Olivia Dawn York is an actress that made her way onto the small screen 2 years ago on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide and this year is in the independent crime thriller, Elsewhere. She is also in the upcoming film, Low Grounds: The Portal. Olivia is a rising star that you need to know, so enjoy this interview below!

Tell me about the plot of the film, Elsewhere.
Elsewhere is about two girls who live in Indiana, Jillian, played by Tania Raymonde (Lost) and Sarah who is played by Anna Kendrick (Twilight). Jillian goes missing after meeting a guy she talked to on the internet. Sarah goes looking for her and tries to find answers. What she finds is that this little town is more corrupt than it appears on the surface.

Tell me about what attracted you to the character.
When I read the script, Darla was a character that was very odd, very different. It was written in a way that I had the opportunity to add an element of craziness to her, which really drew me to her.

What was it like co-starring in a film with Anna Kendrick and Tania Raymonde?
Anna and Tania were great. They are so talented and fun to be with on set.

What is it like going from Nickelodeon to a crime thriller?
(laughs) It was pretty different. Nickelodeon is very upbeat and you have to hit the jokes right. The acting was more internal with Elsewhere. It was a great challenge to go from Nickelodeon to Elsewhere.

How do you prepare for a role?
When I get a script I try to look at what other characters say about my character. In the case of Darla, I found out that other characters referred to her as the mole girl. I began to wonder how she got that name. From that I developed a certain body language and the way she spoke.

Jon Gries is also in Elsewhere. What was it like working with Jon Gries (Napoleon Dynamite)?
Oh my gosh, I was so excited when I found out that Jon Gries was playing my dad because I had no idea when I was on location in Indiana. On the first day they told me who would be playing my dad and he was really great to work with. He is really professional, he has a lot of stories, and he is just so great!

Why should people pick up Elsewhere which is now available on DVD?
This film is very well written. The cast is great and everyone put so much into it. It also has a lot of relevance today since many people do meet others through the internet. When people see it they will get the idea to use safe searching.

Can you tell me about your upcoming project, “Low Grounds: The Portal?”
Low Grounds is going to be directed by Simon Veredon and it is a modern day telling of the mythological Orpheous stories. It has a punk twist to it so it will be very interesting. Attached to this project are John Patrick Amedori (Gossip Girl), Billy Drago (Charmed), and John Shea (Gossip Girl) and it will be shot in Poland.

Have you ever been to Poland?
No, I have never been to Poland and I am so excited!

Your cast mates from that film that you named are from Gossip Girl and Charmed…have you seen these shows?
I have watched Charmed a couple of times. I definitely watch Gossip Girl! I am really excited to be working with all of them.

Since Low Grounds is a trilogy, will you be in the next 2 films?
I will appear in all three films. My role gets progressively larger in each film. They really haven’t spoken about when the second one will be filmed. Everyone is just focused on starting filming on the first film for now.

What was it like auditioning for the role in Low Grounds?
I had 3 auditions over a span of one year. Every audition was great. I had one on one time with the director and it was a blast but it was a long process.

You like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings but what other books do you enjoy in those genres?
I really love The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander.

You have Theatre experience so are you interested in Broadway?
If the opportunity came up, absolutely but right now my focus is television and film.

Is there any play/musical you have been in that you would do again?
I would do Bye Bye Birdie again. There is just so much life in it and I am a huge Elvis Presley fan. That was such a blast!