. The 23-year-old Boston University graduate beat out hundreds of other actresses vying for the caricature of Bella Swan (played by
's worldwide phenomenon. We recently talked with Proske about her love of
RC: From what we've seen in the trailer, you've done a great job in Vampires Suck.
Proske: Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!
RC: So tell us, how did you get the part of Becca in Vampires Suck?
Proske: I graduated from Boston University in May of 2009 and moved to LA in late October to pursue acting. I started auditioning full-time and about four months in, I had this crazy week that was jam-packed full of auditions. The very last one was for Vampires Suck. I had been called in for the role of Iris (the Alice Cullen character), and I knew I wasn't quite right for it, but I gave it my best. Two weeks later, I got called back in, but for the Becca role instead. I had to go in about seven more times after that, and then I booked the movie late on Friday night and flew out to Louisiana the following Tuesday to start shooting. My life literally changed and turned upside down within four days, it's incredible! I feel so lucky…
RC: It sounds like it was a complete whirlwind experience. Prior to your audition, had you studied Kristen Stewart's mannerisms and acting traits?
Proske: No, I hadn't. I was a fan of the Twilight movies and books, but I didn't really start watching to research her vocal patterns and mannerisms until I booked the role. Then I watched at least one of the Twilight films every day for almost eight weeks while on set. When I was tired at night in my hotel, I would set the "sleep" timer on my TV, and literally go to bed with Twilight in the background!
RC: Every day for almost eight weeks? Wow, you should be an expert by now! What are your personal thoughts on the Twilight Saga phenomenon, both books and movies? You mentioned you were a fan...
Proske: I love them! I think that the both the Twilight books and movies are so much fun and I'm really grateful that I have been able to take part in something that has to do with the whole phenomenon.
RC: Speaking of the phenomenon, how do you think fans of the Twilight Saga will react to the Vampires Suck parody?
Proske: I honestly think that the Twihard fans are the ones that are going to love Vampires Suck the most! Jason [Friedberg] and Aaron [Seltzer], our writers and directors, are so brilliant with finding ways to incorporate the tiniest little references and innuendos that I think the Twilight fans will catch onto and find really funny! I'm most excited for the fans to see it.
RC: Like us, we're sure they'd love to know what was your favorite scene to shoot?
Proske: I had so much fun every day on set, but I think my favorite scene to shoot was the break-up scene between Edward and Becca. Every dangerous and bad thing that could happen to her then happens. It was such a rush doing all the gags and tricks for it!
RC: Can you share any funny moments from the set?
Proske: Of course! In one of the scenes, I come out of my house strapped to my Dad's chest in a Baby Bjorn (a baby carrier). I had these latches, that I had to pull on, that were supposed to catapult me straight out of the harness and face first into the ground. But on one of the takes, when I pulled, I didn't pull hard enough on one side. So while half of my body flew out, the other half stayed in! I just dangled there and broke out laughing — the entire crew definitely got some great entertainment out of the whole thing.
RC: We can't wait to see that scene. Do you have any other behind-the-scenes anecdotes that will appeal to Twilight fans?
Proske: One of my favorite jokes we added, as an homage to the Twilight fans, has to do with the cactus that Bella carries from Arizona to her Dad's house in Forks. Keep an eye out for how we incorporate it in Vampires Suck, it's pretty funny!
RC: Were there any Twilight Saga parody scenes filmed that were then cut from the movie?
Proske: I actually haven't seen the movie yet, so I don't know what has made the cut.
RC: We're sure everyone who's seen the trailer is dying to know more about the actors behind Edward and Jacob. What was it like working with teen heartthrobs Matt Lanter (Edward) and Chris Riggi (Jacob)?
Proske: Working with Matt and Chris was really fantastic. They're both incredibly talented actors and fun, caring guys — it's been really nice because we've all remained close friends. Plus, I've just got to say to all the girls out there, both of them are remarkably humble guys, which makes you love them even more! It definitely wasn't hard playing Becca in a love triangle; have you seen how ridiculously good-looking they are?!
RC: We have, and we're sure Twilight fans will be happy with the casting choices! (Right, Twilighters?) After Vampires Suck hits theaters on August 18th, what's next for you?
Proske: Being involved with this movie was such an incredible opportunity and has opened up so many doors for me! Right now, I'm just taking advantage of that and meeting with lots of different casting directors, producers, directors, and studios. Hopefully I'll be able to announce some exciting news soon!