Trainer Z Interviews Chantelle Albers

Who Is Chantelle Albers?

Growing up in North Dakota, Chantelle Albers knew that she wanted to be an actress at a very young age after seeing a McDonald’s commercial on television. As a child she would scan the newspaper for audition notices for local plays, musicals and commercials, eager to participate in anything that would help her fuel her passion.

A dedicated theatre performer, she spent many hours honing her craft onstage. After graduating from her small town high school, Albers went on to earn a BFA in Theatre Performance from North Dakota State University.

In 2009, she made the move to Los Angeles to pursue acting professionally. Since her arrival, she has made name for herself in the industry with memorable performances. Most recently, she produced and starred in the female-driven horror film The 6th Friend, alongside Dominique Swain and Jessica Morris. Albers will next bring her talent to the film Promises, where she will also showcase her singing chops. She will further add to her resume with Reawakened, due out later this year. Other credits include Mob City, Suspense, Condemned, Pumpkin Morgue Paranormal Investigators, and a guest role on Modern Family to name a few. Albers currently resides in Los Angeles with her dogs, Marley and Eddie.

Here is our ‘Spotlight Interview’ with Chantelle Albers

Trainer Z: Hello and thank you, Chantelle for taking time out to share some of your positivity with TZelement MAG and our readers. Please tell us, what’s the one word you would use to define yourself, and why?
Chantelle: Thanks so much for having me share with your readers. One word that I would use to describe my personality is diverse. I say that because I always like to try something new and not stick to the same thing every time. For example, when trying new foods or trying a new flavor, I always like to try something new and different rather than stick with the usual go to. I guess I think of it as “I’ve already tried this one, let’s try a different one now”, even if I like what I had the first time. I’m kind of like this in acting as well. I don’t like sticking to just one character or genre. I love playing all different types of characters with different needs, wants, motives, and personalities. It’s part of this diverse eclecticism that I think fuels artistic choices and the need to not be boxed into just one type.

Trainer Z: What are some personal accomplishments you are most proud of?
Chantelle: I’m very proud to say that I have rescued many animals off the streets by getting them into a rescue or by finding them homes. I’ve worked a little bit with organizations such as Dogs Without Borders, and Vanderpump Dogs. There are countless animals around the world that are being tortured, neglected, and mistreated. Growing up on a farm I have a very close connection to animals, and I have always been very sensitive to them being mistreated. I’m also very proud to be a part of the female empowerment and human equality movement that is taking place. I did a photo shoot with James Maslow, Rachele Royale, Brooke Lewis, Serena Laurel, Kathy Kolla, and Maria Grunberg to promote it. Having James with us in the shoot was a statement in saying we are all stronger united; men and women of all ages.

Trainer Z: If you could sit down and have dinner and converse with one individual who is no longer living, who would it be, and why?
Chantelle: I would love to sit down and talk with someone like Martin Luther King Jr., who I feel had a way of being peaceful and productive. I often think about what the world would be like if we still had someone like MLK to influence and lead masses of people towards peace and understanding. I sort of feel like the world didn’t get enough of him and the course of history was significantly changed when we lost him. There are very few people in this world that can influence and bring about change in a compassionate and peaceful way, and he had that gift. The world only got a taste of his gift.

Trainer Z: If you had the authority to change 3 things in the world, what would they be?
Chantelle: There are so many things I would love to change, but some urgent matters that really provoke me are issues with animal rights and cruelty, food waste in America and around the world, and offering health care to everyone in need.

Trainer Z: What positive message could you share with someone who’s struggling with low self-esteem and/or social acceptance?
Chantelle: I would tell them to remember that they are loved. There is someone on this planet that loves you and needs you unconditionally. Having love for people and animals is worth living for. Often times in my life I have felt that I don’t fit in or that I am not being accepted. I think it comes down to loving yourself and having enjoyment in being around yourself. I know that sounds weird, but what I mean is, if you truly love and like who you are, and you end up in a situation that isn’t accepting, it doesn’t really matter because you have already accepted yourself. Having self-acceptance that shines through does change the energy and thought of others into accepting you.

