Amber Coney – Dead of Summer

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) How was your character Cricket originally described to you?

A) I was told she was a warm, snarky girl who was hiding insecurity. That was pretty spot on. I think that sass aspect isn’t as much as it was initially described to me because I kind of learned it was a coping mechanism. So, it ended up being an inherent personality. As far as the insecurity is involved, that is the gist of the character as it dominates her life and comes from a really sad long winded place. From the first episode to the third episode, it became clear to me that it was just who Cricket is. When I read the first episode right off the bat, I saw she was covering up and especially the scene where I don’t take off my shirt to go swimming. The self-doubt and lack of confidence is apparent. Thankfully, the writers really dove into the backstory for me and just talked to me before we started shooting. So, I had the information from different episodes to know where it was coming from. I realized it wouldn’t have seemed that complex or multi-faceted. She was known as “Cricket” because she likes to chirp so it is the whole confidence thing. She is snarky as hell and can’t help, but remain madly in love with Alex (Ronen Rubenstein). With all the parts, there is more than meets the eye, which is good because we are not just one note.

Q) What were you told about her backstory?

A) Before we shot the pilot the writers talked to me. Basically, they tried to give all of us as much information as possible about our characters’ histories, which was really helpful. I don’t think they fully knew all of the specifics because there were still in the writing process, but they really gave us a lot to go off of, which was great.

Q) People who are the age of these characters, there is a lot of insecurity and complex layers and immaturity in a sense, too.

A) I think that’s why this part is so accessable and is honestly in a way becoming one of the fan favorites because people see themselves. It’s amazing for people to be able to examine someone on screen. Even playing this part, there was a lot that resonated with me and I could realte to Christy on that level based ont eh sinsecurity I experienced in my past. It is very accessible for young people.

Q) Where do you relate to Cricket?

A) I think it’s human nature to want to be loved and valued and accepted and to get the care and be seen. Everyone deserves that. I relate on that level and think that is something humans experience their whole lives in different wants – wanting to be appreciated and seen for who we are. Ultimately, when we become awakened it becomes a moment where you are like, “Oh wow! I can offer that to myself.” I think both Cricket and I are on this journey where the thing we are really seeking is self-love. Cricket may not be aware of that, but I am.

Q) What has been the most rewarding part of the journey and development of Cricket?

A) I think it is the development. It’s the fact that she evolves in a way and is not the same person when she gets to camp. She is able to let go of a lot of things and stop looking on the outside for value. It’s constantly grasping at the surface when it is all inside. Also, there is a lot to latch onto. I really do like my backstory and I like all the different relationship dynamics on the show and it has been really fun to explore that. There are a lot of layers to it. With a story like this, no matter how much a story of insecurity it is or complex, either way I want to do it justice since it is important for me to talk about. I’m glad I’m able to tell the story because I think it is a story that needs to be continued.

Q) Where will we see Cricket’s storyline going now that she has let go of her mission to get Alex?

A) I think she is finally focusing on herself. She’s doing her own thing for the first time. All this time we have seen her energy focused on other people and how she is perceived by the outside. That makes her latch on the external reality and is also in a way insular because she is so obsessed with thinking about perception. To let go of that and be her own person and not care how she looks, it doesn’t matter. Anyone who isn’t able to accept her for who she is isn’t worthwhile. So, I think there is a new found strength in Cricket and she is able to hold her ground more. She isn’t swayed by what she believes people might think of her or what she thinks she needs in terms of romance, sexual encounters or validation from men. It is a new found strength and grounding.

Q) Will we maybe see Cricket explore a friendship more with Amy?

A) Yeah, I think they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. It kind of sucks because I think they could be friends. At this point, there is a distance, but there is not any animosity between them. I think they help each other out when necessary. So, we’ll see how close they are actually able to get. There are no bad vibes.

Q) There are theories where there was a tree that had “C+A” carved into it. Maybe that could explore certain things.

A) Yeah, who knows? [laughs] The possibilities are open. We’ll see!

Q) What is it like for you being a part of such an inclusive show with a transgender character and Freeform is such an incredibly diverse network?

A) It’s been amazing! I think it is how it should be. I think that’s pretty normal to me, honestly. Maybe I’m just part of a progressive generation, but I just kind of get weirded out when people think this is new or anything other than normal because this is how life is. Why would we not represent everyone? It doesn’t make any sense. I think it is crazy historically that this time there is still bigotry and hate. I don’t understand how people can’t accept each other and if the business I’m in can do anything to alleviate the pain from that and open their eyes I know I’m doing the right thing.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable behind the scenes moments?

A) I talked about this because the people on set kind of asked me to do my own episode. My favorite thing has been watching the actor’s change for the episodes they are in. It’s how they change between takes because every time one of our episodes the person becomes so focused and in it. If we’re doing intense scenes it is the same thing and for scenes that aren’t so heavy it is a lot lighter on set. It’s just awesome to see when someone is so heavily entrenched in the scene how their whole demeanor and focus is intense. I love that. Off set, it is very chill. We all get along so well. We are very dedicated to the show and work so most of the time we’re working on our stuff and running lines with each other or talking with the scenes. A lot of us are nerds so we’d be reading and I’m a writer so a lot of times on an intense day I’ll write in between setups or between scenes. It’s a good flow. It feels like a community of artists and we’re all very focused, but at the same time can have fun.

Q) What have you taken away from your time working on the show?

A) I feel like it has been very developmental for me. I was given a really safe space to practice and execute my art and go deep into the world of who I am as Cricket. I feel so supported in that endeavor and am thrilled to be working with actors who are so inspiring to me and really have my back. I think I have emerged from this experience as a better person and a better artist. That’s all I could have asked for. I’m so grateful and if this part touches people in any way and if they get entertainment or a thrill from the show I’m really happy it is from me. I hope that people really enjoy it and are moved, tickled and creeped out all at the same time.