Danielle Chand has been performing since elementary school, so it should be no surprise that her hard work has led to a role in the new Amazon Prime series Elle, which follows Elle Woods’ journey through high school. Chand spoke to NYOTA about playing a multidimensional character like Shannon, analyzing Legally Blonde, and writing her own projects one day.

You started performing in elementary school and joined improv and theater programs in high school. Was there a specific moment when acting went from something you enjoyed to something you knew you wanted to pursue professionally?

Yes! In my last semester at university, I took a part-time acting class at Vancouver Acting School. It quickly turned into the best part of my week, and after I graduated, I enrolled in their Film, TV and Voice-Over program. 

In Elle, Shannon is unafraid to be herself in a place where everyone is extremely similar. What was most important to you in making her feel authentic and multidimensional?

The writing plays a huge role in her being multidimensional, as she fits into grunge Seattle but also is true to herself; positive and empathetic. Bringing authenticity to her was really about knowing Shannon’s purpose, which was to make Elle feel welcome and like she could totally belong in Seattle. Personally, I am a person who wears her heart on her sleeve, so it’s fun to play a character with that same personality trait.

Elle is set in the 90s, but many of the show’s themes and conflicts still feel relevant today. Were there any aspects of Shannon’s story that resonated with you personally?

I was definitely like Shannon in high school, in the way that if there was someone new in class, I wanted them to feel welcome and get to know them. And as far as the stuff around boys…oh, that stuff resonated as well haha. 

Through Shannon’s friendship with Elle, we see some of the qualities that eventually shape Elle Woods into the person audiences know and love. For example, when she deduces the principal is having an affair. Did you revisit Legally Blonde before filming, and if so, how did that influence your approach to Shannon’s role in Elle’s journey?

I watched the movie again while prepping for the audition. I had seen it before, of course, but I wanted to watch it more analytically, for tone and characterization. Since Shannon is a new character in the story, and I knew that she and Elle were going to be fast friends, I just wanted to feel that Elle Woods essence. Then I started character building and making lists of what Shannon and Elle would have in common. 

There’s a memorable moment where Shannon and Elle paint over an insult on Elle’s locker together. What did that scene mean to you, and what do you think it says about Shannon’s character?

The fact of the matter is that kids get bullied every single day. I was bullied in elementary school, so this scene was important to me because of the principle: don’t let the bullying define you. And of course, Shannon feels the same way and wants to help Elle stand up for herself and not let it define her. Shannon also didn’t want Elle to feel alone. Bullying is so isolating; I’m really glad this scene between them exists. 

A point of tension in Elle is that Shannon is dating Miles and Elle has feelings for him, creating a complicated dynamic. How did you and Lexi Minetree approach building out Shannon and Elle’s friendship knowing it could potentially crumble?

I was honestly here for the drama! The writing of our friendship was just so well done that it really does set up for that crazy and devastating twist! I think Lexi and I just wanted to make those friendship parts so wholesome and real that when the other shoe drops, it’s an “OH SHOOT” moment. 

One of your personal beliefs is that many stories remain untold. Could you see yourself writing or directing projects one day so that you’re in control of the stories being shared?

Yes, I can totally see myself writing something of my own about my lived experiences one day. More presently, I see myself as a vessel (an acting teacher said this once) – to be a vessel in bringing a story to life; that really is the beautiful thing about being an actor, being given the trust to tell someone else’s story and really honoring that.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

For people thinking about pursuing it, just try it out! Take some classes, see if you love it! You never know what one decision can do, and it could change your life forever. And always: dream big and tell yourself the sky is the limit!