Priah Ferguson – Stranger Things

By starrymag | July 4, 2019

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

Q) You play Erica Sinclair, Lucas’ syrup loving sister in the wildly popular Netflix series “Stranger Things.” How did the role come to you and what was your audition process like? 

 

A) Since the show films in my hometown of Atlanta, casting directors Fieldstein Paris Chase sent over a request to my local agents for me to tape the audition. The role wasn’t intended to be recurring or series regular, just a little appearance once or maybe twice. No matter how small the role, I always prepare as if it’s bigger. I just want to do my best work. I researched that period and brought my own flavor to the role…just had fun taping it. Two days later, my agents said I was “on hold,” which means you’re being considered. A few days after that, I got news that I booked it. By that point, I sort of forgot about the audition. I just tape it and let it go. My mom and I tried to play it so cool on the phone, after we hung up with jumped around my room and laughed.

 

Q) Once you landed the role, how did the Duffer brothers describe Erica to you? 

 

A) They described what would take place in the scene, but honestly, they never really described Erica to me. They just let me do my thing. My very first day on set we shot the Ghostbusters/nerd scene. I remember looking at the call sheet and thought, “Wow! It must take a really long time to shoot ‘Stranger Things’ scenes,” especially since it’s such a detailed set and larger than any other project I had done.  I kept hitting my lines with little direction and in a short time…so we wrapped super early. That was funny because I think they were a little shocked by that too. [laughs] The Duffers invited me back to do the doll scene and kept writing me in after that. I really enjoy working with all of them. The audition only mentioned she thought her brother and his friends were nerds, they trusted my work from day one and saw my audition was consistent with my work ethic.

 

Q) Erica brings the laughs and you nail that comedic timing! What keeps challenging you about portraying her? 

 

A) Ah, thanks. I like roles where the comedy is really grounded and natural. More like how you’ll act in everyday life. I believe what challenges me about portraying her is that everyone knows an Erica. I can have fun with her, she’s a natural leader and confident. I see it as a good thing that Erica wasn’t clearly defined at the beginning because it gives the writers more room to explore without feeling committed to being one thing.

 

Q) The new season drops on July 4th, and the fans are so excited. What can you tease about this season and how your character fits in to this new story? 

 

A) Oh boy, the fans are in for a treat. Erica has a squad and they get in the mix in a major way. I don’t want to give much away. I think people will be surprised about what Erica brings to the table. You can’t assume anything, that’s for sure (laughs).

 

Q) Erica is this sassy little sister who seems to live to drive her older brother Lucas crazy. What’s it like working with Caleb McLaughlin and the rest of the “Stranger Things” cast? 

 

A) Caleb and the entire cast were very welcoming. They are a bit older than me, so they’re into getting their licenses, driving, prom…stuff like that. I’m more excited about riding a 10-speed, getting through middle school. [laughs] The entire cast and crew always treated me kind. Sometimes we’d sing and perform Hamilton in between takes, night shoots we’d really turn up.

 

Q) What has the fan response been to the show and specifically your character? 

 

A) Well, I’ve experienced more of a positive response than anything. I was really, really surprised by that. I didn’t think people would remember Erica much. I mean, I personally loved the writing, but I had no idea Netflix would pour so much into her character. I’m very grateful for that. Some fans have their personal opinions about Erica (and me) before giving the work a chance. I’ve had a few people actually assume I’m mean or whatever. That’s part of being an actress, especially when you’re playing a strong character, I knew that early on. But I’m very thankful for the fans for all the love they show her, fan art, letters, etc. It’s very sweet.

 

Q) The show sky rocketed to popularity and Erica was such a scene stealer last season. How has your life changed since starring in “Stranger Things?”

 

A) Hmmm…I would say I’m sort of in the middle. Like, when I’m in LA, I get recognized much more doing day to day stuff. When I’m home in Atlanta a few people may stare but nothing extreme. Recently, I went to the restroom in the mall and when I came out there were a group of kids running back and forth pointing. My family and I kept looking back, thinking they were pointing at someone behind us — but no one was there. Then, one boy yells out, “I knew it was her! I knew it!” and started shaking. That was pretty funny. I thanked them for supporting the show and said, “Hey, let’s take a picture!” When I see fans who are excited about meeting me that’s pretty cool. This is still new for me.  I attend a regular school, take out the trash, hang out with friends…It’s more to manage now, but so far it doesn’t feel super intense. I think I get to ease more into it, and I’m ok with that, where the other kids became known overnight.

 

Q) What have been some of your favorite moments from filming the show?

 

A) Blinging out sneakers in my school trailer with Millie [Bobby Brown], singing Hamilton with Gaten [Matarazzo] and Maya [Hawke], the snack trailer, dressing up in 80’s fashions and late-night shoots.

 

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

 

A) Since working on the show, I truly know that preparation met with opportunity goes a long way.

 

Q) What’s next for you, Priah? Are you working on any other projects besides, “Stranger Things,” that the fans can look out for?

 

A) Well, I had a minor appearance in “The Oath,” which is streaming now. I play the precocious and eccentric daughter of Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barinholtz. I have some interesting opportunities on the horizon, but I’m also getting more into writing. I’m currently the Spokeskid for United Way so I’m excited to partner with them more. My goal is to spark more interest in supporting the arts, design and technology, especially in underserved communities. I love acting and definitely want to continue that, but there are a lot of spaces I see myself contributing to.