Jackson, Shawn and Gil Return to Quitman in New Episode of “Game of Silence” – Exclusive Q&A With Young Cast

NBC’s newest show, Game of Silence, is leaving viewers on the tip of their toes. With only four episodes into the series, the audience is left with more questions than ever.

This television drama tells a story about revenge and if you listen to the details, you’ll realize just how much the characters are fighting to overcome the instances that occurred while in juvie. Game of Silence proposes the question: Just how far would you go to protect and fight for your friends.?

“This show does contain a lot of dark themes and I truly believe that you have to be interested in thriller/drama types of shows to appreciate it.” Curran Walters who plays young Jackson explains. “The audiences will be shocked and I mean that in a very good way. Once you start watching this show you will not be able to stop.”

Tonights episode (May 5) of Game of Silence, which airs at 10 p.m. est, will center on Jackson (David Lyons), Shawn (Larenz Tate) and Gil (Michael Raymond-James) returning to the one place they all wished to forget, Quitman.

“I really can’t say too much,” McCarrie McCausland who plays Young Shawn dishes, “but what I can say is that nothing is what it seems.”

25 years ago when the men were just boys, they were involved in an accident the killed the life of an woman, which resulted in being sent to a juvenile facility with their friend Boots (Derek Phillips). Jessie (asa) was left behind while her four best friends face the most difficult time of their lives. After nine months in the juvenile facility, all four boys went their separate ways until Boots was killed after chancing upon one of the boys who tortured him at Quitman.

Game of Silence does an incredible job with flashing back to the characters at a young age while at their time at Quitman. They show physical and psychological torture these four boys suffered from.

”The show is designed to have characters that you root for.” Katie Kelly who plays Young Jesse explains. “The show is all about justice, friendship, love, and loyalty. I think the audience will love the dark themes, it’s something network TV hasn’t seen before.”

We caught up with four out of the five best friends who play the younger versions of themselves; Curran Walters (Young Jackson), McCarrie McCausland (Young Shawn), Cannon Kluytman (Young Boots) and Katie Kelly (Young Jessie). These young actors all agree that their roles in Game of Silence is hands down their favorite character they’ve ever played.

“I am able to show a different side of myself and show myself in a light that the public wouldn’t see me in,” McCarrie McCausland said. In addition, Curran Walters reveals that his role of Jackson Brooks is his favorite because he can explore his, “my entire range of acting abilities; I laugh, I cry, I scream, I fight, I love.”

Game of Silence “Ghosts Of Quitman” airs tonight, Thursday, May 5 at 10pm est on NBC – make sure to check out our exclusive Q&A with Curran Walters (Young Jackson), McCarrie McCausland (Young Shawn), Cannon Kluytman (Young Boots) and Katie Kelly (Young Jessie) below.

Celeb Secrets: How is it like balancing school work and filming?  Do you find it hard being able to participate in normal everyday teen events like dances, parties and sporting events?

McCarrie: “It isn’t that difficult. I mean I do have my moments where I might fall behind but I can always catch back up. I’m Virtual schooled so that makes things a little easier. As far as  “normal everyday teen things”, most of my friends are either a freshmen in college or a sophomore/senior in high school, so I don’t get out much.

Cannon Kluytman: “Fortunately, I am able to be in an online school that allows me to set my own schedule for lessons. This is great because it allows me to pursue my other passions like musical theatre, tv/film and piano ,as well as, find time for the things I enjoy such as: politics, music, science, reading and tennis.”

Curran Walters: “Balancing school and film was very tough for me at the beginning of my career. I had the opportunity to join such a great independent study program that helps me balance acting and school which has made everything better. At times it can be hard to participate in everyday activities depending on if you have an audition, meeting, or need to memorize a script. Although, with this great schooling program I was actually able to participate in school sports which really made me feel involved.”

Celeb Secrets: Because you are playing younger versions of the lead characters, do you often work with those actors to figure out the perfect way to represent them as kids?

McCarrie McCausland:  “The pilot/series was split up into two divisions (A & B).  A is for the adults and B is for the kids.  The way that it was filmed didn’t really allow much time to talk to Larenz one on one. The adults did come out to our filming a few times and are always welcoming when we cross paths on set, but that’s about it. We rely on the director’s vision to really lay that out for us.”

