Nayah Damasen – Monster High: The Movie

By starrymag | October 21, 2022

By: Francesca Fortino

 

 

 

Q) Tell us the premise for the new Monster High: The Movie.

 

A) Monster High: The Movie follows Clawdeen Wolf (Miia Harris) who is half-werewolf and half-human. When she is accepted into Monster High, she tries to hide her human side because humans are forbidden in the monster world. However, there is a monstrous plan to destroy Monster High which threatens to reveal her true identity. During this Clawdeen becomes friends with Frankie (Ceci Balagot) and Draculaura who go on this adventure to save the school. Along the way, they learn about true friendships and embracing their true Monster Heart.

 

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

 

A) Well, I was already familiar with the franchise and the pretty pink vampire, Draculaura, beforehand. So, I think any kid would be intrigued and excited to be a part of a franchise that was so iconic when you were growing up. What made me want to be a part of the movie, besides the amazing franchise, is that it was a musical! I was a singer before I started acting so getting to combine those two, on top of dancing was a dream come true.

 

Q) How was Draculaura originally described to you?

 

A) When I got the audition, I saw they wanted to have a new interpretation of Draculaura. They also asked for an Asian-American, which made me really excited! She constantly had her guard up which caused her to have more of an edge because she had to keep her passion for witchcraft a secret. However, she has a kind heart and is always willing to help her friends.

 

Q) Were you a fan of the original “Monster High?” If that isn’t the case, have you watched some of the old movies and animated series to get ready for the part?

 

A) Yes, I was a fan of the original “Monster High!” Every single time I would go over to my cousin’s house, we would always be playing with the dolls. I was always familiar with the cartoons, but it wasn’t until I booked the role did I truly get into watching all of it again. My favorite “Monster High” film is Boo York, Boo York.

 

Q) What do Nayah and Draculaura do have in common?

 

A) I feel like Draculaura and I both place really high expectations on ourselves. However, throughout the movie you see her let go and realize that just being herself is enough and she doesn’t have to please everyone, which is something that I am learning myself! We both also value our independence, however with the right friends by our side, we really come out of our shell.

 

Q) Talk about the process for performing – as you both dance and sing for the film.

 

A) When it comes to both singing and dancing, I am warming up from the time I wake up. When filming a musical like Monster High: The Movie, you always have to make sure you take care of your voice and body so that you don’t get injured. For the film; however, we had to wear really tall heels with colored contacts on top of that. Dancing with heels is difficult in itself, but the eye contacts do make you lose your peripheral vision. So, we just learned to trust our instincts and keep going.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments or favorite scenes to shoot for the movie?

 

A) The most memorable moments on set would probably be filming all the musical numbers, especially “Coming Out of the Dark” and “No Apologies.” These were my favorite because these were the few times that the whole cast got together. We would go through the dances over and over, but I truly didn’t mind because we would all be laughing and having a good time in each other’s company. Also, everyone is so uplifting that if one of us were having a hard time, we would always pick each other up. Not to mention it was my birthday and I just turned seventeen years old while filming the finale of “No Apologies!” I got to fly in my harness with my beasties and they all sang Happy Birthday to me!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback did you receive to Monster High: The Movie?

 

A) It was definitely a whirlwind of emotions. As we got responses from a range of people like the OG Monster High fans and the new ones that just got introduced to the franchise. My favorite part about seeing the social media response is the wonderful fanart! The fans are so fast and talented, I love seeing their interpretations of our characters in their art style!

 

Q) It’s great to see you in the new Nickelodeon’s girls pop group The Good Newz Girls. How has this experience been so far?

 

A) It’s been such a great learning experience. I would not want to go through the music industry without them because they’re an amazing support system. They’re such talented and beautiful girls that I’m very happy to be working with. I had told Todd Holland, our director, that I was in a girl group and being able to incorporate them would be such a great opportunity. Thankfully, Todd so kindly accepted my idea. If you listen closely, you can hear us singing behind some scenes in the movie! You can listen to us on the Monster High: The Movie (Original Film Soundtrack), which is available on all music platforms.

 

Q) Do you girls have new music coming up?

 

A) Yes! The Good Newz Girls and I have a lot of Christmas projects and performances coming up soon. Be on a look out for our new single “Every Christmas” coming out in November. We also have recorded some really amazing songs throughout this year. So, in 2023 keep an eye out for some new music by us! We always keep you all updated on our instagram @thegoodnewzgirls

 

Q) What are the other on-screen projects you have been busy working on? 

 

A) Excited to be a part of The Good Newz Girls. I’ll be guest starring in an episode of Nickelodeon’s “That Lay Lay Show.”

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do?

 

A) I will never be able to put my full appreciation into words for everyone who supports me! I always try my best to create projects from a place of authenticity and love, I hope you all feel it. Especially when it comes to a project like Monster High: The Movie, I hope you feel seen and accepted after you watch the movie.