Trainer Z: Now let’s talk profession. What are some professional career accomplishments you are most proud of?
Chantelle: One thing that I am very proud of, and thankful to have accomplished, is producing my first feature The 6th Friend, and having a theatrical release with it. That’s very hard to do these days with independent films and I couldn’t have been more grateful that we were able to do that. I am also very proud to have secured funding for my next feature that I want to make. It’s difficult wearing the hat of producer and actor, but it is also so rewarding as it offers you some creative freedom. I plan on continuing to create the projects I produce.

Trainer Z: Why do you feel that acting is the ideal profession for you?
Chantelle: Honestly acting is the only thing I can do full time for the rest of my life and relish in it. It has always been a fit for me as far as the joy and fulfillment it has brought me. I knew I wanted to act as a child and I did a lot of theatre, but I think by the time I was a teenager I knew I wanted to do it full-time, all the time. When you can have a job that doesn’t seem like work, it’s a dream.

Trainer Z: Can you tell us about your current acting roles and projects?
Chantelle: Currently I have some cool projects going around the festival scene, The 6th Friend in theaters and VOD, and also I just wrapped on two drama films. The 6th Friend is a female driven horror film that I produced and starred in. We played in U.S. theaters in January and are now hitting all the VOD sites. Audiences have really enjoyed the film and have been surprised at the ending. The element that I love about this movie is the humor brought into it. There’s a lot of funny moments even though it’s scary, and it shows females in a strong light of survival. We also played upon the relationships of the six women to create that bond and empathy. I have a movie I sing in called Promises, where I play a young mother who is a musician/singer, and in a hardship of trying to pay the medical bills for her sick daughter. The story unfolds as we see how far a mother will go to save her child and the promises and sacrifices you make for the love of a child. Another movie I was in called The Desert has been playing at a lot of international film festivals such as London and Lund. It’s a modern-day sci-fi melodrama that features a strong female heroine who survives, adding that female empowered element at the end. It’s produced by the creators of NBC’s Grimm so it also has a supernatural feel to it.

Trainer Z: What sort of acting roles do you enjoy most?
Chantelle: I love doing comedy! Comedy is one of my favorite genres because you can find so many details to play within the script. The tempo, timing, and little “bits” that you can add to a comedic scene make it an actor’s playground. People also love to laugh and have a good time, and comedy really ensures that. As an entertainer we want to make people feel good, and good comedy is a perfect remedy. Comedy is one of my first loves and I can’t wait to do more of it. When I started acting, I started in comedy and it has always been a love of mine. Even The 6th Friend, which is a horror film, has a lot of humor in it.

Trainer Z: If not an actress, what do you think would be the ideal profession for you?
Chantelle: If I couldn’t be an actress, it would be pretty hard for me because I need it. However, I also have an interest in psychology and learning about how the mind works, which is similar to acting when studying the mindset of a character or other people. I think it’s incredibly fascinating to see how one person’s mind can work and interpret and feel things one way, and another person can be the complete opposite with a different reality and a different interpretation. The mind is very powerful and complex … studying it can bring a lot of awareness of yourself and awareness about others, which in turn leads to understanding.

Trainer Z: In addition to being an actress and a producer, do you envision yourself also becoming a director?
Chantelle: Yes, I would love to direct eventually. For the next couple of years, I want to continue to produce and act in films but directing is definitely something I want to tackle sometime soon. I think a comedy would be fun to direct and there is so much room for playing and having creative freedom when working with great comedians.

Trainer Z: What adversities within your acting career have you had to overcome to get to the level that you’re currently at?
Chantelle: Having to overcome problems and difficulties is the number one thing we need to be able to do in order to be successful, and that’s with just about any career or business. Accomplishments don’t come without hard work and heartache. Being an artist who is attached to their feelings, the heart ache is rough. We had to overcome so many things while creating The 6th Friend during and after filming, such as problems with logistics of filming, running out of time, and personality clashes. At the end of the day, I would say one of the biggest adversities I had to overcome was being patient on getting projects finished and to keep working hard while keeping your patience.

