Lindsey Shaw – Competitive Streak

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I am working on a new show called “Aliens in America.” It’s for the CW network.

Q) What is the premise for “Aliens in America” and who is your character Claire?

A) The show is about a conservative Wisconsin family that has a son named Justin who isn’t very popular and is kind of the nerd in school. His mom gets the idea to kind of import him a friend. She thinks that by going to this exchange program they’re going to get this Swedish or Nordic God. They see this really handsome boy on the front of the brochure and they think that’s who they are going to get. They end up with this Pakistani exchange student, who is even more different than Justin and sticks out even more than Justin does. It’s about those two navigating through school, helping each other and learning about each other. I play Claire Tolchuck. I’m Justin’s younger sister, who is the complete opposite of Justin. She’s actually the furthest removed from the family’s neurosis. She is kind of self absorbed and she’s just kind of coming into her body. She’s trying to figure out how to deal with that.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

A) I had just finished “Ned’s Declassified” and I got this audition. I went in and treated it like any other audition. I read more about the project and saw who was going to be involved. Then, I got really, really excited about it. I really wanted to do it. I think the writing is absolutely unbelievable and the cast is amazing. I consider it a blessing to even be seen for the project and considered for it. I was fortunate enough to get it so it was great!

Q) What about your role do you find challenging?

A) While she is still very naive about her body, she plays (for a lack of a better term) the sex symbol on the show. I’ve never played a role like that. I’ve never really amped up my body like that on a role. So, that’s kind of a challenging aspect to play. It’s kind of fun. It’s interesting playing that contrast to characters I’ve played in the past.

Q) Was there instant cast chemistry when you all came together?

A) Yes, there was. We all met each other and we clicked immediately. It feels like we’ve been doing this for four years and we’re only in our first thirteen episodes. That was really amazing that it clicked like that and I think it obviously really helps the show. There was definitely cast chemistry from the beginning.

Q) What has been your most memorable moment from filming the show?

A) We did an episode called “My Musky Myself.” The Musky is the school mascot. Claire made the cheerleading team and the cheerleaders do a sexy little dance routine for the big game and the pep rally. We had to wear these fishnet stockings and really short shorts. We had these little midriff shirts and it was so fun learning the dance and doing the dance. We had professional dancers there to help us with the choreography. It turned out really cool and I enjoyed it.

Q) Why should people take their time to tune in to see “Aliens in America?”

A) People should tune in because it’s a smart comedy that deals with relevant issues in our society today. This show is relatable. The characters are tangible and real. It’s an exaggerated version of everyone’s insecurities and the struggle to overcome them.

Q) Do you keep in touch with your former castmates from “Ned’s Declassified?”

A) I definitely keep in touch with a couple of them. We’re all kind of working now so that’s difficult, but every once in a while I talk with them.

Q) What is it like working for the CW?

A) It’s really, really fun! It’s such a fun network. Everyone is cool and very sweet. They are kind of at your beck and call. They really want to make sure you are happy and satisfied. It’s been really a great and rewarding experience.