Portrait Magazine - January 2007

This is the official Erin Sanders website.  Enjoy!!!

Erin Sanders Interview
Interview by Eleni
Interview date: October 2006

Name: Erin Sanders
Career: Actress (Zoey 101)
Official Site: ErinSanders.com
MySpace page: Myspace.com/ErinZariah
Official Fan Club: movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/ErinsFanClub/

Today I’ve caught up with Erin Sanders for a quick chat. She’s most famous for her role as Quinn in the teen TV show Zoey 101 and has proved herself to be a truly spectacular actress. Today though, we’re going to explore deeper than the outer surface; we’re going to try and really get to know Erin.

Eleni: Hey Erin! How are you?

Erin: I’m good, thanks. A little tired, we’ve been having really early call times on set.

Eleni: You just recently returned from a trip to Canada with Victoria Justice, where you modeled the Zoey 101 clothes line. How does it feel to be back?

Erin: It’s relaxing, actually. Even though we have a lot of work on Zoey, it was definitely stressful being there. We had an amazing time, but it was a lot more jam packed than we were used to, and we had like people mobbing us and things. It was a really new experience.

Eleni: So now you’re back to filming Zoey. Tell us a little bit about it and what it is like to work there.

Erin: It’s definitely better than ever. After three years, everybody has just gelled so well with each other, and I think we work a lot better together on camera, and we’re definitely even better friends off set. There are also a lot of surprises this season within the show. Seriously, I finished reading the first script this year, and I just like wanted to tell the world what happens. You guys are gonna love it.

Eleni: Anything you can tell us about Zoey 101 (without breaking your pact of secrecy) that we don’t know already?

Erin: As I said before, there are a LOT of surprises. There have also been a good number of on-screen kisses this year. I won’t tell you who they’re between, but I definitely think season 3 is going to appeal to a slightly more mature audience.

Eleni: What’s the best and worst thing about working on Zoey 101?

Erin: The worst thing, I can definitely say, is having to get up so early. But there are a lot of amazing things about working on Zoey, too. The best is definitely all the people that I work with, not just the cast (even though the cast is amazing), but also the directors, the producers, and all the crew and everybody. It’s the whole team that makes the show so great.

Eleni: I’m guessing you have a pretty intense and hectic schedule. How do you manage to do your school work, your acting and normal things like hanging out with your friends as well as talking to your fans?

Erin: Well, we haven’t had to deal with the schoolwork thing on set so much, yet, because the past two seasons were filmed only during the summer, and no one was in school. This year, however, we’re doing 26 episodes, which is going to stretch into the school year. So I’ll let you know how that goes once I start up again. As for hanging out with friends and things, I see a good portion of my friends every day on set. We’re really close. But I really do miss my off-set friends. I definitely don’t get to see them as much as I do when we’re not filming, but I talk to them on the phone a lot and stuff, so that’s cool.

Eleni: Why do you think it’s important to keep in contact with your fans?

Erin: Without your fans, there wouldn’t be much purpose for any of what we do. We don’t do the shows just for our own benefit, you know. It’s for all of you guys. We all really love working on the show, but it’s all for you.

Eleni: In your business, I’m sure you’ve met quite a lot of amazing people. If you could choose three actors/actresses to act in a movie with, who would you pick and why?

Erin: I’ve never been particularly fond of “favorites” questions. To be quite honest, I really don’t idolize any actors or actresses. Johnny Depp would be fabulous to work with. I’m sure I could think of some others, but I’m blanking right now.

Eleni: The cast of Zoey 101 are all very good actors and I’m sure you’ve all developed close friendship bonds. What are they like working with and as friends?

Erin: They’re all wonderful. We’ve become so close over the past three years. It’s kind of funny how they were cast to play certain characters, but we all fit each other so well personality-wise in real life.

Eleni: I’m sure they’re all your close friends but who are your 3 closest out of the whole cast?

Erin: You are a terrible person, you know that? I’m kidding, I’m kidding. But, seriously, I don’t think there’s any way I could choose just three out of the whole cast. We’re all like this big group. It would take way too much thought to try and pick out my three favorites, and even if I were able to, it would be a very close call.

