Monster High has been an iconic franchise, from the moment it appeared on the scene. Since launching in 2010, Mattel’s Monster High has stood for creating a more accepting world where everyone feels proud to be their authentic self and let their inner monster shine. 2022’s Monster High: The Movie is no different. This film is determined to tell a new generation to embrace what makes them unique and encourage them to be themselves.

Born in Vallejo, California, Nayah Damasen is the 17 years old girl playing the "Draculaura” character from the show now, in the big screen. She started acting when she was just 3 years old. Ironically, she was a very shy kid while she was growing up so whenever she was asked to sing, she would start to cry and hide.

However, she had a random burst of confidence at 5 years old when she decided to do her school's talent show. Ever since then, Nayah learned that she became a different person on the stage and fell in love with that feeling of freedom.

After that, she started to perform all over the Bay Area doing fundraisers and the national anthem at professional sporting events like the Golden State Warriors, Raiders, and 49ers. Also, she did theater at the young age of 4 and played lead roles as Mrs. Lambchop in Flat Stanley, Ariel in Little Mermaid Jr, and Dorothy in The Wiz.

We had the chance of talking with Nayah Damasen about and here is what she has to tell.

Nayah, how do you feel about your career today? How are things going since the premier of the live-action film “Monster High: The Movie”?

I have been auditioning for projects since I was 9 years old. So imagining how happy my younger self would be if she was told what she was going to do at 17, will always make me a bit emotional. I believe that this is only the beginning of a long journey, but I definitely intend on enjoying every moment of it.

I’m very grateful and honored to be a part of such a great project like “Monster High: The Movie”. Since the premier of the movie, I have met lots of people who share the love for the Monster High Franchise, and had the pleasure of talking with them. I especially love the conversations with the little kids as they love to tell me their favorite characters and songs from the movie.

One of the things that can be appreciated through your socials is the good working environment that exists among the film's cast and crew. Is that right? Is there any anecdote you want to share with us?

From the moment we all started working with each other, I knew I was surrounded by good, talented people. I didn’t just have a good relationship with the cast but with the crew as well! They were all so supportive when the Good Newz Girls came out with the Christmas EP “Winter Getaway”. They played it all throughout the set, especially in the makeup trailer! During the gallery shoots, they would ask us what song we would like to listen to while doing the photoshoot. Kyle Selig who plays Mr. Komos requested to play the EP. It always puts a smile on my face to see them enjoying it!

What do you think is the message behind the story of this movie? And I ask that because ok, monsters do not exist -at least not this kind Hahaha-. But kids are watching the movie, so maybe is a good chance to teach them something through storytelling.

Although we do play monsters, these characters go through very relatable, human experiences. For example, Clawdeen is in a new environment of monsters that don’t accept her for who she truly is, and feels the need to hide a part of her identity. Along with Draculaura who has a passion for witchcraft which isn’t approved of in the Monster world. However, both of them find each other and embrace these differences.

Throughout the movie, they learn self-love and acceptance of themselves and others. You can see through Draculaura and Clawdeen that when you embrace who you truly are, you will find the right people to support you. The movie is all about inclusivity and although we have our differences, everyone is loved and welcomed here!

Is there a part of you that you feel identifies with Draculaura? Are you girls similar in some way?

The more I explored Draculaura’s personality, I found some similarities. We both value our independence and hold somewhat perfectionist ideas about ourselves. I feel that we both feel very strongly about our passions, mine being my art, hers being witchcraft. She has also taught me lessons along the way, like not being too hard on ourselves and pursuing what makes you happy. Also that if you open up and be yourself, it will lead you to the right people.

How long does it take you to transform Nayah into Draculaura? What’s the process like?

The transformation included sitting in the makeup and hair chair for 3 hours, most of the time starting at 3 am! I definitely got very comfortable with my makeup artist, Kiara, and the hair team, Rita and Caroline, in the process. The pink body paint definitely had a lot to do with it, as my face, arms, and sometimes my legs had to be painted with an airbrush machine. Then we move to the hair trailer to pin up my hair in sections, put a wig cap, then my wig. Also, to finalize my look we had to add on my magenta color contacts and fangs. Not to forget, I get to wear some amazing outfits and shoes!

In terms of staging, it's a movie that demands that you sing, dance, and act. How did you experience that challenge?

As difficult as that sounds, they have all been passions of mine since I was younger. It was more of a dream come true to sing, act, and dance every single day with people who share that same love with me. I would say that the most challenging part about it was doing all of that on top of wearing heels, fangs, and color contacts (that affects your peripheral vision). But we all worked hard in those 2 weeks and many hours of practice, so I think we were able to pull it off successfully!

Let’s talk about music, which is another big passion for you. How was “The Good Newz Girls” project born?

Back in 2019, Nickelodeon put out a nationwide casting call looking to put together a girl group! I was very interested so I auditioned for it. After multiple rounds of auditions, I got to meet the other girls on zoom as the three of them lived on the East Coast. They were all talented and beautiful girls, I was very eager to work with them. Fun fact: I had met them for the first time in person only 4 days before we made our debut at the “Kids Choice Awards 2021”. Everyone was so shocked over the fact that we just came together because of how close we seemed!

And what are you girls working on right now? Or what are you planning for the near future? Because you did the “Winter Getaway”, which is a six-song holiday EP that successfully honors iconic Christmas tunes while modernizing them. And is almost Christmas. Maybe a volume II?

Yes, we are currently going to be releasing a Christmas single called “Every Christmas” on November 4th, along with a music video! We will be also relaunching the Christmas EP and performing at places like the Citadel Mall outlets in Southern California on November 12th & 19th for the Christmas Tree Lighting event. So please come out and join us for some holiday fun!

Hard question. If you had to choose between acting and singing, what would you choose and why?

I have always been asked this question and it has always been hard for me to answer! I would honestly say that it depends on the day. Singing is my first love and acting will always be one of my biggest passions. Singing has always been a form of expression and a skill that has come naturally to me. However, with acting, I’ve always been eager to learn more and found an interest in becoming different characters. So, at this moment, I would say acting, but tomorrow I might say singing!

Nayah, you are a good example of working hard for your dreams. Please, give a message to all your fans

I could never thank my supporters enough for all the love and support they’ve shown me. I will always try my best to make them proud and create a safe space for them through any project I do. I know I have a lot of supporters who want to be singers, actors, and/or dancers and I will always encourage people who have a true passion for the arts to never stop learning and be patient with themselves! I appreciate and love all of them more than they know!

Nayah Damasen Is Draculaura

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