I'm actress, singer and dancer Alyson Stoner...AMA!

Do you get many remarks about your last name?

Surprisingly, I mostly only get people asking if I get people asking about my last name! ;) Where I'm from in Ohio… folks don't really use that term, or they didn't yet. So, I was fortunate. But fun fact: my first initial is A. So I'm literally A. Stoner. xx

What do you think of Phineas and Ferb coming to end?

Thankfully, we as a cast have known for several months so we are not surprised. We're sad because it's been a near and dear part of our lives and careers, but we're ready to start something new. The bonds we have will last a lifetime.

Hi Alyson! You seem very well adjusted for a child star compared to some others in the business. How have you stayed so grounded?

Well, I appreciate it. Thank you! I suppose my parents did a wonderful job at showing me acting was what I did, but not who I am.. We have many parts - mind, body, soul… work, hobbies, relationships… So faith, family, friends, understanding how limited I am in my human perspective… it's pretty easy to feel veryyyyy normal. haha

Do you enjoy playing Xion in the Kingdom Hearts series? How does it feel to belong to such a huge series?

It's an honor to have played Kairi/Xion in the Kingdom Hearts series. My favorite part of the process is recording sound effects. One time, the paper said "(gets hit in neck with giant key)", and I had to figure out what noise to make! :)

what is your best memory while working with Missy Elliot?

OMG. Hilarious story: My grandma was on set and Missy and Ludacris asked her to ride the golf cart to where we were shooting. She went home to her bowling friends and said, "I was riding to set with Ridiculous!" Forever, Ludacris will be Ridiculous to Gma. haha

Hi Alyson!

I actually went to the high school you shot The A List at back when you guys filmed it. I was curious what your experience was like shooting up here in Oregon, and what things you did or places you visited in Lake Oswego or Portland during your free time?

I'm excited to watch the movie! Thanks for doing this - I've enjoyed your work since your Zach & Cody/Cheaper by the Dozen days.

Hey! Thanks! We loved working in Oregon. I especially loved the hikes and coffee shops. Also, I never made it to VooDoo donuts, but I hear it's the place to be! Hope you're well. Enjoy the film.. xx

If you could work with anyone in Hollywood who would it be and why?

Well, I don't watch movies or tv, so I'm unsure I know of many people in Hollywood. To be honest, I actually am most inspired by the underground freestyle dance world and community of hard-working artists who strive daily to pursue their passion while making ends meet. It's in these places I feel we artists are a tribe, working together toward our dream, celebrating the highs and staying together in the lows… I want to work with genuine people who are ready to learn something new. That might be Meryl Streep. It might be a new actress. :)

Hey, everyone! Thanks so much for chatting with me. I feel we covered some great ground. Your questions were so fun! Be sure to check out my new film, The A List, out TODAY on VOD and iTunes! And my new song "Pretty Girls" on iTunes (vid on YouTube). Enjoy your week and talk soon! xo, Alyson

Good Morning Alyson! Thank you for the AMA! What has been your favorite voiceover work so far? What is it like working on Phineas and Ferb? What was your favorite episode?

Hey there! Yes, Phineas is by far my favorite cartoon to have worked on because of the camaraderie among the cast and creative team. Dan and Swampy feel like dads, Vincent feels like the brother I never had, Ashley and Mitchel and Maulik and everybody.. we've spent the last decade of our lives building something together. What an exciting journey! My favorite episode is probably City of Love, since I get to geek out over Phineas in Paris! :D xx

What was it like working with Jonas Brothers?

JB is forever the childhood icon to thousands and thousands of people… it was an honor to work with them right as they were taking off. Also, I opened their tour for 48 dates and learned SO much about performing. So thank you, JB! <33

I know you sometimes dance at complexes or even teach at them, I loved watching you dance. I stopped dancing years ago and I'm always scared to go back cus I won't be as good as everyone else. Do you have any advice for that? I was thinking something slower like ballet which I used to do as well. I know I'm not as flexible as I was, nor can I do a full pirouette anymore. :(

-I was a fan from Hong Kong back when I watched Disney Channel.

