influence your acting?

I love talking about dance. Everything I do comes from the body. For me, that’s where all character work begins. Dance has taught me such body awareness, I know it like the back of my hand. I think that’s great because the body is the vessel for the character, and dance is a dictionary for the vessel. If that makes sense, people say you embody a character. The body is vital. You have to connect to it. Dancing also shakes off the cobwebs, and cobwebs are scary.

How do you stay grounded while your career is accelerating so quickly?

Life is so crazy. I constantly remember where I’m from, and I bring that along with me on this ride. I want my entire village there with me at all times, one way or another. Being surrounded by love and people who’ve seen so many versions of me helps remind me who I am. I hope that doesn’t sound like an unhealthy dependency thing. Everyone I know is just so cool. Emotional safety helps keep me grounded.

What kind of stories are you most excited to tell next?

I hope to tell more queer stories, and more boundary-pushing stories. It’d be amazing to do a film saga, more sci-fi, some action, and even a period piece romance. I just want to keep going.

What does representation within a universe like ‘Star Trek’ mean to you personally?

Representation within a world like ‘Star Trek’ means everything. To see someone who looks like you being a part of the story lets you know that you are a part of the story too. You matter, and it’s acknowledging you exist. It feels good to be acknowledged in society. Big or small. And then to be in a world like ‘Star Trek’? It makes me feel like it’s ok being so different. 

Growing up, I used to feel so uncomfortable in so many spaces, not knowing who I was and simultaneously having so many identities placed and projected onto me. Seeing myself in this was soothing, and somehow energizing. Since I belong, everyone I represent belongs, too. And that’s an honor.

When you look back at this moment years from now, what do you think it will represent in your journey?

When I look back years from now, I think this moment will represent transformation. And listening and learning. For sure. I can’t wait to meet future me.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography VICTORIA STEVENS