BY DINO TAKASHI

Kyndra Sanchez, is the new "Dawn Schafer" in Netflix’s Babysitter’s Club, based on the books written by Ann M. Martin about a group of entrepreneurial kids running a babysitting business.

While she attends a regular public high school in her hometown- Long Island’s, local public school district, she enjoys a fantastic double life after being recast as one of the series regulars for the second season. After Xochitl Gomez had to exit after completing Season 1 due to conflict with her schedule, there was an open call to audition for the role. Two weeks later, Kyndra bagged it.

Sanchez is soft spoken and respects other people's space. Her toned-down voice as we speak in-between takes and changes of makeup during this feature-shoot in Brooklyn, shows her level-headedness. I knew she was born to be an actress as soon as she mentioned how she loves performing at family gatherings, even before she learned the ropes of "proper" acting. As soon as she saw a poster of someone that looked like her in the mall, she knew that was destined for acting. 

In this exclusive interview, Kyndra shares about her early beginnings as a performer, her role as Dawn Schafer, her new Nickelodeon project, "Santiago in the Seas," and her wish to promote inclusivity among actors with disabilities, in full support of her brother.

Hi Kyndra, how are you?

I’m doing great!

Were you born and raised in New York?

I was born in the Bronx and I was raised there until I was 5. Then we moved to Long Island, where I currently live. My parents are both Puerto Rican.

How did acting come along?

I started acting when I was about 8 years old. It all started when I was walking in the mall with my mom and I saw this poster of a Latina woman who looked like me but older and when I saw her I asked my mom immediately, how can I be like her? How can I be known? How can I put myself out there? I've always loved to entertain people since I was very young and I perform in family gatherings, and so after that, my mom registered me in a local acting program. From there I got my agent and that’s how my journey began. 

And just seeing that woman on that poster, just being Latina, just really inspired me. And I felt like if she could do it and she could be out there, then I can do it. Something else that really inspired me were Celia Cruz, Selena  and Jennifer Lopez. I remember my mom always listens to their songs and that inspired me to become a musician. I have a passion for music, I play the guitar, the piano, I love to sing. They really inspire me.

So are we also going to hear you record an album soon?

I'm actually working on writing my own music at the moment so hopefully in the near future I  can get something out.

How do you juggle being in school and being an actor at the same time?

Time management is definitely key. What I like to do to stay on track is writing a list of everything I have to do. Definitely juggling the balance between normal life and what I do  outside of acting. I am part of a varsity gymnastics team. I have to balance that. And on the weekends I catch up with friends and focus on my mental health- meditating  and doing yoga. If I have an early call for an audition and had to miss school, I  would need to make sure to stay on top of my work the next day and text the classmates. 

Are your teachers forgiving with your schedule?

As long as you have good communication and let them know of your situation and also if you stay on top of your work then you should be fine. Education is really important to me so I have to make sure that school is first.

How were zoom classes for you last year?

It was very different. Anything new is a bit overwhelming. I got used to it. It worked perfectly fine and now I'm just glad to be back in school in person. I go to a public school.

How was adjusting to this same character “Dawn Schafer” but as a new actor in the show and what was the audition process like?

Everyone was super welcoming and supportive and if I had any questions, I can always ask any of the girls. We also built a strong relationship with each and everyone of them. I had about six auditions. They were all on zoom. And the third or fourth, I had a chemistry read with the girls and instantly we connected and we bonded over sustainable fashion and it was really great and made me want to book the role even more. And then I remember on the last zoom call I got, I  thought I was initially going in to meet someone from the production, but it was really to  announce me as Dawn Schafer of the Babysitters Club.

These are entrepreneurial kids, how is she similar to you and is there an entrepreneurial bone in your body?