Hey there. Great question: first of all, dance is free. There are no rules to how you ought to move. Sure, when we study certain techniques, we learn how to comply to that style and find the beauty and expression within it. But, you can always turn music on wherever you are and move freely. Don't forget that. If you'd like to face some fears, I recommend hopping into a few classes. It doesn't matter what you choose. Go with your gut and take the step. The first step is always the hardest. But, perhaps it's a great challenge to overcoming a mental struggle, even beyond the physical component. Best! xx

Awhile ago there was a debate who's the better dancer Usher or Justin Timberlake. Who do you pick?

Oh man! They're SOOOOOO different. Their choreographers are super stylistic… I suppose I dig Usher's waves.. and JT's subtle-but-strong flare. Toss-up!

How was your experience on House MD? What was it like and anything memorable that you took away from it?

I remember Hugh having a stack of books on top of his piano in his trailer.. and that screamed Intellect-meets-Creativity, a combination I strive for… He's brilliant.

Any book reccomendations?

For dayzzzzzz… If you're a creative type, I'm currently reading The War of Art.. some neat insights. If you're an intellectual type, Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman (I don't necessarily agree with the entire worldview proposed, but there are some good scientific insights)… I don't read a lot of fiction, sorry. Mostly psych/self-development.

What was it like working with Carmen Electra in Cheaper by the Dozen 2?

She's incredibly sweet. She brought me as her guest to the Much Music Awards in.. what year was it, like 1994.. haha

Very fun, professional, easygoing and a bit quiet. :D

The A-List looks really good! What make you decide to take on the project?

Thank you! We're thrilled with the outcome and can't wait for you all to see it. Honestly, I read the script and felt the humor was similar to the brilliant writing of Mean Girls, but with a softer undertone. So, combining Tina Fey's wit with a story every person could relate to (since it's an ensemble cast) seemed genius! xx

Is there an actor/actress you have wanted to meet and work with but haven't gotten to yet?

I was often compared to Jodie Foster growing up, so I'd be very interested to meet her and see what the similarities are, as well as pick her brain on how she approaches and transforms into characters. :D

What is Missy Elliott and Channing Tatum like?

Do you ever get tired of doing something you've done everyday since you were 3? How do you keep living the dream?

I think you are pretty cool and just thought you should know! And if you ever want to teach someone to dance who needs some help with their skills let me know :)

<3 a girl who can't dance but loves the it anyway

Great Q. Same action, same result. So, if I settle for what I know and stop seeking to grow, I will likely become very comfortable, plateau, and lose the passion and drive to improve. Thankfully, I love to study and learn, so I constantly use every character as an opportunity to learn more about humanity, myself, IQ and EQ, neuroscience, storytelling, communicating, relationships, and a million other things… Really, I feel like I've only scratched the surface. As we get older, our life experience offers us a slightly more expanded view of a matter. So, I hope to reflect that maturity and those insights in all my work, whether it's acting, singing or dancing. Thanks!

I am such a big fan of yours since I was a teen until now. Thanks for this AMA.

How different is being a dancer to being a choreographer? Is choreography something you were born with or was it the result of intense training? What's your advice to kids who are into dancing?

Actually! I do not consider myself a choreographer by nature. And, there are thousands of dancers who do not exactly fit the typical make-up of a choreographer. Choreography takes a different sort of initiative, creativity, leadership.. It takes someone with vision, someone who doesn't merely want to learn someone else's steps… But, there are no rules to who can and cannot become one. Choreography is not my strength; I think I'm a better dancer. However, many of my choreographer friends inspire me daily to use this as an opportunity to grow in another way. Choreography goes beyond dancing and seeks to create shapes, stories.. connect movements.. I could go on forever.. :)

What was the last album you bought?

To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar. I'm surprised how beautifully orchestrated his record is. It sounds like a broadway musical. And his topics are much deeper and more informed than I expected. Good on ya, Kendrick!

Was their a time when you became burnt out from dancing?

Yes! And it was only then that I realized I'd placed all my focus on precision and perfectly learning the steps, when I really didn't love the movement and dance from my heart. So, I stopped taking choreography classes.. took up free styling.. began training under Sho Tyme who teaches pure hip-hop groove.. and discovered I was missing the point before. Now, it's such a passion and love that it fuels itself. I'm grateful for all the life lessons I've gained through dance and movement.

