Ysa Penarejo, is a multifaceted star making her way through the ranks of Hollywood! In many ways, she’s a typical tween, but when she hits the set or the stage or the dance floor, she proves that she’s a force to be noticed. As a supporting lead in the American Girl move “McKenna Shoots for the Stars” she definitely caught the attention of my two daughters – who thought she was pretty awesome. I recently had the chance to learn more about Ysa and with the help of my girls, we were able to find out more about her personal life as well as how she continues to grow professionally.
That’s IT Mommy: When you were working on the American Girl movie McKenna Shoots for the Stars, did you have to learn how to do any of the gymnastics?
Ysa Penarejo: Yes, I had to learn floor routines for the film.
TIM: When you go on location for your job, does someone from your family go with you?
YP: Yes, I always have a parent with me on location.
TIM: How do you attend school? Do you have tutors, or do you go to a traditional school when time allows?
YP:I just started independent studying and work with a tutor.
TIM: How did you get into show business?
YP:I started auditioning for commercials when I was 8 years old and booked my first audition, which was for a girls jewelry line called Lucky Bee Bee. After working on commercials I wanted to start auditioning for TV and film so I started taking acting classes when I was 9 years old. I started going out on auditions and after a handful of auditions I auditioned for the American Girl movie McKenna Shoots for the Stars. Here’s my YouTube channel with clips on projects I have worked on https://www.youtube.com/YsaPenarejo
TIM: What’s the best part of being in show business?
YP:I think the best part of being in show business is being able to portray different characters and traveling.
TIM: If you could pick any other profession, what would you choose?
YP:I would be a dancer (dance teacher) or painter.
TIM: What is your favorite thing to do with your friends?
YP:I love going to the movies, shopping, and just hanging out.
TIM: Do you have a favorite book?
YP:I am reading the Hunger Games series and it is amazing so far. I also enjoyed the Kiki Strike series.
TIM: Does your family have any special traditions?
YP:We spend Christmas with our family in Bakersfield. There are so many of us it’s crazy fun!
TIM: What is your favorite place to go on vacation?
YP:My favorite place to go is Disneyland. I love going on the rides and spending time with my family.
TIM: What advice would you tell young fans who want to follow in your footsteps?
YP:1. Always be prepared and do your best
2. After an audition, forget about it
3. Never take it personally
4. Don’t give up, there’s plenty of work out there. I believe there is something out there for everyone; there will always be something there for you.
It’s nice to see that there are kids in Hollywood who have strong family ties and relationships, and are grounded in their personal and professional lives!
-Erin
* We did not receive monetary compensation for this post. We were invited by PR to interview Ysa to facilitate this post. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ. All photos of Ysa by Mike Rozman (www.michaelrozman.com)
1 comment
I really liked reading this interview- she seems so sweet and grounded. I will be sure to keep my eye out for her future projects.