Email: neill@outloudculture.com
Actor Ceci Balagot (he/they), known for his performance in Disney’s “Girl Meets World” and “Dispatches from Elsewhere” will be starring as fan-favorite character “Frankie Stein” in Nickelodeon’s upcoming “MONSTER HIGH: THE MOVIE.”
Just in time for the Halloween season, the highly anticipated live-action musical fantasy premiered on Thursday, Oct. 6, on Nickelodeon and is avaialble to stream on Paramount+. In the live-action film, Frankie Stein is reintroduced as non-binary, as the character goes by they/them throughout the film. Ceci will be starring alongside numerous reputable cast members including Steve Valentine (SPIDER MAN 3), Lina Lecompte (ROUGE), and Gabrielle Nevaeh Green (THAT GIRL LAY LAY).
With the release of the trailer and news of the film, an official music video for the song “Three of Us” is making the rounds showcasing Ceci in full costume as Frankie Stein. That video can be seen at https://youtu.be/9PC_YqlxHis
In addition to MONSTER HIGH, Ceci performed in the film adaptation of DEAR EVAN HANSEN, portrayed the role of “Clara” in DISPATCHES FROM ELSEWHERE as well as “Isadora” on Disney’s GIRL MEETS WORLD which included co-stars Sabrina Carpenter (“The Hate U Give”), Rowan Blanchard (“The Goldbergs”), and Ben Savage (“Boy Meets World”).
So tell us all what inspired you to be an actor?
My grandpa worked in the industry in many different capacities before I was born, and when I was a baby, he was a featured extra in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. I still have the postcard he sent me from the island! He loved to talk about movies and TV and absorbed all of it, to the point where I don’t really think I ever had the illusion of anything on the screen being “real”. I definitely asked him if I could audition to be on Barney when I was little.
You starred in the hugely popular Disney show “Girl Meets World”, tell me about the experience you had on that show and what it was like working with Rowan Blanchard and Sabrina Carpenter? I did see a cute photo of you all hugging on set, you must have all been quite close?
I love filming “Girl Meets World”. It was really an amazing experience filled with great people. The creator of the show, Michael Jacobs, really wanted the cast to be successful after the show was over. I feel lucky to have learned so much from him, and from working on that show in general. Everyone has taken really unique paths now, and I’m always looking out to congratulate them on all of their successes!
Do you still keep in touch with the cast and crew from that show?
I mostly see everyone on social media. My most recent regret is missing Sabrina’s recent concerts in LA. I’ve seen her a couple times before and of course she’s fantastic!
You now star in Nickelodeon’s Live Action “Monster High: The Movie”, just in time for Halloween, tell me a bit about the movie and who you play?
I play Frankie Stein, who is of course a play on Frankenstein. They were created only 15 days before starting high school, and because of that have a really difficult time making friends. They don’t have the best sense for social cues, but are always there to support their beasties!
How did you become involved in the project and what was the auditioning process like for it?
It was a very long audition process with several rounds of reading, singing, and dancing videos, all leading up to chemistry reads. Everything was over Zoom, which at first made me a little nervous because I wasn’t going to get to feel out the vibes in person. But I knew for sure it was going to be Miia Harris and Nayah Damasen alongside me as soon as we read together. They’re such sweet people and I love being besties with them on screen and off!
What drew you to this film and this role in particular?
There’s definitely a group of people out there who believe I somehow bullied Mattel, Paramount, and Nickelodeon into changing Frankie’s gender identity, but of course that’s not true. When I received the character breakdown for the audition, I was truly shocked to see that a character from my childhood was now going to officially identify as non-binary. That made me a thousand times more excited to join this film. Representation like Frankie, who is a very happy and supported young queer person, is extremely important because it gives hope to younger audiences who may have never seen a queer person be successful in society. I’m so grateful that Monster High gets to be a safe space for so many.
What were some of your most memorable moments from being on set?
Any time we got to have the whole cast of ghouls together was the most fun. The first and last scenes include everyone which just brings up the energy an immense amount. Hanging out and laughing with them between takes is what I remember the most.
What advice can you give to aspiring actors who want to break into the entertainment industry?
Make sure to stick to your roots. The industry is a strange place that will undoubtedly make you want to change yourself to fit the standard. Remember that your biggest assets are the unique qualities you bring into the room.
Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
Monster High 2 is currently in the works! So excited to strap on my big doll shoes again!!
Instagram: @cecibalagot
Twitter: @cecibalagot
