Cree Cicchino of ‘Game Shakers’: shaking the boundaries of kids’ TV

Nickelodeon is well-known for saturating our screens with hi-viz children’s entertainment. The channel’s new show Game Shakers ups the ante: presenting not only a top-notch TV series for kids, but games to go with it that audiences can actually download.

Game Shakers is about two teens (Cree Cicchino a.k.a. ‘Babe’, and Madisyn Shipman a.k.a. ‘Kenzie’) who, as a part of a school science project, create a game which tops the sellers list and makes them instantly rich.

Unaware of legal ramifications, they use a song by a notorious rap star ‘Double G’ (Kel Mitchell) who soon threatens to sue for breach of copyright.

Together they come to an arrangement where the girls and Double G, along with a few friends co-partner to create a huge computer game company.

Kyle Spragg chats with key star Cree Cicchino and asks her a few Qs about life in TV Land…

‘Game Shakers’ has revealed that the games your company produces in the show will be actually created as real playable applications. How does it feel to be a part of such an ambitious production?

I still haven’t processed the fact that I’m apart of such an amazing team. The fact that actual games are being made to go along with the show really makes this production special and I’m extremely grateful that I’m able to experience this new journey.

Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be casted on ‘Game Shakers’? How did you feel through-out the auditions and were you surprised when you were selected?

I hadn’t been acting long when I first auditioned. The whole audition experience for the show was a bit of a whirlwind. I loved the role and the script so I really enjoyed myself when reading for Babe. After some call-backs and testing, I was told I landed the part and was beyond excited! I mean, how crazy is it to be cast in a Dan Schneider project when I grew up watching and loving all of his shows?!

Who is the most interesting person to work with in the cast?

I have an amazing time with the entire cast, but Kel Mitchell is a comedic genius. He has a positive vibe, a contagious energy and a kind soul. He’s an amazing mentor and role model for me, not only as an actor but also as a person. And his improv will have you rolling on the floor, just FYI!

Many actors are inspired by talents that come before them. Who have been your influences on pursuing a career in acting?

When I first started acting I knew I wanted to dip into many styles. I looked to Kristin Wiig as an influence in pursuing comedy and I watched Meryl Streep and Angelina Jolie as inspirations for serious acting and drama. They each have the ability to perform a variety of roles excellently and portray characters in a very real way.

How does your acting career affect other areas of your life, such as family, friends and school?

I’m separated from my family who live in New York and I’ve had to change schools. However, I’ve really stayed in strong contact with all of my friends and family members. I feel it’s important to stay grounded with the people I grew up with and to remember where I came from.

How do you see your acting career progressing?

I definitely plan on exploring a variety of acting styles and I definitely see myself in film, TV and live theatre. I hope to look back at my career having experienced many genres in different outlets.

You’re also interested in dancing and writing. What do you like most about those two crafts?

I will always be a dancer at heart but don’t plan on a solid career in dancing. As for writing, I like to explore all forms of literature but I particularly enjoy poetry and realistic fiction. I always enjoy a bit of horror as well. I definitely plan on having a career in writing in addition to acting.

‘Game Shakers’ screens on Foxtel in Australia early 2016.