Athena Park – Holly Hobbie

By starrymag | August 23, 2022

By: Ashlee Dell’Arciprete

 

 

Q) Congrats on a fourth season of “Holly Hobbie.” What’s in store for your character, Savannah, this season? 

 

A) Thank you! Savannah gets to have something she always wanted, a good friend! Amy (Saara Chaudry) and Savannah become friends through camp. At first Amy isn’t happy that they are put together as camp counselors, but soon realizes that Savannah is fun to hang with! Eventually, in the next season more of the kids from the town come to realize that Savannah is actually someone they want to be with and her free spirit is a great addition to their group.

 

Q) Your character was a rival of Holly’s. How would you describe their current dynamic? 

 

A) Savannah and Holly (Ruby Jay) find common ground through Holly’s best friend Amy. Once Amy and Savannah connect at camp, Amy finds herself wanting to be friends with Savannah and soon after some drama Holly comes to terms with the fact that Savannah is actually someone she likes. By the end of Season 4 and onto Season 5 they are part of each other’s lives and consider each other friends.

 

Q) Do you find yourself relating to Savannah, or more like Holly, who is also a singer-songwriter? 

 

A) Ah well, that is a good question. There are some traits of Savannah’s that I have and some of Holly’s. Savannah is a free spirit and loves theater and I have this in common with her. Holly is a songwriter and singer like me. So, I am a bit of both of them.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite episodes that fans should look out for this season? 

 

A) Oh, I want fans to watch all the episodes because the whole group experiences growth through some tough times. In the end it all comes together beautifully.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Holly Hobbie” that continues to make it such a fan favorite show? 

 

A) “Holly Hobbie” is very relatable! There is a character that everyone can relate to on the show. Though I play Savannah, I can relate to Holly because of the songwriting and performing. Also, the things the characters experience are very real.

 

Q) You are also a producer! How has it been to be able to wear multiple hats in the industry as an actress, producer, and musician? 

 

A) I think once a person is involved in the arts in one area another area kind of falls into place, I was approached to be a producer while I was working on one set and once I did it, I learned how to do it and then I thought, “Ok, I can do this again.” The music was always in me. I always knew that I would like to sing, but I wanted to finish high school first. The last month of high school I signed with a manager and just started working. I am busy and I have to keep track of all my things, but I love it.

 

Q) Tell us about your new song, “Tuatara.” What is the inspiration behind the song? 

 

A) “Tuatara” is a story about a fast car on the surface, but it really is about a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. When she likes someone, she shows it and says it. The relationships would start and then the other person would get cold feet a month or two in and say I need a break, only to come back a few months later stating they made a mistake and can they come back. Well, this happened a few too many times and the girl became like the car keeps moving forward and doesn’t look back.

 

Q) You just had your debut single performance at Pink Light Stage. What did it mean to you debuting your single there? 

 

A) Oh wow, the first live performance of my own song “Tuatara” and another one of my songs that has not been released “Dent in my Heart” was amazing. I was looking forward to it so much. I also did a cover of “Just a Girl” by No Doubt. The night went smoothly, and I was very excited before the show. When I went on, I loved it! The following week I went on and performed at The Painted Lady and that show went amazing too. The second show I added the song ”Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood and I had so much fun.

 

Q) You began acting at a very young age beginning with your elementary school’s production of “Snow White” and then landing your first role in the industry in “Killjoys.” Do you want to ever go back to acting in theater? 

 

A) Yes, for sure. I hope to one day do theater. I went to Stratford last month and watched “Chicago” and “All’s Well That Ends Well” and my mind was racing. I was trying to figure out how I can add theater to my life. I think I might have to wait though because theater needs a commitment of time.

 

Q) What can you share about your role as Robin in the highly anticipated upcoming film you’re starring in titled, The Swearing Jar? 

 

A) The Swearing Jar focuses on Carey (a music teacher at a high school) and her husband’s love and the birth of their child through humor, music and memories. I play Robin, one of Carey’s (Adelaide Clemens) music students. Robin is a good student who works hard and is so grateful for her awesome music teacher. Robin is delighted when Carey switches her to drums, something that her parents were not thrilled about. Robin is also seen later in the film at the Dakota Tavern, three years later after she has graduated high school. I had the privilege to sing the song used during the dramatic turning point of the movie.

 

Q) What can your fans expect to see next from you?

 

A) “Dent in my Heart” will be released, I will be doing a YouTube video for “Tuatara” and Season 5 of “Holly Hobbie” will be airing soon. More live shows and I will continue to write songs and perform them.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do – whether on screen, theater or music? 

 

A) I would like to say THANK YOU, I love you and appreciate that you support me and like my work. It means a lot to me, without you it wouldn’t be so special.