IN CONVERSATION WITH ERIKA SWAYZE

interview by JANA LETONJA

With an effortless on-screen presence, natural charisma and a growing list of exciting projects, Erika Swayze is quickly establishing herself as a rising talent to watch. Erika is stepping into the spotlight in Netflix’s highly anticipated Hollywood Arts, the sequel series to the beloved Nickelodeon phenomenon Victorious, which just premiered October 15. She also currently stars alongside Peyton List and Milo Manheim in Paramount+‘s supernatural hit School Spirits. As she navigates an exciting new chapter in her career, we caught up with her to talk about finding her voice, the nostalgia of Victorious, and what it means to be part of a new generation of Hollywood talent.

You’re entering an exciting chapter of your career with Hollywood Arts, the highly anticipated continuation of Victorious. What was your first reaction when you found out you’d be joining such an iconic television universe?
I feel so lucky to be part of a universe that is loved by so many. When I got the call, I was in complete disbelief. Especially because Daniella Monet, who stars as Trina, started the call pranking me, saying “Paramount is shutting down,” then shortly after was like, “Just kidding! We’re doing this show together.” So I went from being totally let down to feeling like my childhood dreams were coming true. I was overwhelmed by every emotion. The next day, I graduated from university, so I walked that stage feeling like the timing of this role was perfect. I was filled with gratitude.

Victorious has a special place in the hearts of an entire generation. Did you grow up watching the original series, and what does it mean to you to help introduce that world to a new audience?
I loved watching Victorious growing up. I remember going to my friend’s house after school, grabbing snacks, and turning on our go-to show, Victorious. It always put a smile on my face. Now it feels like a full-circle moment to bring that same feeling to the new generation with Hollywood Arts. It’s crazy.

Tell us about your character in Hollywood Arts. What drew you to her, and how much of yourself do you see reflected in her personality?
I like to think that Jen is almost my alter ego. She is totally type A, honest to a fault, sassy, and, well, very entitled. But she’s not ashamed of it. While she doesn’t often show it, she has a heart and will always show up for her friends. She deals with a lot inside, but finds a found family through her peers. I can see myself in parts of Jen for sure, as I'm also a type A girly and an Aries, so that fiery side of me that Jen also has makes me think we could have been friends in high school.

Hollywood Arts explores a world where young people are discovering their talents, identities and ambitions. How closely does that reflect your own experience of finding your place in the entertainment industry?
I have been acting and auditioning since I was about 12. Over those years, I've faced a lot of rejection, which made me feel like pursuing this career would never become a reality and that I should just give up. But as cliché as it sounds, a lot of people in this industry say you have to believe in yourself and keep going. I think that is a huge theme in Hollywood Arts. Self-doubt will always come up, which you can see with the characters on our show, but if you keep pushing through and listen to the people in your life that really believe in you, it can all happen.

Nostalgia is such a powerful force in pop culture right now. Why do you think audiences are so drawn to revisiting the television shows, characters and worlds they grew up loving?
I think nostalgia is so big right now because it offers comfort and familiarity. For me, watching childhood shows and movies makes me feel connected to a special time in my life. For example, the other week, I watched School of Rock two days in a row because I knew it would bring me comfort and help me reconnect with my younger self. Ultimately, nostalgia is all about recapturing the memories and feelings that made our childhoods so special.

You are also part of School Spirits, a series that combines supernatural mystery with deeply human coming-of-age stories. What initially attracted you to the project?
I’ve always been fascinated by the afterlife, which is central to School Spirits, so the chance to be part of a show that encourages audiences to question and explore that side of life was exciting. I also grew up loving iconic characters like Regina George and Blair Waldorf, and I feel like my character, Livia, could almost be their younger sister. Even though they were often labelled as “mean girls,” I was drawn to their confidence, charisma, and unapologetic energy, and I always dreamed of playing a character who could capture that same essence.

Without giving too much away, how does your character evolve in the new season, and what have you discovered about her as you’ve continued filming?
Last season, people mainly saw the mean, envious side of Livia. This season, I get to explore where all that hurt comes from as she faces more conflict in her life, and I think people will appreciate how much more she softens and cares about those around her.

Moving between the supernatural mystery of School Spirits and the vibrant, comedic world of Hollywood Arts must be an interesting creative contrast. Which side of your personality does each project allow you to explore?
Moving between two completely different genres in the same year was a dream. I started out acting thinking I was mainly a dramatic actor, and comedy wasn't something I thought I'd ever excel at. School Spirits let me explore my darker, more emotional side, whereas in Hollywood Arts, I got to be as silly and out there as possible, which felt so freeing and made me more confident in my comedic abilities. Both were very rewarding experiences.

Fashion and acting are both ways of experimenting with identity. How would you describe your personal style, and has it evolved as you’ve grown more confident in yourself?
I have always loved fashion. Some may say I have an addiction to shopping, but retail therapy is real. I feel like my style changes every day, depending on my mood. But as I have grown more into myself, I have realized I like keeping my style more minimal while playing with accessories to personalize my looks. I like having good basics in my closet that I can dress up or down to feel most like me.

Your generation has grown up in a world where social media plays such a significant role in shaping identity. How do you balance expressing yourself publicly with keeping certain parts of your life just for yourself?
Social media is a weird place, let’s be honest. But don’t get me wrong, I also love it as a way of expressing ourselves. But not everything in our lives has to be shared with the world, which I’m learning more and more as I get older. I think it’s about finding that sweet spot, being authentic while also knowing that not every part of my life has to be shared to be meaningful.

If you could build your dream project from scratch, what would it look like? Is there a particular genre, character or director you’d love to explore?
I would love to get into horror and psychological thrillers. Especially stories driven by complex, unapologetic female leads. Over the past few years, I’ve become fascinated by films like Black Swan and Get Out, which changed the way I see the genre and made me fall in love with how horror can explore the darker side of human nature. In my dream world, I would create a female-led psychological thriller that blends horror with dark comedy. Something twisted and unpredictable. I love films that make you deeply uncomfortable one minute and laugh the next, leaving me thinking, “What did I just watch, and how do I get in that world?”

Outside of acting, what are the things that make you feel most creatively inspired? What does a perfect day away from set look like for you?
My friends and family constantly inspire me and remind me why I love what I do. Fashion is another huge source of inspiration for me. One of my favourite parts of prepping for an audition is figuring out what those characters would dress like. I love exploring vintage stores, mixing different styles, and using fashion to express my personality. 

My perfect day off would be going for a walk with friends, grabbing some delish brunch, browsing my favourite vintage stores, getting a massage, and ending the day watching my guilty-pleasure reality TV. Currently, it’s The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.

TEAM CREDITS:
photography NICK RASMUSSEN
styling VERONICA GRAYE
makeup MAI QUYNH
hair CLARISS RUBENSTEIN