NIU alumna Gabrielle Walsh stars in “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones,” which hit theaters Jan. 3.

Walsh plays Marisol in the horror film. She received an acting degree from NIU and credits some of her success as an actress to her education in the School of Theatre and Dance.

Where are you from? Did you grow up near NIU?

“I grew up in La Grange, only about 45 minutes from NIU. This is actually the first time I’ve been away from the Chicago area. I’ve only lived in L.A. for approximately two years.”

When did you first start auditioning in L.A.?

“I took a trip out here [to Los Angeles] as a graduation present and met with an agency and auditioned for them. And we got out to a good start, so they wanted me to move out here. It was about three months after graduation when I finally moved and started auditioning.”

How did your audition process go for “Paranormal Activity?”

“Well, I got a manager at Luber Roklin Entertainment. My manager, Danielle Lenniger, called me in for an audition that she had set up for me. It was my first time in at Paramount. So, I went in and auditioned for them, and then went back with the director and auditioned again, and about six months later they called me back to do a screen test for the film.”

What has this experience been like for you?

“I am so humbled and blessed to be able to have this happen in my life so quickly. And to be surrounded by supportive people, too, like my father and my mom and the people at my agency.”

How is the new “Paranormal Activity” film different than the others in the past?

“It’s completely different. They decided to mix up the formula. Instead of being set in just one house, there’s a presence that follows us. So we got to go around to different locations. You also get to see more of a family story in the film. It really ties the other movies together.”

What was it like being able to film with the other cast members?

“It was a great experience. Being my first experience, everyone was really friendly, and it’s been a collaborative effort. It really felt like a family. I’m really lucky to have that as my first experience.”

Do you feel like your education at NIU helped prepare you for an acting career?

“Oh definitely. I mean, NIU opened up my mind to what acting really was. NIU really prepared me and opened up my eyes to see what acting was like in the real world.”