How did you get started as an actress?

I auditioned for about eight years before I really got my first big thing, which was Camp Rock. You know, I worked at it, I took lessons, I drank too much coffee. I’m still working on it.

Have you ever had a really tough audition?

I had to throw food in my face once. I actually had to stick my face in this bowl of stew. That was for my TV show, Sonny With A Chance.

Do you have any audition tips for kids who want a career in entertainment?

Yes, just be yourself, respect the people that are auditioning you. And try to make it fun.

Do you remember your first performance in front of an audience?

Yes, I sang at my kindergarten talent show. That was my first performance. I was singing Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On from Titanic. I messed up the words, my mic went out and I started crying on stage. Some kid made fun of me so I gave him a really mean look and then started singing again. I think that is when my rock side first showed. That is when I realised I had a passion for it.

You’ve become a huge star. Do you feel pressure to be a teen role model?

I just try not to put pressure on myself. There is a tonne of pressure that could be put on me, but I am a teenage girl and, if I don’t learn things now because I am trying to perfect, I won’t learn anything for the future and I could go crazy. So my thing is that I am not trying to be a perfect role model. Teenagers can’t relate to someone who is perfect and doesn’t make mistakes. I want my fans to relate to me and to respect me. If I do make mistakes they are either going to like me afterwards or they’re not. I can’t change that!

It looked like you had loads of fun making Camp Rock!

Yes, we were laughing a lot during a lot of the scenes, the ones in the kitchen especially. We didn’t want to lose focus though, so we all worked hard.

Did you ever help your mum in the kitchen like Mitchie does?

My mum doesn’t cook. We know the pizza number by heart. I would like to learn how to cook. I like breakfast. It’s my favourite. I make French toast, which is way more than my mum knows how to do. 

Are you and Mitchie similar at all?

I used to think we were very similar but, as I did the project and we started shooting, I learnt the differences between me and my character. It helped me get to know myself a lot better too, so that was a good thing?

Who was your best mate on set?

I guess Alyson was there for me a lot. She is a really good friend. I got to know the boys pretty well too. I don’t have a favourite Jonas though – everybody always asks me that!