Cannon Kluytman: “We did have the opportunity to hang out with them and they came to support us on set a few times which was super cool.”

Katie Kelly: “Playing the younger version of such an amazing actress (Bre Blair) is such an honor to me.”

Celeb Secrets: How else did you prepare for the role of a character who suffers physical and psychological torture from the guards in juvenile prison?

McCarrie McCausland: “I just mentally put myself into that situation. At times I would sit in my room alone and think how it would feel to be in that. I have people I’m close to who have been there so I talk to them and then put myself there with them. Once I walk on set I’m no longer McCarrie. I become the being I am blessed enough to play. When I see those walls or feel those handcuffs on my wrist I’m locked in but as soon as they say “ CUT! ” I become myself again.”

Curran Walters: “For this role I really had to mentally and physically prepare. In order to get into character, I would have to dive deep into the script and really feel like I was actually in a juvenile prison. It was hard, but that’s one of my favorite things about acting is picking apart a script and turning yourself into your character. The brilliance behind so much coaching and advice also helped me prepare for the role.”

Celeb Secrets: This show has some really dark themes. How do you think the audience will react to them?

McCarrie McCausland: *gasps* “Kids close your eyes!!!”.

Katie Kelly: ”The show is designed to have characters that you root for. The writer David Hudgins, who also wrote Friday Night Lights, does an amazing job of finding the light in the dark throughout the series. The show is all about justice, friendship, love, and loyalty. I think the audience will love the dark themes, it’s something network TV hasn’t seen before.”

Curran Walters: “This show does contain a lot of dark themes and I truly believe that you have to be interested in thriller/drama types of shows to appreciate it. ‘The audiences will be shocked and I mean that in a very good way. Once you start watching this show you will not be able to stop.”

Celeb Secrets: What is the most heroic thing you’ve ever done?

McCarrie McCausland: “I’m still waiting for that moment. I’ve done countless things for others; ever since I was young, my mom and I have always helped others. It’s how I was raised; from donating clothes and shoes to kids in my class that were less fortunate than I, to feeding the homeless but I don’t necessarily consider that heroic. The classification of the word “heroic” in people’s minds nowadays is way different from what I believe. The human race has set the bar so low that when someone does something “morally right” like standing up for someone, helping someone less fortunate, saving an animal, etc., it’s seen as heroic.  For me, “heroic” involves putting someone’s own life before your own, risking your life for people or a person…not doing something that you should be expected to do as a decent, conscientious human being. Maybe it’s just me. So I guess you could say I’m still seeking my truly heroic opportunity!”

Katie Kelly: “I stand very strong for an Anti Bullying campaign, with that being said, one of the most heroic things I’ve ever done is stand up for someone I saw getting picked on.  I believe that if you are ever given the choice to be correct or kind, you should always choose to be kind. Having a kind heart is one of the best qualities one can have, and that’s something I stand for.”

Celeb Secrets: What’s one of your favorite games?

McCarrie McCausland: “As far as right now it’s a tie between Quantum Break, Fallout, Destiny, and Warfare but, my all time favorite is Marvel Ultimate Alliance or Gears of War.”

Cannon Kluytman: “I am always up for a game of Rummy!”

Katie Kelly: “One of my favorite games to play with my friends is hide & go seek, my friends and j still play that at every sleep over!”

Curran Walters: “One of my favorite games would probably have to be the card game Go fish and my favorite playing console is PlayStation 4 because I really enjoy playing sports games such as FIFA and NHL.”

Celeb Secrets: What are some things that you and your friends love to do?

McCarrie McCausland: “As long as the crew and I are together doesn’t matter what we do, the energy will always be family. But you can definitely catch us at a game or in our gym.”

Katie Kelly: “My friends and I love to drive around in my Jeep with the top off and play loud music. My best friend, Leah Hoffman & I love to memorize songs and sing them at the top of our lungs while we drive.”

Curran Walters: “Me and my friends love to go to the beach, golf, play soccer, and bowl! In addition, we are all very involved in sports which makes everything very competitive but that’s the best part! My favorite thing of course is acting, without acting I feel like my life would be a lot less entertaining.”

