Published: January 08, 2008 11:22 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
JC Interview Exclusive: Nickelodeon's All That's, Alisa Reyes: All Grown Up!
Alisa Reyes
Every since she first exploded into the entertainment business in 1994 on the series Nickelodeon's All That, Alisa Reyes has been winning the hearts of many of her fans. She is a multitalented entertainer who stays busy. From films, to music, to voicing, Alisa Reyes has mastered it all. In this exclusive first look, Junior's Cave takes you behind the scenes of the life and career of Alisa Reyes. Enjoy!
Isaac: It is a pleasure to have you featured in our online magazine, Alisa. Let's talk about your upbringing. I read in your bio that you started modeling at the age of eight and attended The Professional Performing Arts School. Elaborate a little about your upbringing and your decision to go into showbiz?
Alisa: At the age of three, I wanted to be on TV. I am an only child and was raised by my mother Brenda R Cosgrove Reyes (whom just recently passed away June 25, 2008). I had the passion to sing and dance and entertain. I would always perform for my friends and family. One day my mother finally gave in to me wanting to be an actress because at 3 years old I tried to stick my head in the TV and demanded that I wanted to be with Big Bird on Sesame Street (LOL). Being an actress was my escape from the world. It allowed me to be free and express myself in a way that I felt safe. When I act or do anything in the arts, I feel that that's the truest I am at certain moments in my life. I just want to say that without my mother my life wouldn't be possible. She was my root, my foundation, and my life; she is the reason why I am strong and ready to conquer this world full storm.
Isaac: You are most notable for your three years on Nickelodeon's All That (1994-1997). How did the show prepared you for your future projects?
Alisa: All That was an amazing experience. It was every kids dream job at least to me it was. They say that comedy is one of the hardest things to tackle when you are an actress. So starting comedy at such a young age made me learn the ropes fast and for sure prepared me for my more dramatic roles. I was around 13 years old when I landed All That. I have such great memories. I got a chance to meet most of the artists that are out today before they were even famous. The whole cast were a lot of fun to work with. Katrina Johnson and Angelique Bates whom were on All That with me are two of my closest friends now. Nickelodeon paved a rode for me and helped me to be the actress that I am today without a doubt.
My most favorite thing we did on the show was learning how to play different characters and change our voices. How to perform in front of a live studio audience and let loose and gain the confidence we all knew we had. All That boosted us big time. Those were some of the best years of my life.
Isaac: If you can remember back then, what was your favorite moment on the show and why? What do you miss about being on the show?
Alisa: I miss having 6 friends which is the cast and always laughing and playing jokes on each other. I also miss our parents hanging out watching us and saying how proud they were of us. My favorite moment was when we had TLC perform our theme song. Plus I got a chance to do a scene with them called All That Raps that was in the very first show. God Bless Left Eye...
Isaac: Would you be up to performing/entertaining in another variety show like All That in the near future?
Alisa: Heck ya. I think it's awesome that Kenan Thompson is on Saturday Night Live.... if I were asked to do a Mad TV or SNL, etc I would jump on it in a minute. That's where I came from so comedy would be a pleasure to do again if I had the chance...
Isaac: You also provided the voice of LaCienega Boulevardez in the Disney Channel animated series The Proud Family from 2001-2005. What was the coolest aspect about voicing for the show and the character?
Alisa: First off voice over work is the bomb. You can wear pj's and work, cause you aren't seen on camera (LOL). I am just playing! But that is true. My favorite part was working with such a kick butt cast, Tommy Davison, Kyla Pratt just to name a few.... Plus Disney rocks so working for the mouse is a treat itself. I love my character La Cienaga because they made her kind of look like me and I think the cartoon is the cutest ever, plus the characters and storyline are always entertaining. We have the coolest production crew too!!!!!
Isaac: How is voicing a character different than acting?
Alisa: First off you aren't on camera so there isn't pressure to have to look great every take. You can just relax wear something kick back and do what you do best and for me that's talking (LOL)... :). Animation is a dream come true job. The difference between acting and voiceover work is the main focus is your voice. So when I have to work, I drink tea maybe vocalize and really focus on having my voice be the best it can be that day. Acting you have to worry about a million other things rather then just your voice.
Isaac: You are also an amazing musician/singer. What inspires you to want to pursue a music career?
