Former Disney actress Alyson Stoner recalls what it's like to be a child star

"I was a pack mule growing up. Living in that little box? Being part of that little machine? It takes a huge toll on you. The competition, narcissism, perfectionism, the pressure, schedule, the traumatising experiences that we can never talk about, because we’re either under contract or we’ll get shot or other things will happen to us if we open our mouths."

"The other frustration is that having been in the public eye, people actually think you died, dried up or stopped performing just because you're not in a tentpole superhero mainstream movie in theaters. (Let the fear of failure ensue.) But today, I'll say I'm beyond grateful that my career has arrived here for the moment. Never did I think I'd be able to speak so clearly and candidly with you without the interference of a reporter, publicist and photoshop."