Celeb Secrets: What was each of your first acting jobs?

McCarrie McCausland: “My first job was a Disney commercial which is always the best because you come in through the back of the park, ride roller coasters and eat food all day, then you meet the characters all while the park is closed so its like you have the entire park to yourselves, you kind of forget you’re “working”. Best part is when you’re done you get to stay in the park and production gives you a few fast passes so you just jump all day.”

Cannon Kluytman: “Game of Silence was my first role and I loved the whole experience! I was very fortunate to have my first experience be on such an awesome show and get to work with great actors who became good friends.”

Katie Kelly: “My first acting job was actually my very first audition ever. it was an independent film called “Language of a Broken Heart” directed by Rocky Powell. The role was so cute, I was about 11 years old and the only thing I did was kiss a boy. Fun fact, it was my first kiss.”

Curran Walters: “One of my first acting jobs ever was a commercial I did for Samsung. It was also my first audition ever which is pretty unique!”

Celeb Secrets: What was one of your favorite roles to play?

McCarrie McCausland: “So far I would say this role has to be my favorite. I’ve loved drama because I am able to show a different side of myself and show myself in a light that the public wouldn’t see me in.”

Cannon Kluytman: “Young Boots – of course.”

Katie Kelly: “My favorite role to play up to date is my character in Game of Silence, Jessie West. I love how I can relate to her and how exciting all the scenes are that I have the blessing of being able to play.”

Curran Walters: “My favorite role I have ever played would have to be the role of Jackson Brooks in “Game Of Silence” because I felt that this role let me really explore my entire range of acting abilities;  I laugh, I cry, I scream, I fight, I love. I get to play dark scenes that involve a lot of drama.”

Celeb Secrets: If you weren’t acting, what would you love to be when you are older?

McCarrie McCausland: “I am actually going to be attending college (still deciding) for either culinary arts and/or veterinary practice. I am taking advanced Marine and Animal Science classes right now.”

Cannon Kluytman: “I love politics and researching all kinds of things, so probably a politician or journalist.”

Katie Kelly: “If I wasn’t acting I would love to be a director or casting director. I would definitely stay in the business if I wasn’t an actor. But I love acting and I think I’ll stick to it ;)”

Celeb Secrets: If you could binge watch one tv show right now, what would it be?

McCarrie McCausland: “Flash/Arrow/Attack On Titans/ Berserk”

Cannon Kluytman: “House! I love his character because he is absolutely brilliant and has a wicked sense of humor!”

Katie Kelly: “If I could binge watch a TV show it would have to be either How I Met Your Mother or The office… my two favorite shows of all time. I can pretty much quote every single episode of the office and I’ve seen both series at least 10 times each. They just never get old. And Steve Carell is basically an acting God.”

Celeb Secrets: McCarrie, you are also starring in Nicki Minaj’s new ABC comedy series ‘Nicki’. You are playing her brother, how is it like working on that set? And, can you tell us about your character?

McCarrie McCausland: “I really can’t speak too much on it but, it was an amazing project to shoot. It was the first time I really got to open up and be myself on camera. People don’t really get to see that side of me so I’m glad I got to give them that for the ones who’ve been looking for it.”

Celeb Secrets: What else do you have planned for the year? Working on any new projects?

Cannon Kluytman:  “I am working on a new Web Series in May Walter Frisk Let’s Go which is a quirky dark comedy that will be filmed in Atlanta. The script and cast are both awesome, so be sure to check it out!”

Katie Kelly: “For the rest of the year I plan on making myself the best actress I could possibly be. I have a few projects in the works right now but I’m mainly focusing on promoting the show.”

Celeb Secrets: Since we are Celeb Secrets… what is something that most people don’t know about you?

McCarrie: “Most people outside of my immediate family / friends don’t know that I am a fashion addict!  I love to design clothing and actually know how to sew and I am launching my own clothing line as we speak.”

Cannon Kluytman:  “I loved to rap and have been known to take requests for Alphabet Aerobics. Oh, and I took the SATs in 7th grade for fun..”

Katie Kelly: “Something most people don’t know about me is that I’m a varsity cheerleader at my school!”