While doing research for her senior project, Cathy Robbins, ’10, gathered information from ABC Family’s Web site to find quotes from the TV show The Secret Life of the American Teenager. On the site Robbins encountered a link to casting for upcoming shows. Intrigued in acting, she clicked the link and discovered an opportunity to open future doors.

Ever since childhood, Robbins has enjoyed portraying characters who are different from herself. Recently, due to her Web exploring, Robbins tried out for a part in an upcoming ABC Family TV show, which is untitled at this point.

The show is based on a book by Sasha Paley, and focuses on girls at “fat camp.” Since the show is still in the beginning process, not much is known about this upcoming series; but according to Robbins, the show may air in the winter.

“This was my first major audition,” Robins said. “I was interested in the show because the story tells girls to embrace their size — their inner beauty is what matters most and that reflects on outer beauty. I was very nervous during the audition. [In] the first phase I basically talked about myself, but the call-backs were way more nerve-wracking because I had to read from a script.”

Although Robbins is taking the next step in her acting career, she is stranger to the field. In the summer of 2008, Robbins acted in an instructional video for Evangelism Explosion International. She has also participated in campus Night of the Stars productions, and won Best Supporting Actress in 2009 for her role in the class of 2010’s presentation of Ferris Buller’s Day Off.

Robbins says she knew she wanted to act in third grade when she auditioned for a Roger Rocka’s show in downtown Fresno. She was accepted to the company, but ended up being unable to participate.

After that and many other experiences, Robbins prepared for her ABC Family audition. The process consisted of tape recordings which were filmed by classmate Paige Powell, ’10.

“The first tape was due the day of formal [NOTS] on Feb. 20,” Robbins said. “Within a few weeks I received an e-mail saying I made it to the second phase and was required to film another video.”

Since Robbins has not heard back from the casting team, she is hoping and praying that she has won the part.

“Even if I don’t get the part, I will continue to act,” Robbins said. “I would love to play any part just to expand my resume. I actually have a friend in the industry, so it may be possible he can hook me up; opportunity always awaits.”

To present future auditions, Robbins created a profile at Now Casting during the second phase of the call-backs.

“Recently I received an e-mail about being an extra in a Disney movie,” Robbins said. “I’m very interested in this audition and can’t wait to learn more.”

Even though Robbins is just beginning her career, she hopes to become a famous actress. However, this pursuit carries some drawbacks, she said.

“My biggest fear is that, if I become famous, people will start rumors about me,” Robbins said. “I fear that these rumors will hurt my career, but I know that my friends will keep me grounded; I don’t have to worry about that.”

Throughout this process, Robbins said her friends and family have been supportive and have encouraged her to keep pursuing acting.

“My advice for anyone is to have confidence,” Robbins said. “You most likely will not get the first audition, but don’t get down on yourself. Confidence is key.”

For more stories about Robbins, read the March 12, 2008 article, Tees prompt fashion career.