Kyrie McAlpin shines in a reimagined version of the 1989 classic ‘The Burbs.’ We got to chat with the up-and-coming actress about playing Rory, working with Keke Palmer, and her interest in fashion design.

Is there a particular movie or TV show that sparked your interest in acting?

I don’t think there was one specific TV show or movie, I just grew up watching diverse genres of film and being absorbed by the stories. I started acting at 4 years old, but I do remember watching Cheetah Girls and wanting to be in a movie like that. 

What drew you to Rory in The Burbs and made you want to audition? 

Rory felt ambitious and very complex, like there was something beneath the surface level. A distinct energy about her that I wanted to explore and make my own. 

Rory is driven, bright, and always ready to take on a new challenge. What did you do to step into Rory’s shoes when filming?

I focused on her backstory and her reality that I had created before filming to step into her essence. Usually, blasting music I thought she would listen to in between takes helped.

The Burbs has to balance the real and the surreal constantly. One thing I’m glad the show doesn’t shy away from is showing the microaggressions Rory has to deal with. For those scenes that held more of an emotional weight, how did you approach them?

I leaned into how Rory feels about these situations and her behavioral traits. Keeping myself in that mood and those thoughts. I didn’t want to overdo it, so I focused on reactions in between and let it speak for itself. 

You worked alongside veteran actors such as Keke Palmer, Paula Pell, and Jack Whitehall. Did any of your castmates give you any words of wisdom while filming?

I spent most of my scenes with Ms. Keke, and whenever I would mess up or get in my head about something, she would always be there to lighten my mood, remind me not to overthink it, and let me know that I got this. Watching how all of them approached their craft with such professionalism whilst having free-spirited joy, was so inspiring in itself. 

You’ve had a few roles that have required voice acting. Do you feel you have to use different acting muscles when working on a voiceover project versus a live-action project?

Definitely, with voice acting, you have to display more emotion and feeling in your voice because you can’t see the actor’s face. You have to focus specifically on your voice because it is very precise and forces you to enunciate. Live action acting, on the other hand, allows you to be more physical and focuses on your facial as well as emotional expression, but both have the same focus on emotion. 

Outside of acting, you have a passion for fashion design. Could you see yourself designing your own red carpet looks one day? 

Of course! I have designed some of my red carpet looks in the past. I love telling a story and expressing myself through what I wear. Designing my looks brings together all these different versions of myself.

What advice do you have for aspiring young actors?

My advice for aspiring actors is to not let anything get to your head and have fun! Remember that failure is just on the road to success, and it’s how you learn from each step that makes you better. Don’t let anything damage your love for something, and never give up! I believe in you!