Taylor Bembery
Blue & White Flash / Variety Editor
Jackson State University alumna Erica Singleton, better known as Erica Michelle, nabbed the role “Daphne” in the new horror film “The Last Exorcism Part II” that just premiered in theaters Mar. 1. The El Dorado, Ark. native has gone from the theater department at JSU to the big screen inside your local movie theater.
“My agency sent me an email about “The Last Exorcism Part II” saying they were casting and the director wanted to see me. I didn’t want to do it because it was “The Last Exorcism.” It’s kind of sensitive to my faith and that was just something I did not want to do,” said Michelle. “I remember my agent emailing me saying the director has not yet received your tape yet. You need to have it in tomorrow by a certain time or they were going to drop me.”
Michelle did the audition tape and about two weeks later they called and asked could they see her in New Orleans. She was in school at JSU at the time and I had to drive down for the meeting.
“I could not remember what I was doing. It was kind of like and out of body experience. I had to act like I was killing somebody, beating the heck out of a chair with a newspaper. When I walked out I ran to my car crying because I felt disgusted and embarrassed that I couldn’t remember what I did,” said Michelle.
Despite how she felt about her audition the best was yet to come for Michelle. A week later her agent’s assistant texted her asking for her personal information. The next morning her agent called and asked, “May I speak to Daphne?”
“I was like who? This is Eric Michelle. Then my agent told me I needed to start claiming the role of Daphne because I booked “The Last Exorcism,” said Michelle.
Michelle went back and forth from school to New Orleans to film.
Michelle’s character, Daphne, is one of the four main girls living in the half way house. They are called “The Devil’s Girls.” Michelle’s character is the first person to see that there is something wrong with Nell. Something is off with Nell and she doesn’t trust her or the situation. Daphne has a negative vibe, there are moments when you might see her laugh or bust a joke every now and again.
Michelle said she is pursuing acting as a career and not for celebrity status.
“I honestly want to get my check and go home. I want to keep my life as private and normal as possible and do my thing. Some people grow up and want to be doctors, lawyers, accountants but I wanted to be an actress because it’s what I love to do,” said Michelle.
Michelle is also appreciative of the faculty of the Theatre Department at JSU and also had some advice for students that are trying to pursue a career in acting.
“My advice to students is to start off in the theatre department. I didn’t have the opportunity to join MADDRAMA but if you are serious about your craft use your resources that will benefit your career and goal,”said Michelle. “I take my hat off to Dr.Nadia Bodie, Professor Yohance Myles, and Ms. Yolanda Williams, because they showed me some things. It’s different going to an HBCU in a theatre program opposed to going to a predominately white institutions theatre program. It’s a different form of learning, it’s a different form of education, but if you utilize your resources that they give you, you can be successful.”
Michelle describes herself as bold, colorful, strong, resilient, the opposite of safe but she is humble and determined. If you want to keep up with her you can follow her on twitter: @imericamichelle or visit her website: imericamichelle.com. Most importantly don’t forget to check her out as Daphne in the new horror film “The Last Exorcism Part II” in theatres now.
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