Olivia Sanabia plays Kelly Quinn in Amazon's new series Just Add Magic.
Photo by Emily Soto.
Olivia's socials: Instagram , Twitter , facebook
How old are you and when is your birthday? How did you get involved in show business?
I am 12 years old and my birthday is April 13, 2003. I got involved in the business through singing. I have been singing since I was two years old which led me to musical theater. I performed in multiple theater productions and then decided that I wanted to try TV and film. I booked my first professional job in a print campaign with Jennifer Garner and then went on to book numerous commercials, television and film roles, which I have been doing ever since.
You star as Kelly Quinn in Amazon's new original series Just Add Magic. Tell us about your audition.
I was super excited about the character for this audition. At first, Kelly Quinn was a soccer playing- baker. I used to play soccer and I bake all the time. So I was definitely excited for this role. I decided to dress bright and casual. My mom, like always, ran the lines with me. I was pretty confident with the way my audition went. Then when I was on vacation a few days later, I found out that I got a callback. That's where my Just Add Magic journey started.
What were you doing when you found out you got the role? What was your first reaction?
I was getting into the car to go out to dinner when I heard my mom get a phone call from my team. They asked to talked to me and I was pretty sure that meant something good, I was right! I felt so blessed. It was a lot of hard work that myself and my family put in to get to this point. I cried out of pure joy. I will never forget that moment.
Olivia Sanabia in the wardrobe trailer.
You recently worked on Life in Pieces. What was that like? Who did you play? What goes on in the wardrobe and make-up trailers?
Working on the set of Life in Pieces was such a fun experience. I was constantly laughing because the other actors had such great comedic timing. I played a mean teen character named Kylie. Wardrobe and make-up trailers are always one of my favorite experiences on a set. On Just Add Magic, we turn on the music and dance around and just act silly!
How does your schooling work?
I am homeschooled due to my schedule. When I am on set, I have a set teacher who is always there if I have questions. I have been very fortunate to be able to work with amazing teachers. At the school I go to, I had a wonderful teacher named Kate that recently, suddenly passed away. I will be doing a book memorial that was set up by some of her former students Austin North and Olivia Holt.
How do you memorize your lines?
When memorizing my lines, I like to be super comfy. So, I usually am sitting on my bed with my script, a highlighter and a pencil! I prefer to have copies of scripts, but I do love electronic scripts that can be on my phone and there whenever I need them!
What do your friends think of your career?
My friends are extremely supportive of my career. I am so blessed for the friendships I have.
Anything else you'd like to say?
Season One of Just Add Magic premieres January 15, 2016 on Amazon Prime.
I'm also proud to be working with Cookies for Kids' Cancer. After losing a dear friend to childhood cancer, I see how important it is to find a cure and helping out where I can.