Any fun/funny stories about Steve Martin from the CBTD sets?

Thanks!

Hey! Steve's really cool. He brought his banjo everywhere… and his dog, Roger… the sweetest pup. He'd play music outside his trailer on his little fake grass pad that they put on the asphalt to make it feel more like home, and we'd pass by and listen between scenes.. He even taught Forest ("FedEx") how to play banjo after we wrapped. I should've taken up banjo.. I would've gotten to go to his sweet house. haha

who is the funniest in real life between Ashton Kutcher & Steve Martin and did either play any pranks on set?

They're both hysterical. But it was actually us dozen who got into the most trouble. Kevin Schmidt once lifted my entire couch into the doorway of my trailer, so I couldn't get inside. We also TP'd each other's rooms. Oh! And I hung a scary Halloween witch thingy that dropped in your face whenever you opened the door. Good times.

What 4 things would you do if you could be a guy for a day?

haha! Well, I'm very casual and easygoing.. I feel that most of my friends are guys and I could live vicariously through them.. But, I suppose I'd eat a lot since they tend to have higher metabolisms. I'd lift some crazy amount of weight that my female body just can't quite support (yet..)… I'd finally learn how to wrestle maybe… And, 4th.. Well, I can tell you what I won't do… wear a V-neck lower than my girlfriend's. :)

What is your biggest fear that you would like to overcome?

The great thing we know is Fear is Afraid of Itself. When I envision Fear, I see a young girl curled up in the corner, knees tucked, hair across her face.. and though her presence is strong in the room, she's actually terrified of even her own being. So, that helps personify Fear and put fear into perspective for me. But, I'd say my current biggest fear is losing the people and things I love the most, and I actually just lost many of them. So, now I get to learn what beauty can rise from loss.

Favourite sports teams?

Michigan Wolverines. GO BLUE!

What's your favorite dinosaur?

Pterodactyl, of course… who doesn't love the spelling and pronunciation...

Hi Alyson!

What's your Summer Mix Playlist for this summer? Any songs you are absolutely loving right now?

Yes! I cannot stop playing Say My Name (Odesza).. all the remixes. "I wanna dance, I wanna dance dance with you.. so take a chance, take a chance OH YEAH" -- repeat repeat repeat repeat repeat

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I think if ya like her a whole lot, you should pay close attention to what she likes, what makes her smile… get creative and enjoy the moment. Also, you can do something simple and make an adventure out of it. Showing her that you're mindful of her likes and needs is usually a wonderful starting point.. :) have fun!

If you could do a dance off against any member of the Avengers, who would it be?

Absolutely Black Widow, because who doesn't want to say they dance battled Scarlett Johansson.. :)

What's your favorite performance that you've done?

I just played Madison Square Garden with Bruno Mars and Fun! NOW THAT WAS EXCITING! And also so terrifying that I barely remember anything that happened that day. :)

Next goal in life? IE: learn a new instrument, pick up a new hobby, improve on a current hobby?

PS: you did fantastic playing Xion in Kingdom Hearts. Probably the most emotional role given in the entire series. We, the fans, adore you :)

Hey there! Actually, I'm currently entering into the world of producing, directing and writing, and I'm taking the leap as a music artist. So, big year.. but time to push through to new heights.. and I'm sure new valleys. But we embrace all parts of the journey! :D

What movie was the most fun to act in? (Or tv show)

My favorite film to work on was Summer Forever, which releases in August this year. It felt like one giant hang-out with your best friends. And I FINALLY had a chance to perform full musical numbers versus being left out of dance and singing scenes like other projects. Can't wait for you to see!

Hi! What was being on House like? Any good stories?

Thanks for doing the AMA!

Yes! Hugh Laurie stays in character the entire day, so I've technically only ever met Gregory House.

What got you into dancing?

My older sister was enrolled in classes and I'm pretty sure I wanted to be just like her. I also was that kid who made our classroom pets at school watch me perform musical numbers during recess. So.. there's that… haha

How did you get into the film business?

