Alyson Stoner
Alyson Stoner shot to fame in Cheaper By The Dozen in 2003 and starred in last year's Camp Rock when she took on the role of Caitlyn Gellar, alongside Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, and is one of the up and coming teen stars to keep an eye on.
She takes on the lead role of Alice in her new movie Alice Upside down and I caught up with her to talk about the movie, future roles and her career.
Hi Alyson, could you tell us a bit about Alice Upside Down, please?
Alice Upside Down follows Alice McKinley on the ever-relatable, coming-of-age adventure in which she's forced to find her way in a new school and new town with only a father's and goofy brother's help.
What’s your favourite moment in the movie and why?
During the "theatre club audition" scene, Alice is asked to perform a song in front of her classmates. However, the voice she imagines she is singing is not exactly what the audience hears. It's quite comical.
I heard that Alice Upside Down was filmed in a real school - why was that?
We wanted the setting to look authentic so we were fortunate enough to find this school to film in. We shot on the fourth floor that was no longer used by the school so the real-life students weren't disrupted.
Which scene in Alice Upside Down was the most fun to shoot and why?
Definitely the montage of my father, brother and me trying to prepare a normal Thanksgiving dinner. Without a mother in the house, each of us finds our own bizarre way of cleaning and cooking.
What is it about making the movie that you’ll remember most? Why is that?
The opportunity to meet and work with Lucas Grabeel, Penny Marshall and Luke Perry was really great for me. We all had a blast and I learned so much from them!
What funny stuff happened on the set? (ie forgetting your lines, being clumsy etc)
We shot during Halloween so my mom and I brought to set a scary ghost that shouts every time something goes by. We taped I behind Luke Perry's trailer door and he totally freaked out when he opened it.
You sing two of the songs on the Alice Upside Down soundtrack, Lost and Found, and Free Spirit, what was that like?
I recorded those songs without any prior vocal training so I was new and unfamiliar to the process. But the director and music producer kept encouraging me so I felt confident in the studio. Looking back on it, I'm really proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone.
Can we look forward to more music from you soon? What style will it be?!
Yes, I've been formally training and meeting with music producers to work towards creating a collection of uplifting, inspirational songs!
What cool projects have you got coming up?
Step Up 3D is the first ever dance movie in 3-D -- I play "Camille." Then I'm "Little Engine" in the new "The Little Engine That Could" DVD movie.
Also, I'm playing "Caitlyn" in Camp Rock 2.
Is there definitely going to be a Camp rock 2? What are you looking forward to most about it?
So far there's a Camp Rock 2 but I don't have any details!
You’ve been providing the voice for a character in a new cartoon, Kung Fu Magoo, haven’t you? Can you tell us a bit about that, please?
You've done your research! I, as well as Dylan and Cole Sprouse and many other talented actors teamed up to make Kung Fu Magoo.
I play Lorelei, the evil villain's daughter -- ironically enough, I'm all about peace and love! haha
You’re a dancer, actress, singer which takes the most work and why?
Acting is emotionally taxing and singing requires plenty of practice but dancing calls for a ton of physical activity so personally dance wears me out the most. But, every time I hear music, that's all I want to do!
Alice has to make new friends when she moves to a new town in the movie what are you tips for making new friends?
Be yourself because keeping up an image within a friendship is tiring and no fun. Also, ask yourself "would I feel comfortable having this person over at my house with my family around?" Usually this helps you steer away from the wrong crowd.
Lastly, be nice to everyone and naturally you'll find yourself carrying on conversations and sharing interests with certain people more than others.
Alice Upside Down is out now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw