Zoë Steiner on Aliens, Hunting For Good Vintage and Her Dream Project

Words: Veronika Shulman | Photos: Zoë Steiner & Veronika Shulman

I met the actor Zoë Steiner at a picnic in Toronto this summer, and we became fast friends. We both had brown curly hair and bleached eyebrows, and we both like to half-participate and half-observe, at least that’s how I see it. She’s starring in Starfleet Academy, out January 15 on Paramount+. I think it’s safe to say her light is about to shine very brightly, so we sat down for a Polyester-essenced heart to heart.

Polyester: Okay first thing’s first. Do you believe in aliens?

Zoe: Yes. Especially after Star Trek. I don’t know what my answer would have been before; I think, still yes. Do they look like ET? Probably not. But do I believe in other life forms than humans? Yes. How big is the galaxy? Like, low-key self-absorbed to think we’re the only life form. 

Tell me about your character in Starfleet Academy.

She feels things deeply, to the point of being telepathic. It’s both a blessing and a curse.

Relatable. Can you tell me how you got this part, and anything interesting or memorable about that process?

I audition for everything on self-tape basically and when I got the email for this one, I just had a feeling like, “oh, I can do this.” After the first audition, they switched me to another role (my current role), who is much more suited to me. When I started reading for Tarima, it was like looking in a mirror. I got a callback and just acted my face off on Zoom, all from my bedroom in Melbourne. Then, I signed a test deal and was told the studio would watch my test and get back to me in three days. Then, before the three days were up, they asked me to get on Zoom again. I was nervous, but it was this whole thing where they were offering me the part and were video-ing it, like those famous TikToks. I cried. And not long after that, I was on a flight to Toronto. 

“Get really curious, learn as much as possible, and then at some point, ask yourself if you really really want this. If the answer is yes, then you must do it.”

What’s your dream project or trajectory?

I would love to star in a really dark and gritty psychosexual thriller, like Fincher or Cronenberg. But also go where the projects are good like the vibe of early Parker Posey’s career. And I’d say another dream of mine is to work with Rachel Weisz. She’s obviously incredible and Rachel, if you’re reading, I’m your long-lost daughter.

Are you inspired by other art forms (fashion, music, books, films etc.)?

Oh, yes. Generally yes but specifically for this project I’d say ELO for music and Courreges for fashion. In general I listen to the Mamas and the Papas more than anything else, as well as just anything out of 1960s Laurel Canyon. I like to write songs on my omnichord. I love hunting for good vintage. I dress based on how I feel but also, sometimes, how I want to feel. I love books! All Fours by Miranda July was so evocative and so accessible; I smashed that on my Kindle in Costa Rica. I loved Sally Fields’ memoir…..and Daughter by my fellow Toronto resident Claudia Dey. As for films, I love so many, but Paul Muzursky’s An Unmarried Woman comes to mind immediately as being so ahead of its time.

What’s your process of preparing for a role? 

The first time I read a scene, I just do it with my heart and let it affect me. Then, I go into analytical mode. I study everything until I understand it from every possible angle. And then, I try to forget everything I learned and go back to the heart thing from my first impression.

What advice would you give to a reader who wants to become an actor?

I’d say, get really curious, learn as much as possible, and then at some point, ask yourself if you really really want this. If the answer is yes, then you must do it. For me, when I stopped having a back-up plan weirdly is really when things started to happen.

What do you wish we would learn from watching this new iteration of Star Trek?

That everyone is welcome at the table; there’s “space” for everyone. That your weakness could be your superpower. And that you belong.

Lovely. Lastly, would you be open to sharing your 2026 ins & outs with us?

Outs:

Monkey business!!

Self-abandonment 

Reckless honesty

Self-loathing disguised as “perfectionism”

Saving my cool clothes for a “special occasion” that never comes: every day is a special occasion!

The word ‘boss’ (derived from the Dutch “baas” meaning Master) 

Showing all my cards to people who don’t deserve to see them

Ins:

Emotional alchemy

Self compassion as a portal to confidence

Dry needling

Saying yes to social events

Solo dinner dates

Wired earphones

Rigorous honesty 

Geraldine Chaplin 

Astral projection

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is out January 15 on Paramount+. You can watch the trailer here.