Send us a shout out message so we can mention you in the podcast!

What's it like to suddenly find yourself as the lead on a hit Netflix show at just 15 years old? Kaileen Chang, star of the Netflix show "I Woke Up a Vampire," joins us to share her extraordinary journey from childhood performer to streaming sensation.

Kaileen reveals how her love for performance began early through dance, ice skating, and theater before finding her way to professional training around age 7. We explore the traditional showcase route that landed her first representation and how the pandemic completely transformed her audition experience. The story of how she booked her Netflix role is particularly fascinating – after months of silence following her self-tape, she received a surprise Zoom call at school thinking it was for a different project entirely!

The behind-the-scenes reality of shooting in Toronto for six months offers listeners a genuine glimpse into the production world, from the overwhelming number of crew members to the complex choreography of stunts and scene blocking. Kaileen shares heartwarming stories about the immediate chemistry with her co-star Niko Ceci (whom she now calls her "twin flame") and the surreal experience of keeping her entire acting career secret from friends until suddenly appearing on Netflix's home screen. Her first encounters with young fans at Disneyland – pointing her out to disbelieving parents – perfectly captures the strange new reality of teen stardom.

For aspiring performers, Kaileen's parting advice resonates with wisdom beyond her years: "If it's really what you want, you have to give it your priority and your all. You'll have 60, 100 auditions before you get something, but every audition has to be your best." Follow Kaileen's continuing journey on Instagram at @Kaileenchang and discover why her authentic approach to both acting and life makes her someone to watch.

Support the show

Join the Successful Young Creatives community! Follow Genevieve Goings for daily tips and inspiration:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

JOIN the EMAIL CLUB for Industry tips and insights!

Coach with Genevieve