An Exclusive Interview with Ava Allan, an outbreaking teen actress

  Ava Allan is an American Actress and model. Known for her role Paula Santilli in ‘’Love Is All You Need?’’ and "young Amanda" in True Jackson, VP. She has also appeared in several series like The Middle, Criminal Minds, and Leverage.

I was recently given chance to have her share her backstory with us.

M: What are the projects that you are currently working on? Please tell us a little about it.

A: My most recent project I'm so excited to talk about is my role in Pretty Little Liars which is Addison Derringer. My episodes are set to premiere starting this April! Also currently my first feature film “Love Is All You Need?” is available to download everywhere on iTunes, Amazon, and google play!

M: Please tell us what do you feel is your biggest achievement?

A: Well, here is a funny story. There is a video of me at the age of ten talking about me wanting to be on the show “Pretty Little Liars”. I also have a dream board and on the dream board is a picture of the Pretty Little Liar’s poster. So flash forward almost 7 years later, the fact that I actually booked a role on the show and I am also a part of the last episode ever for Pretty little Liars is a pretty big achievement! I feel so grateful to be a part of a show I have been a fan of since day one and I think the timing is also pretty amazing too.
M: Besides acting and modeling, what are you passionate about?
A: My dog, healthy, yummy food, unhealthy yummy food, going to see movies, makeup, my family.. a million things!

M: How do you prepare for a role?

A: I start off by reading the full script so I can get a better understanding of the character, then I do my best to relate all of the scenes to my personal life experiences. This helps to really connect me to the character and script. One thing I am blessed with is an incredible memory, so I always memorize the material before I go in for an audition I will always be “off the book.”

M: Tell us about your role in ‘’ Pretty Little Liars’’?

A: In Pretty Little Liars I Play Addison Derringer who is a new addition to Rosewood high school! She is a bit of a catty, mean girl and definitely will be starting up some more trouble in Rosewood.
M: Why and when did you decide to start your acting career?

A: I started doing commercials when I was 5 or 6 when a photographer set me up to meet with a commercial agency. I really loved every aspect of it- the auditions, being on set, working with other cast members and crew. So, I started to work in film/television at the age of 10 when I got signed to my first theatrical agent.

M: If you could travel the world with anyone whom would you take?

A: My mom! haha. It would only be fair because if I could name anyone in the entire world who loves to travel, it’s her! She would make the best tour guide, she knows all the perfect places to go whenever we go on family vacations/trips. She is the perfect travel buddy!




M: Please tell us what do you feel is the biggest challenge in your acting or modeling career?

A: To just know that you are not going to be right for every role/job you go out for, even if you want the role more than anyone else- if you simply do not fit the role and cannot portray the character then most likely they won’t cast you… It’s a combination of tenacity and patience.
M: So many young actresses are committed to public service, setting a great example for their peers in terms of being involved with charities and the community. What causes are important to you, and what do you do to support them?

A: I am a huge fan of animals, all animals! So I am a big supporter of the Best Friends Animal Society. They are a leader in the no-kill movement, working with shelters, rescue groups and members nationwide to end the unnecessary killing of dogs and cats in shelters and work to Save Them All.

M: As a teen actress, how do you strike the balance between schoolwork and your career?

A: I actually do online school which allows me to work when I have time. It is really flexible, if I need to do my school work at 6 am or 9 pm it’s totally fine. I can also work ahead too, which is what I do a lot if I know I have a busy work schedule coming up!


M: If you were not a teen actress, what would you be up to now?

A: hmmm… Well for starts, I’d probably go to a regular high school. and I would definitely have more free time so maybe I would pick up extra hobbies? Oh, and I would probably learn how to drive because I have literally been so busy I haven’t had time to actually study and get my license! I am planning to do that this year. :)

M: If you have the chance to choose any other stars at your age to be your classmate, whom would you like to?

A: Such a good question! If I could choose anyone and just pretend they were my age I would choose Miles Teller, Leonardo DiCaprio, Dylan O’Brien, Margot Robbie, and Jennifer Lawrence!


M: Have you ever taken acting classes before? And do you think acting classes are necessary for aspiring teen actors or actresses?

A: I did when I first got into the business… I think it really depends on the person. I think when you first start getting into acting, acting classes can really help you with all the basics every actor should know!


M: How can your fans interact with you online? And what’s your fan mail address?

A: I am all over social media! I have a twitter (@AvaAvaAllan), Instagram (@AvaAllan) Facebook, (Ava Allan) and snap chat (AvaAllanSnaps). I love talking to my fans across all my social platforms. They also send me fan mail which is the sweetest! My fan mail is:
P.O. Box 8752
Calabasas, CA 91372

M:
Favorite Sport: Boxing
Favorite Music: Pop/R&B
Travel Destination: Anywhere in Europe!
Favorite TV Show: Stranger Things, American Horror Story

M: Now for my last question: what do you want to say to those who wish to pursue their careers in Hollywood?

A: Know that if you have a talent and you choose to pursue whichever career you love (acting, singing, dancing etc), stick with it! Do not give up and know that it will not happen overnight and that’s okay because great things take time. There is a place for every single one of us, so know that your time will come. For this career, you have to want it more than anything else, because if not, you will get discouraged and think about giving up.

M: Thank you for participating in this interview.

Follow Ava Allan on Instagram (@avaallan) and Twitter (@avaavaallan)
Follow Teen's Weekly Insider on Instagram (@teenweeklyinsider) and Twitter (@Teen_Insider)

---