This article originally appeared in the Summer 2024 Champion Issue of Showstopper Magazine.
“Follow your dreams. It does not matter how old you are whether you are in your teens, thirties, or fifties! We are only given one life, so we must make the most of it. Right now, my passion is dancing and acting…and I live and breathe both of those art forms.”
With 14 acting credits in as many years, Spencer Moss is no stranger to the camera. While she does have roles she prefers (“I love characters that have a lot of layers. I love a good meaty role.”), she’s grateful for them all. “Every single project I work on contributes to my growth,” she acknowledged. “I learn from the people with whom I work. I would like to add that I believe what truly helps me grow as an actor are my life experiences.”
Spencer combines her life experiences with her creativity to build the perfect character. “When I have finally booked the role, which in this industry is not easy, I really delve into the character,” she revealed. “I use my imagination to create an entirely different world for myself and leave Spencer behind. Sometimes my character will be similar to me, but other times she will be very different. I honestly enjoy both scenarios!”
She hasn’t let her life in the limelight get to her head. Spencer describes herself as a “normal kid, with normal friends, and a normal life.” Like most kids, she’s faced many of the same circumstances throughout her pre-teen years (“being bullied, dealing with anxiety during COVID, and arguing with [her] siblings”).
She’s not only found a way to deal with these issues, she’s used them to better herself and her skills as an actor.” All of these issues have forced me to figure out different ways to cope and handle the situations,” she explained. “This makes me grow as a human and gives me more to work with when I am developing a character. The best part for me is creating the character and witnessing others enjoy watching my work!”
Working with Icons
Spencer’s life as an actor has given her many opportunities to work with acting legends, and she has a few favorite memories with them. “When I worked on Surveillance in Vancouver, I had the best time! I was the only kid on set, so my dad (Allen Leech) would put money in a jar every time he swore! It made me laugh! And my mom (Sophia Bush) would take me out to eat and give me advice!” Spencer also played the role of Dotty in David S. Pumpkins which had her on set with some of her comedy idols. “Everyone was there, Tom Hanks, Peter Dinklage, and many from the cast of Saturday Night Live. I don’t think I ever laughed so hard in my life! They were all so kind to me and I think I picked up some new comedic skills! Ha!”
“I use my imagination to create an entirely different world for myself and leave Spencer behind.”
Voice Acting
On-screen work isn’t the only acting that Spencer does. She’s also a voice actor, including being a series regular on Fancy Nancy and Dew Drop Diaries and a recurring guest star on Puppy Dog Pals. To Spencer, “acting is acting,” and not much changes in terms of the work she puts in for each role—on-screen or voice-over. “The only difference is that I find being in the studio a bit more relaxing than being on set. We tend to laugh a lot and I don’t feel as much pressure. And you can dress very comfortably, as nobody will see you!”
Big Dreams
“One day I would love to be a backup dancer on tour! I dream of being a famous choreographer or having my own convention. I also want to continue acting! I love creating and using my imagination. I want to continue meeting new people through the industry and enjoy new adventures!”
Evoking Emotions
“When I perform or compete on stage my acting helps me evoke my emotions. Just like when I am acting, I become a character on stage and pour my heart out.”
Dance & Finding Balance
As if her time in front of the camera and microphone weren’t enough to keep her busy, Spencer is also an active dancer. With four hours of group practice every night, four private lessons per week, and conventions on weekends, it’s hard to believe she finds the time to juggle it all! “[Balancing] it all is not an easy task,” she revealed. “Sometimes I have to miss out on opportunities with acting due to dance and vice versa. But when that type of conflict happens, I will always discuss it with my manager and weigh the pros and cons.” Her determination to succeed in all her passions is what pushes her to find the time for it all. “I am so determined to continue to improve and grow that I actually enjoy putting in the hard work. Of course, sometimes I get tired, but I just push through. It is always worth it to me!”
