You voted for the second Sparkling Stars Revolution Girl, and like always, here is our new issue featuring an article and cover of our newest Revolution Girl, Kay Panabaker. Earlier in Kay’s career she played Jesse McCartney’s younger sister, Nikki Westerly on the TV series “Summerland” and also played Debbie Berwick on the Disney Channel show, “Phil of the Future.” Now Kay is starring in the feature film “FAME,” which will be released in theaters on September 25th and we were lucky enough speak with her about her new film, how she balances her career, and what other projects she has coming up in the future.

Sparkling Stars: First, start by telling our readers a little bit about yourself.

Kay Panabaker: I’m a 19 year old actress and UCLA graduate. I have been acting for almost 10 years and am enjoying everything that life throws at me.

Sparkling Stars: You star in the in movie “FAME” can you tell us a little bit about the plot of the film?

Kay Panabaker: “FAME” follows a group of students at a performing arts high school in New York City from their freshman to senior year. The film shows their struggles, heartaches, and successes as they attempt to figure themselves out and find their place in the world while attempting to follow their dreams.

Sparkling Stars: You play Jenny, what is her personality like?

Kay Panabaker: Jenny is very timid and unsure of herself, both as a person and as an artist. As the years go by, however she becomes more confident and realizes that everyone makes mistakes, and learns to learn and grow from the mistakes she makes.

Sparkling Stars: What was the audition process like?

Kay Panabaker: I was actually the first person cast. I had one audition with the casting directors, whom I’ve known for a few years, but didn’t expect anything after that. The next day, however, I was told I had an audition with the director and one of the producers and that I would have to sing. I’m not a very strong singer and didn’t think they would even consider me after my singing. A couple weeks after this audition, though, I was vacationing in Hawaii and I got the phone call that they were offering me the role. I was shocked and thrilled!

Sparkling Stars: What drew you to the movie and the role of Jenny?

Kay Panabaker: Because this film takes place over 4 consecutive years, the film allows for intensive character growth and development. Jenny, in particular, really grows and matures and I got to stretch myself.

Sparkling Stars: What was it like to star in a remake to such a classic 80s film?

Kay Panabaker: I never thought of this movie as a remake. Sure, it is loosely based on the previous film, but it features all new characters, all new music, and all new storylines. It is a stand alone film. It is rather intimidating now as people start comparing the 2 films. Hopefully people will realize that this is a separate film.

Sparkling Stars: Did you see the original film before you audition for the remake; if not, have you seen it now?

Kay Panabaker: I saw it before my audition and was struck by how the film took it’s time and didn’t rush to tell the story.

Sparkling Stars: Why should people go see the movie “Fame?”

Kay Panabaker: It’s such an exhilarating movie that will leave audience members dancing in their seats and feeling so inspired. It shows heartache and struggle, but makes everyone feel as if they can succeed if only they try.

Sparkling Stars: What is you favorite thing about acting?

Kay Panabaker: I love being on set and getting to work and be creative with lots of different people, from the actors to the grips and electricians and the producers and the 100s of people it takes to get a film made.

Sparkling Stars: What has been your favorite role to play so far?

Kay Panabaker: I have loved every role I’ve done with no favorites because each one has been an experience for me.

Sparkling Stars: Did you ever want to do anything else besides acting?

Kay Panabaker: While I love acting and would love to continue doing so for years, I may grow tired of it or could stop getting jobs. I have a few ideas of what I would equally love. I went to UCLA and studied history because one of my back-up plans is to be an elementary school teacher. I could also see myself going back to college to get a degree that has to do with animals because I would love to be an animal trainer as well.

Sparkling Stars: Is it hard to balance your career, school, and personal life?

Kay Panabaker: I think people make time for things that are important to them and for me that is school and work so it really wasn’t that difficult. I would do auditions or work during the day and then take night and weekend classes at my community college starting when I was 13. When I transferred to UCLA at age 15, I scheduled work around school. I’m so glad I finished school already because now I can work and feel good about myself, knowing I already have a BA.

Sparkling Stars: Do you have any other new projects in the works that you can tell us about?

Kay Panabaker: I did an independent film this summer called “The Lake Effect.” It’s a drama and I played a pregnant girl who thinks she can have her kid, go to college, and support her musician boyfriend without any difficulty. She soon learns otherwise.

Sparkling Stars: Here is just a fun question, if you could be any superhero who would it be and why?

Kay Panabaker: I would want to be Batman because of all the cool gadgets he has.

Sparkling Stars: Lastly, what do you have to say to your fans, and anyone trying to break into the business?

Kay Panabaker: Hard work and an education can never be taken away from you, so if you have both, there’s nothing you can’t do.