Finding Authenticity and Chemistry with The Cast of Abbot Elementary

We were joined by Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, and Lisa Ann Walter to talk about Abbott Elementary and using the show to elevate teachers and their work. Hearing from educators and students who really connect with the show, Sheryl discussed how the consistency of her character carries people through tough situations imbuing her character with a sense of her real self. It was important to the cast to find the hardness that comes from being from Northeast from Philly and New York and to embody how that sounds. They described it as a toughness that covers softness, with the softness being the true personality for the characters. It was important to find the warmth that they know from real people in their lives and bring it to the show.

Janelle emphasized her character having a life outside of the documentary that she won’t show on screen. For Janelle’s character, there’s a narcissism that comes from knowing that nothing has changed and that the school has no power or funding; while she’s taking advantage of the situation to achieve fame, she’s also bringing attention to an underfunded institution. Each cast member mentions specific unscripted looks in which the characters either address the camera as a friend or dismiss it as not being worth their attention. They spoke of their characters having an additional identity in the documentary and playing with that added element as an actor.

Sheryl thought about her work as simply being the perfect person for the role and living the character as a teacher. There’s an element of chemistry and ad lib that shines through as the cast talked about how much they appreciate directors who are willing to include the improv in the final show and have them read the lines in their own voice. It was important to each of the actors to let their friendship and rapport take up space on set.

Watch the full conversation below.

Q&A on the ABC series Abbott Elementary with actors Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, and Lisa Ann Walter. Moderated by Mara Webster, In Creative Company.

A group of dedicated, passionate teachers -- and a slightly tone-deaf principal -- find themselves thrown together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do -- even if they don't love the school district's less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.