I attended the IMTA convention in NYC in 2000 for modeling, acting and dancing. I surprisingly won several awards and was told to try out the industry in LA for a few months. My family thought it was sort of crazy, but we gave it a go. And again.. surprisingly.. there were several signs that it might be more than a silly hobby. Cut to 15 years later.. :D

Hey! I have to say I've always been a huge fan. How was working with Megan Nicole? Knowing she's completely new to the movie business and all that?

Great Q. Megan is so sincere, diligent, poised, and hard-working. She learned incredibly quickly how sets are run, and her performance during the rehearsal period became so grounded and natural so speedily. Just because she hadn't worked on films before, doesn't mean she didn't have an incredible actress dwelling inside her this whole time. Can't wait for you to see her shine. :)

At what place in the world would you most like to visit?

Oh boy. Endless question. This year I have my eyes set on the Edinburgh Music Festival, although I'm unsure I'll make it due to scheduling. Travel is an incredibly important part of understanding different cultures and sides of humanity (and yourself). So, I highly recommend getting out there however, whenever you can.

What's up Alyson! Thanks for doing an AMA.

Since you're already considered a triple-threat, what hidden talent do you have that would surprise most people?

Hm! Ya know, I'm a bit of a nerd. My nickname is Dictionary Queen. So, it might be that I have a very eccentric vocabulary? For instance… Erinaceous … Of, or pertaining to, a hedgehog. haha

How do they train you to become an actress? Do you think yourself must be famous?

Acting is a very personal journey.. many people take classes from different teachers to gain an understanding of several techniques.. others trust their gut and self-development to inform their character choices.. I do not consider myself famous. I simply go to work and it happens to be on a set for a project that a few people might see. I love what I do, so thankfully I don't have to focus on whether it elevates me in the public eye. The important part is how I treat people and grow as an individual along the way. xx

I remember idolizing over you as a kid as a moviestar, but now I've seen you in several Youtube videos with Kurt Hugo Schneider as well.

Now, what do you actually prefer, music, or acting?

Aw, thanks. :) Ya know, music and acting tug at such different parts of me. And neither will go away. I've even tried to give up both at different times. Music allows me to tell my own story as I see it. Acting allows me to see someone else's story and honor it by bringing it to life without passing judgment. Both shed a ton of light on how we work, love, play and experience everything.

What's your favourite cereal?

You're speaking my language! Cereal is my love language, in fact. I'm that kid whose family had 17 (actually 17) boxes of cereal in our pantry. And, instead of choosing one, I mixed about 7-8 at a time. So, SmartStart, Special K, Puffins, some new organic ones… and then also Trix, Pops, Smacks, the goodies.. Cereal for every meal!

What is the best fan-interaction you've ever had? Do kids still come up to you as the girl from camp rock?

I wouldn't necessarily call it the besttttttt…. but I was once getting ready to play in my basketball tournament and somebody recognized me, followed me into the bathroom stall and asked me to sign toilet paper.. they were our opponent to boot.. and I think that was also the day one of their players pushed me down and I sprained my wrist… maybe this isn't the happiest answer.. haha but it was comical, for sure.

Do you ever suffer from burnout as you started so young?

Great question. Yes. You reach the end of yourself. You feel exhausted, frustrated.. like you've done all you can and you aren't going anywhere new. And at the same time, you're incredibly grateful and enthusiastic and inspired… The important thing to do is address the burn-out, discover if it's merely a matter of changing priorities and rebalancing your life/schedule to incorporate more relationships, family, hobbies, etc., or if you're burned out because the current dream needs to be revised, reshaped, or even changed altogether.

Have you had any funny accidents/mishaps during some of the dance moves? Like elbowing someone in the head or something? What were the funnier ones you saw?

Funny story.. the take they used in Step Up 3D for Adam's and my dance duet, I hit my head on the ceiling of the taxi and was blacking out for a solid 5 seconds after… but I just kept smiling because I didn't want to ruin the take. And then they used it. -_- haha

Big fan Alyson! Any upcoming roles in movies or TV shows that we should be on the lookout for?

Hey! Thanks! Yes, my movie the A List releases TODAY on Video on Demand. Then Sugar Babies will hopefully hit Lifetime in about a month. Summer Forever, the movie musical, will release in August. And Hoovey, a family drama, just came out a month ago.

I also have new music available on iTunes ("Pretty Girls") and will be releasing more shortly! Best!