Mattea Conforti appears in the much-anticipated HBO film, ‘The Many Saints of Newark,’ which is the prequel to HBO’s iconic mob drama, “The Sopranos.” In the film, set in the era of the Newark riots in the 1960’s, Mattea portrays a young Janice Soprano, sister of Tony Soprano. Janice Soprano was originally played by Aida Turturro in the HBO series. The trailer for ‘The Many Saints of Newark’ is here.

Mattea most recently co-starred as a series regular on the hit AMC series “NOS4A2” opposite Zachary Quinto and Ashleigh Cummings. “NOS4A2” is a character-driven, suspense/fantasy drama set against the backdrop of supernatural horror. She portrayed Millie Manx, the daughter of Zachary Quinto’s character.

Mattea began her professional acting career on Broadway, playing the title role in “Matilda the Musical” at age 9. She went on to appear in the Broadway companies of “Sunday in the Park with George” opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, as well as Disney’s “Frozen,” where she played the role of Young Anna. Mattea voiced the role of Young Elsa in the critically acclaimed Disney animated film “Frozen 2.”

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How did you get started in the entertainment industry?
I never really planned to be an actor, and I don’t think I ever said to my parents, “I want to act, let’s go figure out how to do this.” I started dancing at three years old and loved it instantly. I started competing in dance competitions at the age of five. When I was eight years old, a friend of ours had seen me dance, and she connected us with an agent in New York City. I am still with this agency (Innovative Artists) today. One of the first professional jobs that I ever booked, and definitely my first theatre gig (professional or otherwise), was the role of Matilda on Broadway. I went to a Broadway open call not having any formal voice or acting training. I just knew that I loved to dance and to perform. I had assumed that if there were any interest in me, I would be considered for a role in the ensemble, where there was a strong dance focus. At the audition, I sang in front of people other than my parents for the first time. My song of choice was “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow,” which happened to be the only musical theatre song I knew at that time. The audition was over quickly, and I remember we had to rush home so that I was not late for my dance class. It was not until six months after that audition that we received a call from the Matilda creative team that they wanted to see me again for the role of Matilda. I booked the title role a few weeks later after several rounds of auditions. I made my Broadway debut when I was nine years old on the Fourth of July 2015, and the rest is history.

What have been some of your favorite roles over the years?
Well, definitely Matilda, because it was my first. This role is so challenging, and the majority of the show falls on the shoulders of a nine-year-old girl. It truly is amazing to have experienced this sort of responsibility at such a young age. Because I was so young at the time, I definitely did not realize the significance of what I was doing each night.

I also absolutely loved playing Elisa Marie on Power. I was lucky enough to play her for three seasons, including the final season of the series. With each season, I was given more and more material, and Elisa Marie’s character began to grow. By the last season, I had some pretty heavy scenes with Jerry Ferrara, who played my father, and Joseph Sikora, who played Tommy Egan. I learned a lot from both of these actors, and so many others in the Power family.

What are some of the struggles that you’ve faced as a child actress in such a competitive industry?
Of course, no one likes rejection, and I think we all struggle with it. The entertainment industry is a business of rejection, and I’ve been rejected more times that I can even count. But I’ve learned over the years that if I don’t get a role it’s not because I don’t have talent or that I stink. Maybe it’s because I don’t have the right color hair, or eyes; or I’m too tall or too short; too old or too young; the reasons are endless. The point is that booking a role definitely requires talent, but it also requires a little luck that you fit the subjective criteria of the decision makers. As a teen actor, people in the industry joke about the “dead zone,” when an actor is too old to book child parts, but too young to play an adult. It can be difficult to navigate the teen years as an actor when roles are scarcer, but your desire to do what you love continues to grow.

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Who are some of your role models in the industry?
Right now, I would say that one of the biggest industry influences for me, although I have yet to meet her, is Zendaya. I totally admire how she has evolved as an actor. She is so fierce, talented, and smart. I was a huge fan when she was on Shake It Up, and to see all of the amazing work she has done since then, I am in complete awe! Working with Zendaya is absolutely one of my professional goals.

As someone who has worked in Film/TV, voice acting, and Broadway, what do you see as your ‘specialty’?
I really don’t think that I have a specialty. I’m only 15 and have so much to learn. I’m so fortunate to have been able to work in many, different genres. I hope to continue to broaden my experiences in any opportunities that come my way.

How have you been able to balance your career with all of the more everyday activities of being a teenager?It’s not easy to balance regular life with acting, but I certainly try to do my best. I also have the most supportive family, who have always made sure that I don’t miss out on too much with family and friends. I go to public school and I'm involved in many, extracurricular activities. I also cheer on our varsity cheer team and I play high school and club lacrosse. I also have a great group of friends whom I can just be myself around.

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What was it like for you to work on such a highly anticipated film as ‘The Many Saints of Newark’ and how do you feel after its release?
Working on this project was a huge honor for me. I was excited to work with such accomplished actors, and to be a part of David Chase’s Sopranos story was just mind blowing. I also felt a huge responsibility in portraying Janice because she is such an iconic character, and there was a lot of buzz about this movie, as well as huge expectations from the fans. I knew I had to portray Janice accurately, but I also wanted to bring my own perspective to her character. Janice is a no-nonsense, tough, adult character, but in the movie I play her as a young teen. I wanted to sort of balance out her rough exterior that we all know her for from the series with a sense of childlike innocence that I felt she had in spite of her family ties.

What other upcoming projects or plans do you have for the future?
I am so thankful the entertainment industry is getting back on its feet in the safest way possible. I am excited about upcoming opportunities and auditions coming my way. Of course, acting is definitely a part of my future plans, and I also intend to direct one day.

What is your Social?
Instagram: @matteaconforti
Twitter: @mattea_conforti

CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Michael Creagh
Talent: Mattea Conforti
Fashion Editor/Stylist: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Hair: Luis Gui llermo using Oribe
Makeup: Yuko Takahashi
Assistant Photographer: Felicia Abban
Styling Interns: Sophia Renda, Gabby White & Jessica Bally
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Junior Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Julia Gastone, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine