Ann Marie Crouch is known to most Power Ranger Fans as Princess Shayla. The veteren actress played that role in Power Rangers Wild Force. I have had the privilage of interviewing Crouch. I actually sent her the questions for this interview months ago. Unfortunatly due to  the fact that she was busy, she  didn't get back to me till recently. That said I want you all to know I did not do this to copy RedAndrosSpaceRanger at Rangerboard. I actually had this interview sent out back in the spring when Crouch first showed up atRangerboard. I apoligize for any similar answers, it couldn't have been avoided. I do not blame Ann Marie Crouch at all. She is a busy woman and just didn't have the time to get back to me right away. I think she did a remarkable job answering the questions. She proved she is a nice person and a wise actor.  I feel blessed to even have the opertunity to interview her at all.

(update: Interview orginally done before the PRO website was revived in name)

1. How did you first get interested in acting?

I began when I was 15 years old as a print model in the United States and elsewhere. To me, modeling is a lot like acting because I would create a character for whatever type of product I was selling. It may sound silly but those feelings can actually be captured in a still photo. I eventually enjoyed  TV commercials and small acting jobs in which I found putting voices to my characters even more rewarding. Little by little, I built my acting resume while still making my living as a model. In December 2000, I moved to Los Angeles to concentrate on acting full time. I had no idea where it would lead me. I appeared on several TV shows before being offered the part of Princess Shayla on the Power Rangers Wild Force.

2. How did you end up with the role of Princess Shalya on Power Rangers
Wild Force?

I actually auditioned for the part of the Yellow Ranger about 6 times and for the part of Toxica once. The Producer liked me alot but they were having trouble finding a spot that I would fit nicely in. The acting is very important when auditioning but for a Ranger character it goes even beyond that. They have to match people up. I never auditioned for the part of Princess Shayla. They had a different vision of that character. A few months later after they had already begun shooting they called me in to play Princess Shayla for the season. Princess Shayla fit my personality best!

3. Can you tell people a brief summery of what your typical day was like on the set. That is so fans can understand how hard acting really can be?

I was just with Jessica Rey (White Ranger) yesterday and we were talking about this. Yes, we had long days and very hot ones in the desert during the summer BUT we loved every minute of it! The hardest thing about acting is getting the job! The preparation. The studies, updated headshots,  reels, agency representation, auditions, call backs. I could go on and on. The job is the relaxing part to me. Especially when you have just been booked to shoot for 8 months. We all were very fortunate. Most acting jobs are for one day. Alot of preparation for a day. For the Power Rangers I would get up at 4:00 am to get to stageat 5:45. Hair and makeup for an hour and then we would start shooting at 7:00 am. A 12 hour day was normal. Between shots we would study and spend time in each other’s rooms. Location was not quite as easy but I loved every day!

4. Getting in the mind of the Princess Shalya Character how would you best describe her?

Princess Shayla was such a loving caring person. Her life was spent conquering the evil in this world. She was innocent in many ways. Angelic yet so human.

5. What do you like the most about acting ?

The energy. The adrenalin rush. I love the word “ACTION!”

What are the challenges of acting?

Persistence! Perseverance! Patience! Self confidence!

6. What did you like about acting on Wild Force?

By far, what I liked most were the children we met. Many “Make-A-Wish” children came to the set. A very humbling experience. I loved playing the part of a Princess of nature. It was comforting working with the same people everyday. They became my family. We were all working on one goal together.

7. What were the main challenges of acting on Wild Force ?

I guess I would have to say working with one camera. Many times a paragraph would be split into several shots so to stay in character and be consistentwith your feelings at that moment.

8. Did you find it hard learning the shows mythology at first?

Yes! I actually didn’t fully understand it until the episodes started airing.

10. Did you have particular Director that you liked working with on the
show?

Honestly, I worked really well with all of the Directors. Some directed more then others so I became more comfortable with them but when new ones would show up for an episode it was also a nice challenge to get what they were looking for.

11. Out of all the actors on the show, who was your favorite to work
with?

Jessica Rey and I always had a fun time working together. Alyson and I did too. Toxica was a blast! I guess you could say that I had the most fun with the girls but the guys were all really nice! I got along with everyone thankfully.

12. What was the set like during the shoot for the time force team up ?

It added some excitement to the set! The Time Force group were so much fun and we worked well together. Like a big party!

13. When word came down that MMPR Productions was disbanding how did it effect the morale of the set. Can you briefly describe the emotions going through everyones head as you filmed the last episode of Wild Force?

For the actors we knew we were only there for one season. I could have worked many more seasons as Princess Shayla but it was time to go. The last day of shooting was very sad. Many tears fell but I also felt so much thankfulness that I had this opportunity. Now it was time to move on to whatever life was to bring me. That is also very exciting. I think it was more difficult for the crew. Some of the crew had been there for  10 seasons. You are on set so much that these people do become part of your family. They not only were loosing a job but many may never work with each other again.

14. Do you have any regrets. Any thing you would have liked to have
done during your stint on the show that you didn't get the chance to do?

I really don’t think I have any regrets. I studied and was prepared. Enjoying everyday. I tend to be very aware so that I may have the least regrets in my life as possible. They tend to hold people back in the past unless they study and learn from them. Then it becomes a learning experience.

15. Tell us about your post power ranger career. How has working on the show affected you professionally? Maybe you can tell us about that charity  you have been working on recently?

My post Power Ranger career has been amazing! I had been writing a video about modeling ( Modeling course on tape) for many years. Working on Power Rangers actually gave me the funds needed to shoot the video. I have always enjoyed teaching aspiring models steps and techniques. A video can reach so many people that are not able to take a modeling course either because one is not offered in their city or because of the expense. While shooting the video I realized that it is not just for aspiring models but for anyone ready to take the steps to becoming more beautiful inside and out. Once you start putting yourself first and taking care of you, you will be surprised in how much more energy and confidence you have. Which in turn are some of the key ingredients for success. My video titled, “BEING BEAUTIFUL, Inside & Out” was just released and is on sale at www.TheModelsZone.com. I am hoping that it will be a success and allow me to produce more videos. I am very proud of it!! I would also be so thankful to any of you who could help me get the word out about the website and video. The marketing seems to be the most difficult part of the process.

My non profit organization is called “Jordan’s Gift.” It allows me to give workshops to under privileged teens about the importance of inner beauty and self-confidence. They are shown this through various modeling and acting activities. It is actually very much like my video.

16. Did it surprise you that there was an adult fan base for Power
Rangers?

What do you think of the adult fandom?

I was very surprised at first but I soon understood why. I was in the 10th season. Had I started watching it when I was younger I would have been hooked too! I absolutely love the Power Ranger fans! So helpful and considerate. It is a wonderful community and thanks to the internet, no matter where you are in the world you can come together with others and feel a part of something good.

My final thoughts are that for me it is not final. My time on Power Rangers has opened doors and brought wonderful people into my life. A part of Princess Shayla will always live because she is me. Ann Marie Crouch may not be able to fight the “evils orgs” that surround us but I am able to give of myself and if someone sees my video or listens to me speak and feels a little more confident in themselves and at peace then I feel that my job here on earth is getting done.

Thank you for taking the time to read my words and for the wonderful support you have given to me.