Jayden Bartels: From Dancing in her Living Room to Fighting Monsters in Goosebumps

Scholastic Kid Reporter Kush Kalra sat down with Jayden Bartels to discuss her experience creating Goosebumps: The Vanishing, which premiered January 10th. 

Running from petrifying creatures to shooting scenes in New York’s subways, actor Jayden Bartels transforms into a character who finds herself through challenges and self-discovery. Bartels, 20, sat down with me to explain her role as Cece in the second season of the live-action TV series Goosebumps: The Vanishing, which premiered January 10th on Hulu and Disney+ rated TV-14.

The Goosebumps book series, written by R.L. Stine and first published in 1992, has grown to become the second highest-selling children’s book series after Harry Potter. The newest season of the TV series largely draws upon elements from some of Goosebumps most popular books, including Stay Out of the Basement, The Haunted Car, Monster Blood, The Girl Who Cried Monster, The Ghost Next Door, Welcome to Camp Nightmare and more.

Jayden Bartels (second to left) plays "Cece," who teams up with her twin brother and other friends to uncover the mystery of four kids who went missing in 1994.

Turning a Passion into a Career

Bartels plays Cece, a teenager who spends the summer with her divorced father in Brooklyn, NY. With the help of her twin brother — Devin — she uncovers a mystery about four kids who have been missing since 1994.

Bartels explains the contrast between Devin’s and Cece’s personalities and the evolution of her character progression.

“Cece is an ‘A plus’ student, a driven leader, and meets her goals. Devin’s a little more impulsive [and] more adventurous. Cece goes through a lot this season, finding what she wants to do in life and fighting monsters while she’s at it,” Bartels says.

Bartels has been performing her entire life, acting in her first music video when she was only 12. She describes her constant love for performing, which started in her living room.

“For as long as I can remember, I would perform in front of the TV while watching So You Think You Can Dance. At eight-years-old, I took my first musical theatre class and knew I wanted to do [that] for the rest of my life,” she said.

Bartels continues to expand her artistry in the upcoming season of Goosebumps. She shares about working with fictional characters in the new season.

“Since it’s Goosebumps, there are many monsters and special effects. You’re working with a person in a green body suit, which requires lots of imagination,” she recounts.

Jayden described wokring with pretend monsters as "imaginative." 

Resilience is Key

Although Bartels has been successful in multiple shows, including To The Beat, Side Hustle, and Coop & Cami Ask the World, she’s also experienced rejection. She shares advice with aspiring young actors.

“You’re going to be told no, more than yes. That doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. It’s about consistency, no matter how often it doesn’t work out,” she said. “Keep working hard [and] going at it, and the yes will come. Believe in yourself!”

Lightning Round with Jayden Bartels

In addition to our interview, we concluded our conversation with a short lightning round filled with fun questions to learn more about Bartels' interests.

What has been your favorite role to play?

Cece in Goosebumps: The Vanishing!

If you could co-star with any actor, who would it be?

Zendaya or Adam Scott

What is your favorite children’s book?

Goodnight Moon [by Margaret Wise Brown].This is one I grew up on. This was my childhood.

What is your favorite Goosebumps book?

I might be a little biased, and my answer sometimes changes, but I will say Monster Blood.

Who is your biggest inspiration or idol?

My mom and Zendaya

Outside of acting, what do you like to do for fun?

I love reading, journaling, writing songs, riding bikes, hot yoga, and shopping.

Many thanks to Jayden Bartels for giving us these insightful words of reassurance and wisdom.