Eleni: So you happen to be a Girl Scout! Tell us about how you got started, the best and worst things about it, the type of things you do and how you manage to attend meetings when you have such a busy schedule.

Erin: I haven’t been able to attend meetings since we started back with filming Zoey, actually. I haven’t been in months. Whenever I get a job, it’s kind of like that. But I always come back fresh, and it’s like nothing ever happened, so it’s all good.

Eleni: What do you like doing in your spare time?

Erin: Oh, tons of things. I take dance classes when I have the time, which I really enjoy. I’ve been taking dance for years. But I absolutely just love hanging out with friends. This includes both my friends from the cast and my off-set friends. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re with people that just make you feel good. Family count as friends, too. I love just hanging out and doing stuff with my mom.

Eleni: What is your favourite type of music and who are your favourite bands/singers?

Erin: I don’t know how to classify my favorite type of music. I guess I’d just say rock, pretty much. I’ll listen to most anything, although I can’t say I like rap much at all. I’ve been listening to a lot of OK Go lately. I really love their stuff, and their music videos are just amazing. I’ve also had the song “Here In Your Arms” by Hellogoodbye stuck in my head for a good while. “Brighter Than Sunshine” by Aqualung is also one of my favorites. I’ve had that as the song on my MySpace for well over a year now.

Eleni: If you weren’t an actress, what do you think you would be doing now/future?

Erin: Now, I’d just be doing normal stuff, I guess. I’d still be doing dancing and Girl Scouts and hanging out with my friends, and school, of course. Nothing out of the ordinary. Acting is one of the most extraordinary things that’s going on in my life right now. In the future, college, definitely, and even with my acting, college is still definitely in my future.

Eleni: From what I know, you are home schooled. I’m sure this makes it easier for you because due to filming, you would miss a lot of school. Do you like home schooling and would you encourage to teens who have social problems or other problems?

Erin: I love being homeschooled. I don’t necessarily have anything to compare it to at all, since I’ve been homeschooled my entire life. But I think it’s wonderful. I myself am a very outgoing person, but other people have told me that they think something I might be missing out on is a social life. I’m confident that I’m not, but other kids that are homeschooled, it’s possible that they might be a little more inward, so you definitely have to have a lot of extracurricular things going on where you meet people.

Eleni: You are always looking fabulous, if I may say so myself. Any tips or advice so girls out there who feel very self-confident and look up to you?

Erin: Don’t obsess over the way you look too much, because that’s only a small part of how people see you. Confidence really shows in a person, even if you don’t feel you look your best, act like it and people will recognize that in you, and it will make you come off as being more attractive. And, personality-wise, just be yourself. That’s part of yourself, too, and you shouldn’t be fake. Like, you wouldn’t want to slather on a ton of makeup. That’s not the real you that people would be seeing. And that applies to how you act as well. If you’re changing yourself to make people like you, that’s not the real you, and you couldn’t keep that up forever. So why would you want to be friends with someone who doesn’t like you for who you really are?

Eleni: Since you’ve started acting from such a young age, I’d say you’ve mentally missed a few years and in some ways, you could be the mental age of someone who is doing their first job. How does that make you feel? Do you feel that you’ve missed out on something for example a normal childhood or going to school like regular kids?

Erin: As for the school part, I’ve been homeschooled my entire life, so I’m not necessarily missing out on school, and if I were, it wouldn’t be because of my acting. As for comparing my life to what a normal childhood may have been like, I really don’t have anything to compare it to. Most people I know have been acting, doing things like that, since they were about the age I started. But I don’t feel that I’ve missed out on anything. I love everything that’s going on in my life right now.

Eleni: Okay now I’m going to ask you a few random questions!!

Erin: Sweet!

Eleni: What is your favourite movie currently?

Erin: As I said earlier, I’m terrible with favorites. There’s no way I could pick a favorite movie. There are so many amazing ones out there.

Eleni: Have you seen a movie and just started crying? If yes, which one?

