Felissa Rose, a Scream Queen who entered the horror world when she first auditioned for Sleepaway Camp at 12 years old and hasn’t left the genre since! She is one of our favorite horror veterans, and she talks to iHorror about the remake of Sleepaway Camp, the cultural impact of the original classic, and working with young filmmakers.
iHorror: How do you feel about Kenan Thompson remaking Sleepaway Camp all these years later?
Felissa Rose: I am SO excited and thrilled! Huge fan of his and he’s so talented and passionate so that makes for a perfect match!!!
iHorror: When looking back on Sleepaway Camp, what do you think needs to be changed to be culturally relevant as it is soon brought back to the big screen… other than the short shorts worn by the guys ;) ?
Felissa Rose: I believe it’s more culturally relevant today! We can focus on these themes and give them more representation and make sure it’s handled with care and love….and maybe a few short shorts lol
iHorror: What would you like to see examined deeper in the remake?
Felissa Rose: I’d love to see more of the backstory about Aunt Martha! I believe the true story beings with her.
iHorror: Did you have a good rapport with Sleepaway Camp writer and director Robert Hiltzik while making the movie? And has that relationship continued since filming?
Felissa Rose: We always had a terrific relationship! We had so much fun on Sleepaway Camp and Return to Sleepaway Camp. Robert is a wonderful person!
iHorror: The first Sleepaway Camp dealt with some extremely taboo topics, even when you don’t take the ending into consideration.
Felissa Rose: I believe having a conversation, especially after seeing the movie is always so powerful! I believe Sleepaway camp will always be great in that we can start with talking about these topics. It’s critical for us as a society to open our hearts and communicate with each other.
iHorror: Today’s youth are much more aware than those in the 1980s. Did you know what homosexuality was when first reading the script? I sure didn’t at 12 years old!
Felissa Rose: Yes! My dad had opened a gay resort in 1977 and I was very aware of the themes in the script. I come from a very open family and we always talked to each other. I’m so thankful for that.
iHorror: Did you understand the dark undertone (maybe not so much undertone…) of the camp’s head chef, Artie, and his intentions (played by Owen Hughes) when he led your character into the kitchen walk-in?
Felissa Rose: I just felt that he was playing a super creepy character. Owen was a sweet person and a fantastic actor!
iHorror: Do you feel the real “monster(s)” of the film were misplaced on Angela?
Felissa Rose: I believe it’s Aunt Martha.
iHorror: You have worked with a lot of newer directors lately, such as Tory Jones of The Boy from Below, Mike and Jason Leavy of Stream, and P.J. Starks of New Fears Eve. What do you enjoy most about working with these up and coming professionals?
Felissa Rose: I love them and I’m grateful for these original scripts! When I read the characters I’m so inspired by their passion and their stories. Very thankful!! They’re all dear friends and I have terrific relationships with them so we’ll see what the future holds!
iHorror: What can we expect from you next? Will we be seeing you in Kenan Thompson’s Sleepaway Camp?
Felissa Rose: A lot of new films on the horizon! I just go with my flow! Thank you!!!