Paula Brancati’s first dream was to be a detective when she grew up. “I thought it would be a really cool job,” laughs the 19-year-old. “Then I found out that you had to go through the steps of being a cop, writing tickets and all that jazz, so that goal was quickly shattered.”

Fortunately, Ontario-born Brancati found something else that would suit her just fine. She discovered her love for the arts, and threw herself into the performing aspect of singing, acting and dancing.

Talking to Paula Brancati is like chatting candidly with someone you’ve known your entire life. Her friendly demeanor immediately puts you at ease, and her infectious laugh crescendo’s every few sentences. She may an up-and-comer in the acting facet of the world, but everything about her is genuine and real.

“I’ve been interested in the performing arts for my entire life in some aspect. I was in music lessons at 9 years old, as well as community music theatre and I caught the bug right away.” Brancati’s natural skill was not lost on the members watching her in the audience. “Gradually I was lucky enough to meet an agent who approached me after a show, and I began doing commercials. I landed the lead in a series (the Blobheads) when I was 14, and realized that I had a passion for film, television and musical theatre.”

Brancati’s new career path seems to be doing well for her. She is a key character on the widely acclaimed “Degrassi: The Next Generation” and is also starring in the CBC hit series “Being Erica.” Her past includes achievements such as the lead in “Cinderella: The Sillylicious Family Musical” and principle roles in the Disney Channel Features Cow Belles and Jump In! Paula’s film debut came in 2003 in the feature Cold Creek Manor alongside Sharon Stone and Dennis Quaid, managing to make her professional theatre debut with the Canadian Stage Company in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the same year.

Let’s just say she leads a busier life than the average Canadian teenager.

Yet Brancati is very humble about her success thus far. “My former director in musical theatre used to say ‘you know you’re in the right business when you can’t see yourself doing anything else’,” she says. “You just really have to be persistent, especially if you know this is want you want and what you love. It takes 100% of effort and soul.”

How does Brancati manage to balance her acting career and a normal life? “I guess you just make an effort. It sort of comes naturally to me, I don’t really stress about balancing both. I make time for family and friends, as they do for me. You realize as an actor, even though your schedule is crazy, other people have busy schedules as well. It’s more about making it work with people you love.”

Family is an extremely important component of Brancati’s life. Growing up, her family was a great source of support, and Brancati models herself after the way her family members carry themselves day-to-day. She refers to her parents and brother as her “role models” who are “loving and supportive.” All in all, Brancati comes across as a very down-to-earth individual. Her loyalty to her family is apparent as she raves about individual members. “I really admire my brother. He’s got his own goals and ambitions with music, and at 16, he really knows what he wants. It’s truly admirable.”

Also admirable is the time and thought Brancati puts into each of the characters she portrays in her different productions.

“Every character has got a little big of you in them,” Brancati explains. “I relate most to Jane from Degrassi, especially over the course of season eight. We share many qualities. We’re both very loyal to the people we’re close with. She’s goal oriented, knows what she wants, and is not afraid to go for it. She’s a cool chick, and definitely the most real in terms of qualities that we share.”

Jane from Degrassi isn’t the only character that Brancati has committed to. She was nominated for a Gemini award in 2006 for her role as Cally Stone in the show “Dark Oracle.” The show, created by Jana Sinyor, was a Canadian-produced series that premiered in 2004 on YTV. It followed the adventures of twins Cally and Lance Stone, who discover a comic book that gives them clues to the future of their lives.

“I was alone on the computer when I found out about the nomination. I was frozen for a good five seconds, and then I called my mom once I regained movement. It was super exciting! I was sixteen when I got nominated and Dark Oracle meant a lot to me. I put a lot of myself into the character. In the States I don’t know if they realize that this is Canada’s version of the Emmys in a way, so it was a huge honor for me to be a part of that. I put my heart and soul into Dark Oracle, so it was just a big deal. You just can’t really believe it.”

Gemini-nominated Brancati still looks to other professionals for inspiration. She is inspired by Kate Winslet, and believes that the English starlet is finally getting the awards that she deserves. “Winslet is phenomenal, and she comes off as endearing. I think women can really see themselves in her. She’s real and she’s not scared to get into the nitty-gritty of the material.”

Brancati also loves the work of American legend Al Pacino. “He’s amazing,” she tells andPOP. “I would love to work with him. I would be super intimidated, floored and excited.”

Do not underestimate this young actress though. Brancati has experience working alongside notable actors and actresses. She worked with the beautiful Isabella Rossellini in a pilot, even serving birthday cake with the star over lunch. Brancati chuckles, “It must be the Italian in both of us.” Brancati also grew and learned from working alongside Sharon Stone, Dennis Quaid, and Kristen Stewart (from Twilight) in “Cold Creek Manor.” Also mentionable is the cast that Brancati works with on the set of “Degrassi: The Next Generation.”

Brancati has nothing but praise for her coworkers. “We have a group of good people in our cast. The ages vary from 14-23. I really like the variety, we’re all really close, so the ages don’t even matter. We all talk in the off-season, and it feels just like a family. We have a laugh on set all the time.”

Fans can look forward to seeing more of Brancati in the future. “Degrassi: The Next Generation” and “Being Erica” are both airing right now, and Brancati hints to andPOP that there are big episodes in store for the next coming week. Also coming up is the Toronto production of “Dog Sees God,” a play that was performed off Broadway.

“I’m starting rehearsals in two weeks. It’s a great play, and it was just nominated for a GLAAD award in Los Angeles. It’s a twisted version of Charlie Brown, where the kids are all older screwed-up teenagers. I play Van’s sister, and I’m a committed pyromaniac. It’s a really funny production with a lot of dark humor. There a couple hooks, and a sort-of dark undercurrent to it. It’s going to be really good.”

Friends and coworkers of Brancati’s that are also appearing in the upcoming production are Jake Epstein, Mike Lobel and Adamo Ruggiero. They are all regulars on Degrassi as well. To get tickets or learn more about “Dog Sees God,” visit their website at www.dogseesgod.ca .

Where does Brancati want to see herself in 10 years?

“I would love to be switching from a television series, to working on films and performing on Broadway. It would be great to do all three. I want to be engulfed in the entertainment industry. Maybe by that time I will have directed my first film.” Brancati’s optimism and aspirations for the future are refreshing and invigorating. She contains a passion for her art, while managing to keep a grasp of what is ultimately most important to her.

“It’s a fickle, tough business, but if you love it you’re in the right place,” says Brancati. “I just want to see myself happy. Just happy.”