©(ABC FAMILY/Craig Sjodin)
Amber Stevens never became a university student herself, but her “Greek” character, Ashleigh, conquers the sorority and fraternity world at the fictional Cyprus-Rhodes University.
Stevens was raised near Hollywood in Beverly Hills and decided to pursue the numerous acting opportunities Tinsel Town has to offer.
After a few callbacks, she was the first character cast in the humorous, lighthearted “Greek” television show on ABC Family.
Speaking with Stevens on the phone, along with other students across the country, was like talking to a friend who is really excited about the point they’ve reached in their life.
She was down to earth, easy to talk to and enthusiastic about the sense of belonging she’s discovered in her television family.
“Acting was never on my plate” she said. “Music was always my passion.”
At age 18 she chose to pursue acting.
She explained the humbling audition process: community college classes each morning followed by tough auditions.
Her commitment paid off in the role of Ashleigh, who she describes as the “happy-go-lucky, supportive friend.”
The current third season of “Greek” throws more responsibility on Ashleigh’s shoulders as president of Zeta Beta Zeta.
A lot of the show’s material is based on true college experience.
“Almost all of our writers were in fraternities or sororities,” Stevens said. “It’s as real as it gets…without having to show too much.”
Originally the show was darker and more intense. It has evolved into an entertaining drama that provides a positive message.
Philanthropy is an important part of the Greek system. Through the show’s Do Something Campaign, Stevens is involved in Girls, Inc., a program that provides “female empowerment.”
Stevens hopes to become personally involved as well as through the television show.
“People close their eyes and pretend things aren’t going on because it’s an easier way to live,” Stevens said.
When asked about the future of her career, Stevens was quick to say she “lives in the moment” and doesn’t want to imagine “Greek” ending any time soon.
Who would want to part from a cast and crew that celebrates birthdays and vacations together?
“I’m having too much fun with everyone!” she said. Singing and songwriting are never far from her mind.
“I feel a little vacancy right now,” she admits, about the absence of music in her life.
She would love to produce an album and go on tour.
Stevens enjoys music and acting equally, but music has been her outlet from a young age.
Her advice for wannabe actors and actresses? It echoes Nike: “Just do it.”
She stresses how important it is to be active in the pursuit of dreams.
Maybe one day Stevens will be a household name like her dream costar, Matthew Perry. “I am fascinated by Chandler for some reason,” she said.
Until then, Amber is having the time of her life on “Greek,” pursuing charity work she can relate to and, hopefully, starting her singing career in the near future.
As for the insider opinion on “Greek”’s main character Casey, Stevens thinks she belongs with Kappa Tau Gamma’s heartthrob, Cappie.
You can catch episodes of “Greek” Monday nights at 9 p.m. on ABC Family.
Amanda Price can be reached at amanda.price@ut.edu.