Trainer Z: If you could change just one thing about the current film industry, what would it be?
Chantelle: I would love to see the film industry change so that it’s more accessible to the aspiring filmmaker, and I think that is already happening with some companies that are giving filmmakers a platform to distribute work. Social media has also been a big influence on filmmakers by giving them a platform to advertise and display work. But, there is still a lot of nepotism and discrimination on all levels in the film industry, especially in Los Angeles.

Trainer Z: What words of advice or encouragement can you give to aspiring actresses?
Chantelle: To find someone you trust, someone who has trustworthy judgement in the entertainment industry, and listen to what they have to say. All while still remaining who you are. The final decision comes down to you the artist, but I think that getting feedback from a reliable source is very beneficial and helpful. It can help a person grow more rapidly.

Trainer Z: Now let’s talk fitness. Share with us some specific details about your current workout routine. What types of exercise, how many days per week do you exercise, and how long are your exercise workout sessions?
Chantelle: The gym is my favorite and least favorite place! First of all, I usually ride my mountain bike to the gym, so I get a good workout going there. At the gym, I usually start by doing leg stretches for about 15 minutes just to loosen up the muscles. Then I go on either the stair climber or the treadmill where I speed walk on a very high incline of 10-12 for about 30 minutes. I don’t normally run anymore because I feel I get more muscle tone walking fast with high resistance rather than running on a flatter surface. It’s also easier on my knees to walk. I will then go into doing some Pilates ab workouts for 20 minutes, and then lift weights for my arms for 15 minutes. After that I’ll usually quit and go sit in the sauna afterwards to cool down. There’s a juxtaposition!

Trainer Z: What fitness goal are you currently focused on?
Chantelle: I am currently working on my glutes, legs, and abs for the summer. I’m a vegetarian so I usually eat a lot of vegetables and limit my gluten and dairy intake. I think my diet helps me stay healthy and eating this way has helped a lot of digestive issues I was having.

Trainer Z: I often tell people that fitness dedication starts with motivation. Who or what motivates you to workout?
Chantelle: I think going to a public place to workout where you know and can meet people is motivating, or taking a fun fitness class can be a great motivator. They feed more than just the physical workout for your body. It helps aide in the social aspect we as humans need. Having a physical activity that you can look forward to is very motivating for me. I often walk up to the Griffith Observatory from my house, which is great because there are always people to meet along the way, but you also get to enjoy the incredible view at the top of the Hollywood sign and all of Los Angeles.

Trainer Z: What genres of music or current songs do you listen to while you’re working out?
Chantelle: I’m pretty eclectic when it comes to music and movies. I like everything from show tunes, hip hop, jazz, pop, Motown, and old school country. Some of my favorite musicals are Rent, Bat Boy, Wicked, Aida, and Cabaret to name a few. Some hip-hop artists that I really like are Biggie, Tupac, Cardi B, 21 Savage, Eminem, and Jay Z. I really like the poetry in their work because it’s raw and they don’t hold back. Their music all has a hook to it that I like. I also love Amy Winehouse, Frank Sinatra, The Temptations, The Supremes, Jackson 5, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Jonny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Alabama. I appreciate a lot of different types of music, because it’s all art and I don’t like to box in art.

Trainer Z: What foods do you generally consume within your typical fitness day?
Chantelle: I am a vegetarian and I usually don’t eat very much dairy or consume a lot of eggs. I also limit my gluten intake and that has really helped my stomach be able to digest food better. When I have a salad, I usually use arugula spinach and top it with tomatoes, beets, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, pepper, black olives, garlic, and garbanzo beans. I also eat a lot of hummus with vegetables or corn chips. Since corn chips are usually vegan and gluten-free, I eat a lot of them, and I think they’re relatively healthy. Honestly, I eat a lot of potato chips too! They are gluten-free, and as long as they are made with a healthy vegan oil, I kind of see them as not so bad. It’s just potatoes and oil, and isn’t oil good for your skin? I get creative with cooking on gluten-free tortillas. You can use them as an individual pizza crust, or as a tortilla for a quesadilla. I usually use them as the bottom of a pizza and put a bunch of vegetables with a little cheese on it, then I toast it. I could eat pizza every day.

