QPmag December 2018 Vol.1

What was it like to start training in the theatrical
arts at such a young age?
It was so much fun, honestly, I never thought of it as training.
I loved being with my friends and teachers doing what we all
had so much passion for… singing, dancing, acting and each
other!
I had been on so many auditions so it was truly amazing to
get the part. I was not sure it was real at first! I was so excited
because it seemed like such as fun role to play. And it was!! I
learned so much on set and made friends that I still keep in
touch with today from the cast and crew.
How would you say your acting style has changed since
you first started professionally.
Who or what got you introduced to the art of dance and
acting?
We sort of just found each other! When I was 6 years old, my
dad and I saw a sign in a storefront window that read ‘Coming
Soon: Sing, Dance & Act’. That space
became Annie’s Playhouse, which soon
after became my second home. Five
nights per week and Saturday mornings,
I sang, danced, acted, played piano
and guitar there. Since my first day
at Annie’s, performing is all I’ve ever
wanted to do.
Tell us what it was like to grow up
in Far Hill, New Jersey? What is your
fondest memory from your childhood?
Besides being at Annie’s Playhouse, I
would say I loved when it snowed and
we were off school. Once the roads
were cleared, my friends and I would
meet at a local park that had the ultimate
sleigh-riding hill!! We would
sleigh ride for hours and then go to get
hot chocolate. We had a blast!!
Who has been your biggest inspiration
for your passions growing up?
Growing up I wanted to be Amy Poehler and Tina Fey - funny
empowering women. I used to watch them on SNL and
when I found out they wrote their own material I was in awe.
Currently, I aspire to be like my TV parents, Katy Mixon and
Deidrich Bader. We are a true family. They are so gracious
with their time in helping me with my acting choices and
shaping how I approach each scene. Not only do they help
me professionally, but they are so kind to everyone around
them. They appreciate what everyone brings to make “American
Housewife” successful. I will always carry what I have
learned from them with me.
What was it like to get your first break out role as Ash in
the Netflix series Team Toon back in 2013?
I have allowed myself to transform into something I am not,
but at the same time, I draw on my own experiences to develop
the core of each character I play. When I was younger, I
would just pretend.
“I love my
fans. I am
honored that
they look up
to me as a
role model”
What was it like to find out
you had been cast for the
role of Addison in Disney
Channel’s Zombies?
I was so excited!! I was actually
on the set of “American
Housewife” when I got
the news! I was bursting
with happiness and running
around. Everyone was
so happy for me! Getting a
lead role in a Disney Channel
Original Movie had been
a dream of mine since I was
6 years old! Then you add in
the singing, dancing, amazing
cast and powerful message.
The experience could
not have been better!
How would you describe
the character you portray
for Addison?
Addison is starting high school and is looking to “fit in” based
on what she was taught as a child, but she soon realizes you
cannot simply accept what others tell you. You need to experience
people for who they are, not where they are from,
what they look like or what others tell you about them. I,
like Addison, pride myself on standing up for my friends, no
matter what!
What is it like to now be part of the Disney Channel family?
It is truly one big family! I have met so many amazing people
and we are all supportive of each other in all that we do.
I could not ask for more. I had a dream come true by being
in a DCOM and on top of that, I am working and are friends
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