Pop-Culturalist.com

Eliza Pryor is an exciting new face in the industry. In her short career, she’s already landed her first—of what we expect to be many—roles as a series regular. She’s starring and delivering a bewitching performance as Valeria in Netflix’s family-comedy, Team Kaylie. We caught up with this fast-rising star to chat about all things Team Kaylie.

Team Kaylie Questions

PC: Tell us about Team Kaylie, your character, and what drew you to this series.
Eliza: Team Kaylie is about a girl named Kaylie, who is a big reality TV star. She gets in trouble and is ordered by a judge to volunteer at a middle school as the leader of the wilderness club. The kids in the wilderness club are all different, and my character happens to be a witch named Valeria. She’s really into witchcraft and is kind of a weirdo, and she knows it—she actually takes it as a compliment. When I read the pilot, I really loved the concept of the show. I thought the writing was amazing and that the writers would come up with so many more funny episodes.

PC: What should audiences know about Valeria? How similar or different are you to her?
Eliza: You never know what Valeria is up to. She wants to be taken as a serious witch, but it doesn’t always work out for her. Even though she is strange (and maybe a little scary), she is actually someone audiences will find themselves cheering for. I’m really nothing like Valeria at all. I will say, though, that she is one of the most fun characters I have ever played, and I love becoming her week after week. Even though we aren’t much alike, I do look up to her for being proud of who she is.

PC: What is the dynamic like between Valeria and Kaylie, and the rest of the group? What can you tease about Valeria’s arc in season one?
Eliza: They are nothing alike but are definitely a team and learn to love each other. They work together and Valeria loves Kaylie and accepts that she is a self-obsessed reality star. Kaylie appreciates that Valeria is a scary little witch who is completely unpredictable.

PC: This is your first role as a series regular. Has anything surprised you about the experience? What’s been the biggest takeaway?
Eliza: I loved the work and long hours even more than I thought I would. The cast and crew have really become my family. I was also surprised at how much work went into making each episode. I now really appreciate that there are so many people that contribute to the show’s creation and ultimate success.

Career Questions

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Eliza: I’ve always been one of those kids people would describe as artsy. I began singing and found my way to acting through teachers and friends. I played around with an acting app called Scenebot and the success I found there encouraged me to keep going.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Eliza: I would have to say my parents because if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t even have a career! My parents and brothers have sacrificed so much to help make my dreams come true. I am so grateful to have such a supportive family.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Eliza: I have to say Glee. I have re-watched all the episode so many times!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Eliza: Crazy Rich Asians

PC: Favorite book?
Eliza: Hunger Games

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Eliza: Hamilton hands down! There are still so many other great musicals though that I have yet to see.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Eliza: ’80s music—Wham! “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” is my jam!

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Eliza: Season three of Stranger Things

PC: Hidden talent?
Eliza: I love to paint, and I love Bob Ross videos!

To keep up with Eliza, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, binge-watch season one of Team Kaylie on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Netflix