For Arianna Davis, dance was the gateway to finding her passion for acting. Now, that passion has led her to star as Madonna on the new NBC comedy “Stumble.” Davis spoke with NYOTA about feeling connected to the character, her advice for aspiring actors, and what she hopes audiences will take away from the show.

You’ve been dancing since you were a toddler. When did you realize your love of performing extended to acting?

I think some part of me always loved acting, because I do it a lot in dance. But I really knew I wanted to be an actor when my dad took me to see National Treasure: Book of Secrets in the movie theater. I remember holding his hand as we walked out after the movie, and I told him, ‘I feel like I can do anything.’ That’s when I realized the closest I’d ever get to feeling invincible and brave would be if I were an actor like the ones in the movies.

Who are some of your acting inspirations?

VIOLA DAVIS…the queen, full stop. I have so many inspirations, but she has single-handedly altered my brain chemistry with her devotion to being authentic, exploratory, and celebratory in her acting and identity. 

When watching Stumble, it’s hard to picture anyone else in the role of Madonna. When you were going through the audition process, did you already feel very connected to the character?

Madonna and I are extremely similar in so many ways, so I instantly felt connected to her. I was so excited to be her because I felt like I was playing myself, except only a lot bolder!

What’s great about Madonna’s audition scene for the squad is that it has humor and heart. Instead of letting Coach Potter underestimate her, she shows off her moves, then promptly collapses from narcolepsy. What was your process for preparing for that scene, and did you have any nerves around getting the introduction to Madonna just right?

I was nervous, yes! Madonna means so much to me, and I care a lot about how her journey is portrayed in the show. She is so resilient, energetic, witty, and she’s a damn good cheerleader. I relied on all of the research and practice I did prior to and during filming to guide me in making sure that Madonna would be seen as the star she is! 

Although everyone is very different, The Buttons squad forms its own family. What did you and your castmates do on and off set to build a strong bond that shows on screen?

Family is an understatement! We practically do everything together. We play basketball on the set gym, we eat almost every lunch together, we go out on the town, Anissa and I do face masks and slumber parties all the time, and The Buttons even helped me move into my new apartment. They spent the whole day hauling my furniture and chatting with my parents. We really are a family. 

Stumble has viewers laughing every episode while still touching on important, relevant subject matter. What do you hope audiences take away after watching?

I hope they take away joy. My dream is for people to gather around the couch with their families and friends, and laugh so hard that it gives them bliss from the crazy world around them, even if it’s just for a second. I want to be the reason for that laughter and joy. 

NBC has a history of airing great sitcoms that cement themselves in the cultural zeitgeist. Has it been surreal to be part of a show on a network with such a storied history?

Honestly, it still hasn’t set in that I’m currently on an NBC television show right now. I’ve been through a lot in life, and everything I’ve done up to this point has been to get me here. And now I’m here. Living in a prayer that I once prayed. 

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

My advice is to always take yourself seriously and never take no for an answer when it comes to your dreams. Be the hardest working person in every room you walk into, and never boo yourself off the stage before you get a chance to perform.