Actress Erin Cummings has a recurring role on “Dante’s Cove,” a supernatural gay soap opera that is the number-one show on Here! TV, a GLBT-themed television network.

For her role on the show, Cummings spent time on Oahu, Hawaii, for the shoot of the second season. I just got off the Here! TV Web site, and if those hot, hot, hot trailers are to be believed, “Dante’s Cove” can’t help but remain in the number-one position.

Cummings, who is straight, lives with a gay couple in Hollywood and plans to party with San Diego during the city’s Pride weekend this year. She describes herself as effervescent, engaging and complicated, and appears to be a major gay cheerleader, willing and able to raise her pom-poms high for the GLBT community.

Gay & Lesbian Times: As a straight WeHo resident, how did you prepare for your gay role on “Dante’s Cove”?

Erin Cummings: Although I live with a gay couple, I went out and conducted interviews with a number of lesbians and that really assisted my role. They helped me discover a place where my character’s portrayal is accurate by helping me work outside of the box.

GLT: As an actor, which do you prefer playing: gay or straight?

EC: It’s all about the work. I believe I have grown tremendously as an actor in “Dante’s Cove.” It’s been the best acting experience to date. I have a gay girlfriend, and the arc of the character moves 180 degrees. I’m playing alongside Tracy Scoggins [“Dynasty,” “Lois & Clark”], who is phenomenal. Gay or straight, it’s still acting.

GLT: How would you feel if suddenly you became a lesbian babe magnet?

EC: I don’t know if that’s going to happen with my exposure in “Dante’s Cove” or not, but I wouldn’t [have] a problem with that.

GLT: How do you want the gay community to perceive you?

EC: As an actor, primarily, but as an individual who is open to anyone – straight, gay, bisexual, transgendered – ready and willing to promote rights for all.

GLT: You are pretty busy for a 28-year-old from Lafayette, La. Tell us something about other work you have done recently.

EC: [The films] Rolling and Scorpio Men on Prozac are both in post-production.

GLT: Can you tell us something about those productions?

EC: Rolling takes us back to the 1990s, where ecstasy and partying rule. It’s a narrative with interviews. Scorpio Men on Prozac is about codependency and abuse.

GLT: Sounds like some good opportunities for an actor.

EC: Those two films and “Dante’s Cove” have given me some great opportunities to stretch as an actor. Money isn’t a factor when I accept a part. I’m after growth.

GLT: Does that include returning to the theater, where you were once “discovered” in a Texas community theater production?

EC: I welcome any opportunity to return to the theater. As a matter of fact, this summer I will be part of Gangbusters Theatre Company’s production of Langford Wilson’s Balm in Gilead. It’s a fund-raiser.

GLT: Any parts you’re dying to play?

EC: Wonder Woman and Margaret in Richard III.

GLT: That’s a nice stretch. What’s the biggest challenge in your life right now?

EC: Balancing my career with my life.

GLT: What’s a perfect day for Erin?

EC: Lying out on the beach, talking and relaxing with someone special.

GLT: What’s your biggest indulgence?

EC: Food. There’s nothing like an Astroburger.

GLT: What message do you want to leave with the GLBT community here in San Diego?

EC: I simply want to encourage everyone to support the Here! network. Write to them and convince them to extend the hours [which are currently limited] and subscribe today. Here! is offering some the best entertainment that’s available, and it just happens to be gay as well.