Sweet and spunky Madisyn Shipman stars as Kenzie Bell in the hit Nickelodeon series Game Shakers. The up-and-coming actress shows off her talent as she plays Kenzie, the techie who uses her brains and coding skills to make her dreams a reality by starting a multimillion-dollar gaming company with her best friend and rap superstar Double G. This fall the fourteen-year-old actress will also be seen in the movie Geezer starring alongside Billie Joe Armstrong and Selma Blair. Madisyn portrays their daughter Salome in the Indie comedy that shows how an aging punk rocker copes with life after rock. Being a huge fan of the band Green Day, Madisyn was excited to work with Armstrong as well as play guitar in the film. Madisyn has only just begun as she makes her mark across the small and big screens.
Born in North Carolina, Shipman’s career began after signing with a talent agency at the age of 5. She then proceeded to land different sketch player roles on Saturday Night Live before starring on Broadway as Skilling’s daughter in the production of Enron. Madisyn also has been featured in numerous commercials including Kleenex, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Berkeley College, Kodak and My Little Pony. Madisyn recently lent her voice to Violet in the 2015 animated feature film Peanuts in which Snoopy embarks upon his greatest mission, and his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest back home to win the love of his life.
In addition to being a talented actress, Shipman is a budding singer and musician who plays guitar, ukulele, bass and keyboard. She began playing instruments at the age of 8 and shares cover songs on her social media channels. In her free time, Madison enjoys swimming, being a “normal kid” with her three brothers and playing with her baby hedgehog and chameleon. Shipman is passionate about working with the Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation since her little cousin died at the age of 2 from the disease.
Art Eddy: You play Kenzie in the Nickelodeon series called Game Shakers. For those who have not seen the show can you talk about the series and the character you play?
Madisyn Shipman: Game Shakers is about two girls, Babe and Kenzie, who create a game for their science project that is an overnight sensation. They become business partners with Double G, played my Nickelodeon veteran Kel Mitchell and create a gaming empire. Throughout the episodes we create different games that you can download at home from the App Store and play along.
I play Kenzie Bell. She is a smart girl who loves to code. She’s the brains behind the operation. I personally feel that Kenzie and I are pretty similar. She’s a little bit of a nerd but hey so am I! Embrace your inter-dork side!
AE: What is on personality trait that your character, Kenzie shares with you?
MS: Kenzie and I are both smart girls. We are also both people pleasers and care about other’s feelings.
AE: Who would love to guest star on the show? 
MS: I would love for Tina Fey or Rob Schneider to guest star on Game Shakers. They are both crazy funny and talented and I’m pretty obsessed with both of them!
AE: One of your co-stars is Kel Mitchell. He has been in your shoes as a young actor. Did you talk to him about his experience about being a young actor?
MS: Kel is really like our mentor on set. We all call him Uncle Kel. He is really a great role model and is always positive. He does give us tips on doing things a certain way to minimize takes.
AE: What got you into the world of acting?
MS: I have always had a love for performing. When I was three years old, I would but on shows at home and at daycare. I told my mom that I was going to be on TV when I was about five years old. We were later introduced to a local talent agency that suggested we look into the NYC market. We moved there when I was six years old and I booked my first Broadway show at seven years old.
AE: You also played the role of Violet in the Peanuts film last year. Tell me about that experience and did you like voice acting?
MS: I loved working on the Peanuts film. Believe it or not, we actually worked on it for over a year. Voice-over acting requires just as much effort as on-camera acting. Becoming a cartoon character is pretty cool.
AE: What is one piece of advice you would give to your fans who are wanting to become actors?
MS: I would say be a leader not a follower. Don’t feel like you have to dress a certain way, talk a certain way or do certain things to fit in. A true friend would not pressure you. Always believe in yourself and follow your dreams.
AE: When you are not working on Game Shakers what do you like to do in your spare time?
MS: When I’m not working on Game Shakers, l enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing guitar and just laying around binge watching Pretty Little Liars, Grey’s Anatomy and Switched at Birth.
AE: What would be your ultimate role that you would like to play?
MS: I would love to play opposite Sandra Bullock in a feature film. She is so inspiring to me on so many levels. Working with her is a huge dream of mine. It’s at the top of my bucket list!