Life After MSD: Cassie Scerbo

Cassie Scerbo, actress, singer, MSD graduate. Photo provided by Cassie Scerbo.

After attending MSD as a high school student, Cassie Scerbo, 21, moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue her acting career. Scerbo found her inspiration in actresses like Meryl Streep, Ashley Judd and Madonna.

Scerbo may look familiar from some of her many roles in “Bring It On: In It To Win It,” “Teen Spirit,” “Soccer Mom” or her hit ABC family original series “Make It Or Break It.”  Scerbo will be featured in her upcoming film, “Not Today,” while she also dedicates her time inspiring young teens with her nonprofit organization.

“Nothing’s Impossible,” Scerbo replied when asked what message she would like to send to her fans. “That’s the name of my organization. I believe all of you can do anything you put your mind and heart to, as long as you put all of your heart and soul in. Let any negativity go in one ear and out the other and laugh about it. But most importantly, keep your faith and the people you care about close. Never take happiness and true love for advantage!”

In order to maintain living her normal lifestyle, Scerbo likes to be with her family, who she says has given her a wonderful foundation and kept her grounded. She also enjoys taking tropical vacations, going to nice dinners, shopping and playing sports.

Scerbo described what she has to go through in a typical audition process. It starts with a meeting with a casting director. If the casting director feels the actor is a good fit for the part, they will bring them back in for phase two: call backs. If they make it past call backs, typically there will be a producer session and screen test. This process also comes with a lot of pressure.

“I go into a room focused. I believe in myself and whatever happens is meant to be,” Scerbo said.

Her good luck rituals help her stay calm as well. Before any audition, Cassie speaks to her family for some motivational speeches and says a quick prayer to God.

“It’s all about faith and love for me,” Scerbo said.

Once casted in a film or TV show, the actor has has to start getting into character and prepare to start filming. Getting into character is a crucial part of being an actress. Scerbo has a typical routine of how she gets into character when casted for a part.

“I research characteristics of certain possibilities and people. I study my lines, which now takes about ten minutes due to being on a show for three years. I then call my mom on speaker phone on my way to the audition and recite over and over again for word memorization, but I wait to pour out all my emotions until I’m in the room.”

Scerbo described the differences between the process of being casted in a TV show versus filming a movie.

“When filming a movie, sometimes it takes more preparation and deep focus on the specific character at hand. When shooting a TV show, you adapt to the character and form a family on set. They both rock!”

Scerbo isn’t just an actress though; she is a singer too. Many may recognize her music from the girl group The Slumber Party Girls, or her solo singles Betcha Don’t Know, Sugar & Spice, and Top Of The World.

“I love both [acting and singing]. Any form of art is beautiful and truly feeds my soul,” Scerbo said.

Catch Cassie Scerbo on ABC Family Monday nights at 9/8 central in “Make It Or Break It.” For more information about Cassie Scerbo or “Make It Or Break It,” go to http://abcfamily.go.com/ or http://cassie-scerbo.info/.