A Whirlwind Conversation with Make It or Break It's Tween Mean Girl, Cassie Scerbo

That's pretty lucky, especially for young actresses. Would you say that Make It or Break It is more about young women growing up, who also happen to be gymnasts, or the struggles that coming-of-age gymnasts face? Even though the show revolves around this sports universe, Lauren has such a rich back story with her addict mother, that the gymnastics sometimes fades away.

I think it just goes to show that with anything you do in life, everybody is a normal human being. Everybody has problems but they are always trying to grow and learn and live their life while pursuing their hobbies and careers. Even though the gymnasts have these problems and differences, the Make It or Break It girls can put them aside and focus on their one similarity and use it as a force together. I think that's what is special about our show. The last season was especially a great example of that because there was so much drama but then the last scene of the season was all of us around Payson with our hands on top of each other and in the end, all that mattered was being there for each other. That's how life is, sometimes drama can take control but when you get to the end, you have to focus on what is most important.

Let's talk about your career as a triple-threat. Which came first for you -- singing, dancing or acting?

There was never one thing that came to me first. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to perform and tell a story, no matter how I did it. Whether it was singing or dancing or acting, I always knew I wanted to send a message. I always wanted to perform and be in front of people. I grew to love each of those things but I think I definitely get the biggest high off of being an actress and having these special moments. Acting is probably my number one passion but I feel like singing and dancing go hand in hand with each other.

You just finished shooting Not Another Not Another Movie with Chevy Chase and Burt Reynolds, right?

Yes. I met [writer/director David Murphy and writer David Schultz] and they really just fell in love with my personality and wanted me to do a cameo appearance in one of their films that was coming up. It was something I got to do on the side which was great because Make It or Break It shoots five days a week, usually from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. I had this opportunity to play a really fun character and I got to have a really hilarious Yugoslavian accent. It was a one day thing. I went on set and played this really funny character and at the last minute they changed the character so that I was actually speaking Russian -- not just speaking with an accent. That was a challenge but it was fun. I'm a really spontaneous person so it worked.

That movie is basically making fun of all of the other Not Another spoof movies?

Basically. It's going to be a really funny movie. I can't wait to see the finished product. This is something I've never done before but I've known the director and producers a long time and we wanted to do something together.

What else do you have coming up?

I have a pretty hectic schedule but whenever I have free time, I do voice overs for Cartoon Network and Disney. It's fun that I can just kind of do that and they don't take up a lot of time on the side. I'm also getting back into the works with singing and recording again just for my own sake. It's a way of expression for me. I'll wind up putting the songs up on my MySpace page just to share them with everyone but it's something I like to do on the side. I've been auditioning a lot too and I actually just signed up for online college which is definitely going to be a challenge with my shooting schedule. It's something that is important to me -- I've always wanted a degree so I'm happy that I finally stopped procrastinating and signed up. Also, becoming part of my church is really fun -- becoming part of their volunteer staff.

Do you know what kind of degree you want?

Yes. Right now, I'm focusing on my bachelor's degree in English. I've always had a passion for English and writing -- writing songs, writing poetry and all kinds of writing.

I'm exhausted just hearing about all of this. How do you have time for all of this?

[Laughs] I try to make time in my schedule. If I shoot in the daytime, I'm going to do my homework at night. If I have time in between takes, I'll get it done on set. There's never really been something that I've put my mind to that I can't finish. I just focus and have the weekend to do things. I guess I don't have much time! I have to squeeze it all in though. I have to do it if that's what I want.

So what are your acting aspirations? Would you eventually like to move onto more films?

Well, I'd really like to play someone who is not a mean girl. [Chuckles] That'd be fun. No, I don't have any certain path that I'm thinking of taking with acting. The possibilities are endless. I'd like to touch on everything and explore every kind of character. Maybe do more guest appearances on television shows and do more film. Acting is such a passion of mine that any character I get to play on film or TV is a blessing and I'd be appreciative to get my hands on anything. Acting in general is just such a great feeling for me. That being said, I wouldn't mind following in the footsteps of Meryl Streep!

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