Erin: I cry really easily. So, like with the previous question, I can’t give you just one. I cry at most movies, honestly. It’s kind of funny.

Eleni: (With inspiration from Zoey 101) Would you rather live in a box for a year with nothing and no-one or be forced to shave your head and tattooed all over your face and body and why?

Erin: Living with nothing wouldn’t be terrible. But no one – that would just be miserable. I can’t stand being alone for too long. If it were just shaving my head, it’s possible that I would choose that. But since there are all the tattoos involved, and those are permanent, I’d probably pick the box.

Eleni: I’ve heard a few rumours that you can put 23 grapes in your mouth, which in my opinion is pretty spectacular. Is this true? Also what would happen if you put 24 in your mouth?

Erin: It’s true that I fit 23 grapes in my mouth all at once. As for 24, I know for a fact that’s all good, too. My current record is actually 35 grapes. Yes, I’ve been practicing. Lame, I know.

Eleni: You once told me that you have a… noticeable laugh, care to describe it for us?

Erin: Kind of like a goat/sheep/donkey/pig who is dying. It’s kind of screechy with a few little snorts thrown in here and there. Some people have told me that I sound like a witch also.

Eleni: Describe yourself in 3 words.

Erin: Crazy – Energetic – Comfortable.

Eleni: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Erin: I don’t go on vacations to go on vacations. I go on vacations to be with people. So it all just depends on who I could take with me.

Eleni: T.v or computer?

Erin: Computer, I think.

Eleni: Phone call or text?

Erin: Phone call.

Eleni: Purple or pink?

Erin: Purple.

Eleni: Cat or dog?

Erin: Tossup.

Eleni: Cherry Coke or Vanilla Coke?

Erin: Vanilla, probably.

Eleni: McDonalds or Burger King?

Erin: McDonald’s.

Eleni: Big Salad or burger?

Erin: Burger.

Eleni: Okay be truthful now, is this interview starting to annoy you? Hee Hee

Erin: Not at all. I particularly enjoy those “this or that” questions.

Eleni: Who is your inspiration?

Erin: My mom.

Eleni: If you could do anything for one day, what would it be?

Erin: What I’m doing now. I love where I am in life. And why would I want to waste a day of that? I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.

Eleni: What’s your favourite item of clothing and why?

Erin: Blue jeans. They go with everything and they’re comfortable everywhere. Jeans are amazing.

Eleni: If you were stuck on a desert island with only three things, what would they be and why?

Erin: Chapstick. An unlimited supply of food that won’t ever spoil. Another human being. (I’m assuming that clothing is included.)

Eleni: I think our readers would love to meet Henry. Want to introduce them?

Erin: http://www.myspace.com/76495742 - Go there and meet him for yourself.

Eleni: Tell us a random fact about you that we can’t find on the internet.

Erin: I will try just about anything edible at least once. Also, big things tend not to embarrass me, while little things can really get to me. It’s really weird and irrational.

Eleni: What’s the key thing to success (in your opinion)?

Erin: There’s no real “key.” Everything is different for different people. But I would stick with confidence. It’s visible in a person. No one wants to hire someone who isn’t even sure of themselves. If you don’t have any confidence in yourself, what would make anyone else have any confidence in you?

Eleni: Any message you want to pass out to all your fans out there before we go?

Erin: Just be yourself. As I said earlier, don’t change to try to make people happy. You’ll never be able to keep it up. And you’ll just end up kind of being abandoned, because the people you were friends with wouldn’t really have been friends with you. It would have been something fake that they thought you were. You’re never going to make really close friends, unless you let them be friends with you, who you really are.

And, while completely off topic, I really hope you enjoy Season 3 of Zoey!

Eleni: Thanks very much for the interview Erin! It’s been great talking to you! Lastly, how can your fans contact you?

Erin: Check out my website http://www.erinsanders.com. And be sure to join my fan club. I host chats on there pretty often. That’s probably the best way to keep in touch with me.

After that wonderful chat, I decided to go even deeper and have a quick chat with Kathy Sanders, Erin’s mum about what it’s like having a famous daughter.

Eleni: Hey there Kathy! And how are you today?

