Ella Lucas

What drew you personally to the role of Danielle, and what part of her felt closest to who you are in real life?

Danielle is such a fun character! Her personality is a bit different than mine which is part of what I find so compelling about her. What resonates most with me about Danielle is her ambition and drive. She possesses her own distinct determination. I know the audience is going to love her because she’s funny, expressive and sometimes a little intense , qualities I see reflected in myself. 

How did it feel stepping onto the Camp Rock 3 set, knowing you were joining such an iconic musical franchise?

Stepping onto the set of ‘Camp Rock 3’ felt surreal, exceeding every expectation I had. Growing up watching these movies, and then being able to be part of the magic was truly the best experience I could have asked for. It genuinely felt like being at a fun summer camp with my best friends! Initially, it was nerve-wracking because I wanted to give my best performance for such an iconic franchise. However, being surrounded by such amazingly talented people brought out the best in me. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity, and I’m so excited for the world to see that the new cast members can still do justice to the original movies. It was an honor to be a part of this project, and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as we did creating it.

You’ve built a strong career blending acting and movement. How does your dance background influence the way you approach a character like Danielle?

To authentically portray Danielle, it was essential to bring someone with a strong dance background. Given the numerous dance numbers in this franchise, my experience with knowing how to pick up choreography, captivate audiences, and projecting to the cameras was very valuable in truly selling the character. I felt a sense of comfort during those scenes, especially with my extensive dance training, which allowed me to seamlessly integrate my dance skills into the movie. My ability to take direction, and grasp the essence of each movement enabled me to both blend in with other dancers in the larger numbers and stand out during moments when Danielle needed to shine.

Camp Rock 3 features high-energy musical performances. What was the most challenging or exciting moment for you during the musical or dance sequences?

Funnily enough, the most challenging adjustment for me was dancing with a microphone. I’m so accustomed to having complete freedom of movement, so holding a microphone required a constant awareness of its placement. It was an amazing experience, though, as I gained a real sense of what it’s like to do both simultaneously, rather than just dancing.

You’ve worked with incredible talents like the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and Veronica Rodriguez. What did you learn from being around such experienced artists?

Being surrounded by such immense talent was incredibly inspiring, and I felt blessed to work alongside such iconic figures. While acting is undoubtedly enjoyable, I learned that achieving the desired results requires hard work, openness to creativity, and a willingness to take risks with your character. Observing these seasoned professionals, who have been in the industry for so long, was fascinating. Their natural ease and professionalism helped me feel comfortable, despite my initial nervousness. It solidified my passion for acting and my aspiration to emulate their success through continued dedication to my craft.

Your journey in dance has taken you from Canada’s Got Talent to international competitions. Which moment from that journey shaped you the most as a performer?

Throughout my dance career, competition has been a central theme. My competitive nature, honed through years of gymnastics, ignites a passion within me, enabling me to thrive under pressure. The rigorous preparation for dance competitions has molded me into the dancer I am today and significantly contributed to my current skill level. Although ‘Canada’s Got Talent’ is technically a competition, its live format, combined with the grand prize of a Las Vegas show, shifted my perspective. Performing under the bright lights and cameras, and seeing myself on live television, sparked a transition from competitive dancing to performance-based dancing. I discovered a deep love for performing on a grand stage before a large audience. The experience of being on TV, coupled with the interview process, captivated me and steered my focus toward pursuing dancing for camera. 

You trained in New Zealand and competed around the world. How have those international experiences influenced your artistic style and confidence?

The opportunity to move to New Zealand and become a full-time dancer has profoundly shaped my artistic identity. Immersing myself in a new culture exposed me to diverse movement styles and techniques. Training under choreographers from around the world broadened my skill set, which I now integrate into my own movement. Versatility is crucial in dance, and I believe that being mentored by a wide range of choreographers has greatly enhanced this aspect of my artistry. Through years of training and absorbing knowledge from respected choreographers and teammates, my confidence in dancing has grown. This newfound confidence stems from embracing new environments and stepping outside my comfort zone, which has been so valuable when it comes to auditions and performances on the big stage! 

Your fanbase online is massive and growing every day. How do you stay grounded and authentic while creating content for hundreds of thousands of people?

I don’t see my followers as just numbers; they’re real people. Growing up, I was inspired by so many influential figures, and my main goal on social media is to be that person for someone else. I love spreading positivity and knowledge and being a source of motivation. I’ve always been my authentic self when creating content, never faking my personality. My followers appreciate me for who I am, and that’s something I’ll never change. I’m incredibly grateful to have a platform where people feel comfortable asking for advice and getting to know the real me, and their support inspires me every day. I really appreciate my fans and would never take for granted the  millions of friends that support me, even though they’ve never met me in person. My social media is truly such a beautiful, and positive safe space. 

Looking back at roles like The J Team, Prom Pact, and Re: Uniting, what has changed the most in you as an actress over the past few years?

Looking back at the projects I’ve been a part of is like watching myself grow up on TV. I’ve learned so much about my preferences and acting style. It’s normal for actors to critique their performances, but instead of dwelling on it, I use it as a learning experience. As a perfectionist, it’s easy to fixate on my work, especially with the whole world watching. Watching my performances, including countless self-tapes, has been a game-changer. I’ve dissected what works and what doesn’t, refining my approach. This constant self-assessment has fueled my growth, and now I step into projects with a newfound confidence, armed with the insights I’ve gained.

With Camp Rock 3 releasing in 2026, what do you hope audiences feel or understand about Danielle when they first meet her on screen?