Dawn and I are very much alike, like her I use my voice to advocate for causes that are close to my heart. Every year for the past 6 yrs I’ve been raising donations for childhood cancer in an organization called Alex Lemonade Stand Foundation for Child Cancer. In my spare time I  like to volunteer to help clean up beaches near me as well as visiting senior citizen homes and perform during the holiday to spread some cheer with my guitar and my voice. I think it's important to spread happiness and smiles all around. And I say Dawn and I’s style are similar in many ways . There are days on set where I would have my regular outfits and people would mistaken them as Dawn’s wardrobe. It's so wonderful to be part of an inclusive show, especially being able to play Dawn Schafer as a Latina girl. When I grew up, I didn't really have too many people to look up to on screen, that looked liked me and representation is so important to me. So having to be that person that I never really had growing up really holds a special place in my heart.

How would you describe representation in the shows that you were in?

I'd say all of the projects I worked on are pretty inclusive of everybody which I'm really grateful for. And I feel this industry should be showing that a lot more and that they should be embracing other peoples cultures and different personalities.

What are the challenges that you experienced while filming this?

I flew to Vancouver, Canada to film Season 2. I had a wonderful time and unforgettable experiences. But it did come with sacrifices. I had to leave my dad and brother back at home  in New york. It’s definitely a bit tough because I'm very close to my family but I got through it.  We facetimed everyday.

Out of the roles that you’ve had, is there any role that resonated with you?

I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to play all of the roles that I've done before. And I would say that being Dawn Schafer means a lot to me. Getting to play someone that little boys and girls who look like me could look up to and just give them inspiration is obviously special. I also play Bonnie Bones on Nick Jr series. We are in the middle of season 2. I love playing her because she’s a villain and I'm the complete opposite of her. It's really fun getting to play her. And also I do find some things that I could really look up to and playing Bonnie Bones she’s a strong girl who won't let anything get in her way. She won’t let life’s obstacles throw her down. She’s very persistent, she goes for what she wants and I really admire her for that.

What’s the best part about being an actor?

There’s so many good things. Getting to do what you love and getting to do what you love with the people you love is so heartwarming to me. Meeting new people is definitely a big one. Learning new things. And also the glam. I love being glamorous. I'm so grateful to be part of a wonderful industry and it's an amazing experience.

What scares you?

You definitely gonna hear a lot of nos. And you just can't let that stop you. You can’t let that tear you down. Because sometimes it doesn't always have to do with your performance. Sometimes it could be that they changed their mind. They don't want someone with dark black hair. They want someone with blonde hair and you have to be accustomed to getting changed and. You just have to get used to that and you have to know and it’s ok and it’s not probably your fault.

What is the dream role?

I've always wanted to be in an action adventure film. I do gymnastics so maybe I can incorporate some flips in a movie and also all of the cool stunts. And also maybe playing music in a movie as well. And I've always loved watching horror movies so I can imagine what it would be like in one. I've always wanted to work with Joaquin Phoenix in an action adventure film so that will be really cool.

What is next for Kyndra?

I am writing my own music that's keeping me busy. I'm in the middle of  filming Santiago of the Seas playing Bunny Bones.

What’s a valuable lesson that you always carry with you?

Always be yourself. That is huge for me. Also spread kindness. It's really important to not put anyone down just because of the color of their skin or how they identify as or how they dress. It is just so unnecessary and I feel like we all just need to come together as one. We need to respect one another and just be kind. Like what I was saying earlier about being yourself is super important. I mean the world would be boring if everyone was the same. So don't be afraid to bring your sparkle on and be who you are wherever you are.

What did you learn during the pandemic?

I am a really good writer. I discovered that about myself. I always loved writing. I really got more into it during the pandemic and actually taking creative classes that's pretty cool and also writing my own music.

What are you looking forward to for the rest of 2021?

I am looking forward to more people with disabilities being in the industry and to get more jobs. I have a brother that  has a cerebral palsy, he is in a wheelchair and he is also an actor and he only gets an audition like once or twice a year if he gets lucky and it is really saddening to say that out loud esp as a sister so i really hope that people in the industry would give people with disability a chance.

If you were a book what would you be and why?

I'm in between either Be Yourself or Sparkle. I would say Sparkle since I was little. I've always loved performing and making people happy and there’s something so pure about people who want to make people happy. 

SEASON 2 OF BABYSITTERS CLUB IS NOW STREAMING ON NETFLIX