Kathy: Just fine, thanks.

Eleni: So you recently went to Canada with Erin, how was that as an experience?

Kathy: It was really amazing. Very rush-rush, but such an overwhelming experience to meet real people who love Erin and Zoey 101.

Eleni: Do you have to travel a lot with Erin due to her acting?

Kathy: We’ve had the opportunity to travel a few times, but not that much. We’d really like to travel a bit more. We’re always really excited when we get to go somewhere new.

Eleni: What’s the best place in the world that you have visited and why?

Kathy: I haven’t been that many places. New York City has so much energy of its own – I always love going there. Toronto is a very classy city – wish we could have spent more time. The Pacific Northwest is beautiful and timeless. I’d love to see Europe.

Eleni: How does it feel to know your daughter is very famous?

Kathy: “Very famous” is a relative term. Erin is rarely recognized on the street! But, if I allow myself to think about it, it almost feels unreal at times. Most of the time, I am very grateful for how things have turned out for Erin.

Eleni: Has Erin’s acting affected your life and the way you spend your time during the day? If yes, how?

Kathy: Yes, Erin’s acting has definitely taken over my life. But I love it – it’s very exciting and a complete contrast to my regular work. When she is working, I use vacation time at work in order to be with her sometimes on set. Other times, I need to find alternate people who can go with her, because I don’t have that much vacation time saved up at work. When she isn’t working, the same goes for auditions – I have to use vacation time to take her on those. I am constantly rushing from here to there and juggling many different things at once, much more so than I was before she started acting.

Eleni: What do you think you’d be doing right now if Erin hadn’t been discovered?

Kathy: Probably still working at my regular job, as I still am anyway - still homeschooling Erin (although, now that she is older, she mostly homeschools herself by following the assignments that her school gives her) - still taking her to Girl Scout meetings and to sell Girl Scout cookies - still taking her to various classes. I guess the big difference is that we would have more time to spend with friends and family than we do now.

Eleni: How do you manage to update Erin’s fan club and her official website?

Kathy: I really enjoy working on Erin’s website and talking to her fans, so it’s what I do to relax! It’s not difficult for me, because I like doing it! It’s also a creative outlet for me, because I think the website is pretty, so I feel good when I work on it!

Eleni: What’s it truly like to be the mother of a star? Are all the filming days and after parties and award ceremonies fun or tedious?

Kathy: Since we haven’t “OD’ed” on publicity events yet, they’re still fun and exciting for both of us. I guess the only difficult part is that Erin has to have a new outfit for each event. Since pictures of her are put permanently on the Internet from each event, she absolutely HAS to be wearing something different each time. So it can be a lot of pressure to find something new for each thing. We usually try to find things when we find them, and then just save them for the right occasion, rather than scrounge around for something at the last minute.

Eleni: If you could do anything you like for 1 month, what would it be and why?

Kathy: I would love to go with Erin on location to somewhere really amazing to film a feature film – we’d both be thrilled if this ever happens.

Eleni: Finally, any advice to all young budding actors/actresses on how to make it?

Kathy: Wow, that’s a big question. Many times, over the course of the years that Erin has been pursuing acting, we would say, “If nothing comes up soon, we’re going to stop,” and then, just at the last moment, she would book a job, and we’d decide it was worth it. There’s no guarantee that anyone will “make it” – but the process can be a learning and enriching experience, whether someone “makes it” or not.

Acting can be very disheartening. Most of the time, it is going on audition after audition after audition, for most people (although there are those lucky/talented few who “make it” right away). It can be difficult emotionally to work hard for auditions and think you did well and then hear nothing. It’s important to boost yourself up and try to enjoy the process of auditioning.

Taking acting classes can be very rewarding and enriching, and can help boost your morale as well. Acting teachers can be very supportive and can give much needed feedback as to how you come across in auditions. I think that acting skills can help you in any field you pursue, whether in the acting field or somewhere else. So it’s always time well spent.

Eleni: That’s very good advice indeed! Thank-you very much! I think the readers have gotten a better prospective about what it is really like to be an actress and also an actress’ mother.