Exclusive: ‘Monster High’s Nayah Damasen Talks About The New Film And ‘The Good Newz Girls’

A breakout star!

From singing to dancing, Nayah Damasen can truly do it all. She recently made headlines after her phenomenal performance as Draculaura in the new reboot film ‘Monster High: The Movie’.

We had the amazing honor of talking to Nayah about her dream movie roles, prepping for the Monster High role, and more!

How did you find out you got casted as ‘Draculaura’ in “Monster High: The Movie”?

N: “When I found out I got cast for “Monster High: The Movie”, I was in the bathroom brushing my teeth! It was really early in the morning and my mom came knocking on the door while I still had the toothbrush in my mouth saying she had to tell me something. Once I was done, I came out and saw she was on the phone with my team of Reps.! That was the biggest sign I was about to get some serious news. Then they all said simultaneously that I had booked the role for Draculaura! I was so in shock yet so excited. It didn’t fully hit me until I continued my morning routine as I was just crying tears of joy!”

What’s a favorite memory of yours from set?

N: “I have a ton of favorite memories on set! We have a lot of great times on and off screen, but I think my top favorite was when we filmed the ending number “No Apologies”. The part where we sing on the steps of the school was filmed outside and it was originally going to be filmed on a different day. However, on November 16th it just so happened to be sunny AND my birthday, so they switched it. So I got to be surrounded by the entire cast and crew when I turned 17. I even got to be lifted into the air, which is something not a lot of people can say they did on their birthday!”

Have you seen the original “Monster High”? If so, did watching it help prepare for your role?

N: “I was also very familiar with the “Monster High” franchise growing up as a kid! Whenever I was over at my cousins’ and friends’ house, we would always play with them. I also watched the tv show from time to time! However, when I got the role I definitely started watching clips again of Draculaura and the ghoul squad. I also watched their movies like “Boo York, Boo York” and “Why Do Ghouls Fall In Love”.”

Aside from acting, I know you are in a girl pop group “The Good Newz Girls” what made you decide to join?

N: “Back in 2019, Nickelodeon was doing a nationwide search looking to put together a girl group I was most definitely interested in as I have been a fan of Nick since I was young and being a singer like Ariana Grande, who also got her start in Nick, has always been a dream of mine! Good Newz Girls have brought me so many amazing opportunities and I can’t imagine going through this crazy industry without them. That’s why I’m so glad that I was able to add them onto the “Monster High: The Movie” soundtrack! You can hear our voices on songs like “Spark”, “We Are Monster High”, and “Here I Am”.”

What type of movie/tv show would you love to star in?

N: “Well, I was always a big fan of movie musicals growing up like “Teen Beach Movie” or “Descendants”. I was always drawn to any type of movie that involved singing in it like “Pitch Perfect”. But I’ve also always been a big lover of the Marvel franchise as my dream role is to play a Filipino superhero! It would be a dream if music is somehow sprinkled in there as well!”

Who would be a dream co-star of yours?

N: “A dream co-star of mine would probably have to be Sadie Sink from “Stranger Things”. I say this all the time but I think we would be really good friends! She has such a sweet, chill vibe and she is super talented! She even came from a musical theater background and can sing, so that’d be really fun to do with her.”

If you could describe how you felt about “Monster High: The Movie” in three words, what would they be?

N: “Welcoming, Fangtastic, Musical!”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

N: “You can follow me on all social media platforms @Nayahdamasen.”

Catch Nayah shine in ‘Monster High: The Movie’, available now on Paramount+!

Photo Credit: Deidhra Fahey

Trina Hannah- Entertainment Editor/Graphic Designer– Trina is currently studying Graphic Design at Siena Heights University, she is into all things digital media such as video editing, photography and more! She loves getting to express herself through her work and hopes that it can make people smile as well as inspire them to be creative.