Alisa: Growing up I was raised in the musical theatre world. I went to The Professional Performing Arts School in NYC where I did nothing but musical theatre. It's in my blood. I had the same vocal teacher as Debbie Gibson and Brittany Spears, his name was Robert Marks. When I came to Cali, I pursued my singing career and ended up being in a girl's group called 3 Gs. We were signed with Hollywood Records. And Bennie Madina managed us who was also J-Lo's manager at Handprint Management. We had a song on the Princess Diary Soundtrack too. At the end of the day, I was asked to go solo which is what I wanted to do in the first place. So at the moment I am currently working on my solo music and should have something out in the near future.
Isaac: Do you think that the world is ready for Alisa Reyes (the singer)?
Alisa: Without a Doubt, I believe there is enough room for us all to shine. I was born to have this career. This is one of my passions and journeys in life.
Isaac: If you had the opportunity to work side by side with any producer for your music, who would it be and why?
Alisa: Wow, that's a great question. I have too many to list. Let's just say I love all kinds of music some of my favorite artists are Fergie, Madonna, MGMT, Jay Z, Beyonce.... Believe it or not I am not really picky I could work someone that has amazing credits or someone that is completely new to the music scene as long as we vibe and create that magic I am good to go.
Isaac: If you had the opportunity to work side by side with any director, describe the type of project you would want to do with him or her?
Alisa: Quentin Tarantino- his name says it all. All of his projects are amazing and the storylines have a fantasy feels. I love fiction. I love to do time period pieces things that would take you out of your own element. Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, just to name a few. These two are classics...
Isaac: How important is it for you to be able to reach out to your fans? And why?
Alisa: So important, my fans are a huge part of my career. Without them, well you guess the rest. I love having their support through my sites or in person. It means so much to me and they are my foundation.
Isaac: What is the one role that you would not do as an actress?
Alisa: I am not big on nudity.... I would play any role that's why I am an actress!!!!!!!!!!! I am not that picky sometimes a role may come my way that I am not feeling but I have a great team so they have my back and I don't have much to worry about!!!
Isaac: What is the one thing that you fear about being in showbiz?
Alisa: Losing my privacy. I feel sorry for people that have camera's following them 24-7. Plus, fear isn't a word that should be in a person's vocabulary. Fear only brings you back and I am all about going forward. Amen!
Isaac: Has there ever been a part you did that once you saw the final product you hated it? If so, how do you handle it?
Alisa: Not really I mean we all have our moments where we are like ohhhhhh why did they let me wear that or why did I chose to do that at that moment. But at the end of the day, you leave it all up to GOD and so be it. We live we learn.
Isaac: What projects are you currently working on? Any new shows, albums, or movies coming up?
Alisa: I am doing a new cartoon called Da Jammies with the same people that did The Proud Family. I play MO MO. I just wrapped a movie called DAze with Gary Busey. I play a girl that tries to commit suicide through out the whole film. I also have been working with Sirius Radio The Playboy Channel. I am a host and voice jockey. I talk about college, its called www.playboyu.com and just to set the record I am not interested in posing for Playboy so even though I work for them get that out of your head (LOL). I am getting ready to shoot a film called 4bidden it's about a girls singing group and last but not least I am producing a film called Arizona Winds. Feel free to visit my site www.alisa-reyes.com or www.myspace.com/alisareyes. Feel free to e-mail me too I do check my mail and write back.
Isaac: In ten years, I will...
Alisa: Be in my home relaxing watching my kids run around, with my husband in the yard grilling and I will have the biggest smile on my face because I will be able to look back and really Thank my mother for her divine essence she gave me. I will have a bunch of films under my belt. I will be getting ready to do my time period piece or maybe it will have been done already. I want to be in a film that represents the Queen Elizabeth era. One of my favorite shows is The Tudors. And with that said and done have a better understanding of my journey God gave to me…
Isaac: Final Thoughts:
Alisa: No matter where you live or what color your skin is YOU and only you know truly what your passion and desire is. At the end, it's between you and GOD. So don't let anyone tell you that you can't accomplish your dreams. I am Irish Italian and Dominican. I was raised by a single parent who taught me that I can do whatever my heart desires. I say this from the bottom of my heart. Go get 'em. It's a big world and there is enough room for us all. Think Big and dream big.... the rest is up to you...