Personality and Lifestyle Questions for Chantelle

The questions and answers listed below will give us an insightful glimpse into Chantelle’s personality and lifestyle. How well can you relate to her?

• Christmas or Thanksgiving? Definitely Christmas. I think because it is more of an event with the decorations, lights, and gifts. Although I do like Thanksgiving too because it’s in the beginning of the holiday season. Both include my favorite thing: being with my family.
• City Style or Country Style? City Style.
• Dogs or Cats? I have to say both for that. I currently have 2 dogs, but I love cats too. I grew up with a lot of outdoor cats on my parents’ ranch.
• Lions or Tigers? Tigers, they’re fast and sly.
• Camping Out or Hotels with Room Service? Hotel with Room Service is definitely my first choice! I do like camping but only on occasion.
• Indoor Rock/Wall Climbing or Indoor Skydiving? Indoor Rock/Wall Climbing hands down! I would never go skydiving. I’m terrified of it and I think my heart would stop if I did it!
• Boot Camp Workout Class or Yoga Class? The ending is the best when you get to lay on the floor and the teacher puts a cloth over your eyes and rubs your forehead.
• Elliptical or Treadmill? I like both, but I tend to use the treadmill more. I walk on a super high incline so that I get muscle toning without being hard on my knees.
• Paintings or Sculptures? I think sculptures are incredibly fascinating. Paintings are too, but in museums, the sculptures that have layered detail seem impossible.
• Coloring Book or Canvas Painting? Canvas painting. I like to use art as a playground without rules.
• Crossword Puzzles or Jigsaw Puzzles? Crosswords if Google is involved for emergencies, Jigsaw Puzzles if there’s no Google.
• Board Games or Card Games? Card Games because I play them more often.
• Checkers or Chess? I don’t know how to play either! Hiding my eyes now.
• Comedy Club or Music Lounge? I like both, but I think I would have to choose music lounge.
• Jogging or Swimming? I like swimming better than jogging, but jogging is what I do more often.
• Nature Hikes or Skiing? Nature Hikes. They are so relaxing and really help ground and connect you with your surroundings.
• Jet Skiing or Snowmobiling? I have to say jet skiing because I’m from the Midwest and when you are jet skiing that means it’s summer. Summer is something that is very beloved in the northern states.
• Laser Tag or Paintball? Laser Tag because I bruise easily.
• Golf Course or Miniature Golf? Golf course if you have all day to spend with me because that’s how long I will take.
• Bowling or Shooting Pool? Bowling of course! My mother’s aunt is in the Bowling Hall of Fame in North Dakota.
• Merry-Go-Rounds or Roller Coasters? Merry-Go-Round. I will never go on a rollercoaster. I really think my heart would stop. I’ve done them barely lived.
• Bumper Cars or Pedal Boats? I like Pedal Boats! I like having to pedal to run into people.
• Candle Light Dinners or Picnics? Candle Light Dinners.
• Pizza or Tacos? Pizza. I could eat it every day.
• Coffee or Tea? I have a strong craving for both. I usually have coffee in the morning but throughout the day I like tea.
• Cherries or Grapes? Grapes because there are no pits.
• Cold Cereal or Hot Cereal? Cold cereal. I really don’t like hot cereal at all.
• Pancakes or Waffles? I think pancakes! Although waffles have a nice crisp to them.

Trainer Z: As we bring this enlightening interview to a close, are there any future events and/or projects you have coming up that we should be on the lookout for?
Chantelle: The 6th Friend is out on VOD after being in theaters. You can find it on Dish, OnDemand, Direct TV, Vubiqutiy, iTunes, Vudu, Xbox, Google, Amazon, Fandango, Allied Vaughn, and MTI. The Desert is playing at a festival near you and will soon have a U.S. release in Summer 2019. I also have a horror film called Reawakened where I play a detective searching for a serial killer, however, little do we know the serial killer is a possessed little girl. That will be released later this year.

Trainer Z: There you have it folks, she is Chantelle Albers! … How can individuals, businesses, and organizations contact and/or connect with you either via website, email, and/or social media?
Chantelle: I’m on Instagram and Twitter @chantellealbers and Facebook @chantellealbersfanpage