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2013 – Ava Cantrell

 

Ava Cantrell is a young actress from Los Angeles. She has worked for big name companies including Dell, Samsung, Sears, and has several theatrical credits to her name. Many of you know her as Penelope Pritchard on Nickelodeon’s series Haunted Hathaways and she will be making a return in tonight’s all new episode at 8:30/7:30c! To keep up to date make sure to visit her official website, fansite, like her page on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter!

1. How did you get started in the industry?

I got started in the industry at age 7. I loved to perform at dance competition and recitals. Everyone said I needed to be in the business. My Mom was uncertain. She told my dad to submit to three top agents in LA, if one of them was interested, it would be a sign it was meant to be. Thankfully two were, and we went from there.

2. What was your first booking?

My first book was a double booking! I booked the short film Pals which is now airing in Spanish Yahoo Cinema and a Dell commercial at the same time! The filming days were the same but both jobs wanted me, so they worked together so I could work both.

3. How has dance impacted your life?

Dance has impacted my life because it introduced me to performance. I have learned time management, how to practice something and get really good at it, and if you keep working at something you will get better at it. I like doing all styles of dance, and I love going to dance class. It keeps my mind off what jobs I might book, and when I dance I am just in that moment. I have met my closest friends at dance and I plan to never stop dancing.

4. What was your favorite part about filming I Will Love?

I liked filming I Will Love because it was filmed in segments. Many times you are on set, get close to people then leave. With I Will Love, I get to keep going back and see my friends again and again.

5. How do you prepare for auditions?

How I prepare for auditions depends on how much time I have. I don’t stress out or over think it. I have spent much time in acting classes and on set and that prepares you for new roles. I coach with my acting coach Cheryl Faye for bigger roles, or ones I might need a fresh outlook on. When I go in, I then just have fun and don’t over think it.

6. Do you have a favorite commercial you have filmed?

My favorite commercial is my first one. Dell. I filmed with Disney star Austin North and we have remained friends ever since. We filmed in a vintage all green motor home driving all over the desert. The food and craft service table was so good. It was really exciting!

7. What can you tell us about Haunted Hathaways and your role on the show?

I love playing Penelope Pritchard on The Haunted Hathaways. I was originally a guest star, but then they brought me back. It is was a dream of mine to work on Paramount lot, so when I landed on set with my own trailer and working with such an amazing cast, it was and is like a dream come true. Penelope is so crazy and so unlike me. I love playing her over the top character. I love Penelope’s room on the set. Being on a TV show is very hard work but very rewarding.

8. What were your first thoughts upon seeing yourself on Haunted Hathaways for the first time?

I really couldn’t believe it. I felt excited, happy, and a little in shock. Penelope is so girly and fluffy and it is fun to see yourself, so different then who you really are as in who you look and behave. It is fun getting recognized as Penelope. I look different in real life and don’t wear the pigtails, so people aren’t really certain.

9. Who have been some of your favorite people to work with so far?

I really love all of the people I have worked with so far. Some of our families closest friends are people we have met on set. I have had no bad experiences. It is fun to see how successful my friend Austin North has become since our first Dell Commercial. I have a list of 50 names I would have to include as favorites.

10. What advice would you give to other children interested in acting?

I would tell other children that you really have to want to do this to be happy. There is a lot of rejection and sacrifice. I miss parties, being on dance team, being in regular school to give this 100 percent. I don’t think it is something you can succeed at unless you want to go all in. Before I became SAG, I worked for free, just to learn my craft and gain experience. Don’t do it for the money or for the fame, that might never come. Do it because you were meant to do it and have such a passion for it you are willing to give up a lot of things with no regrets.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Lately a lot of people ask my Mom and I how to get on a TV show or for connections. This business is about putting the work in. There are very few if any overnight successes in this business. I have worked 22 jobs in the last 4 years and gone on endless auditions. I would just add, be willing to work hard. My parents know I want to do this for a living. I want to go to film college and learn how to direct, produce, write and do many things on set. They are teaching me to be a working actor and not to have an ego. I am on honor role for at my virtual school and do chores at home. My parents want me to stay grounded. I hope to keep checking off my bucket list. I have many dreams and parts I would love to play. I feel lucky to have got this far, so early in my career. I will never stop learning new things.

 

We’d like to thank Ava for participating in this year’s November Q&A series!