Meet Erica Lynn Cunanan | Actress & Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Lynn Cunanan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica Lynn, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
My parents would say that I’m pretty darn persistent. I’ve been known to push unbelievably hard for the things that I want to achieve until I get them. I’m positive that my persistent habits have gotten me where I am today. I set a goal to find my way into the entertainment industry when I was 9 years old. The way that I felt watching the finale You Can’t Stop the Beat in the 2007 Hairspray movie was actually what sparked my never-ending desire to want to be a story teller. I’m 24 now and I’m still working on achieving that goal. I’ve only scratched the surface of what I can do in this industry but I’m not going to stop until I’ve accomplished everything that I can.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Sometimes I get to play pretend, the most fun job in the world. I’m so proud of the stories I’ve been a part of telling and I’m so excited to tell more both on film and stage. It’s been really interesting finding my place in an industry that has never been explored by my family. The opportunity to navigate by myself has been a challenging journey but never impossible. I’m constantly eager to learn. I’m always ready to continue improving my craft. I’m excited about the idea of setting new goals and achieving them. The work is never done. That’s the best part.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is cheesy but my favorite places in the city are the sound stages. There is no better feeling than walking around a studio lot. But if someone came to visit and we got to explore, I would create a day filled with art and theater magic. One of the coolest memories I have from high school was getting to tour the Getty Museum. I found some of the most peaceful and beautiful views are up there. I think my perfect day would be starting my morning at the Getty and seeing a show at the Pantages at night. That really does sound like the perfect day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m originally from Bakersfield, CA. I’ve always been so thankful that Bakersfield was a city filled with so many opportunities for performers. I grew up in dance studios and theater companies that allowed me to play, grow, and learn so much as a young artist. I owe a lot of gratitude to every person (teachers and peers) involved in teaching me over the years because I certainly wouldn’t be the performer that I am today without them. American Dancers Workshop, Bakersfield Dance Company, The Ovation Theatre, Stars Theatre Restaurant, and NOR Junior Theater were all home to me growing up and I could not thank them all enough.

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