I’d tell young artists that if performing is what you want to do, go do it. Don’t let anyone stop you or try to discourage you from doing it. Find a way that works best for you and give it your all.
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Being in this business is already hard as it is, having a group of friends and colleagues who will support you through your bad days and celebrate your good days is so vital. Even more so as an immigrant performer. And don't forget to spread joy and offer support to others too! Relationships are a two-way street and kindness is essential.
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Be kind. Above all. This world is too small and life is too short to get caught up in the competition and comparison and let that take over. Find moments of gratitude even in the low points. And remember- Broadway isn’t the end-all-be-all. Beautiful theater is made all over the world. Just keep making art. Because work begets work!
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I’m being honest when I say that “Into the Woods” has been my favorite musical since middle school. It holds the perfect balance of levity and gravity and is chock full of profound messages and gorgeous music. To be a part of this revival has truly been my dream come true.
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I had gone on for Mrs. Strakosh and Mrs. Meeker, but I hadn’t been on for Mrs. Brice until Beanie Feldstein’s final performance as Fanny. She was so giving and generous and genuinely surprised when I started to sing, that it crossed one thing off my bucket list. But I am so happy to be performing with my friend Julie Benko. Julie is phenomenal and it’s cute that she calls me her “standby sister”, because I am old enough that I could actually be her mother!
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My time with RENT has been amazing, this cast is hugely talented and completely committed to telling this story. There are moments I have to take a step back and realize that I am a part of something great. It all goes by so quickly so sometimes I just stop and breathe it in.
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Never stop dreaming. Never stop putting in the work, no matter how hard it gets. Always take a class. Always take lessons. Do something every day to help yourself reach your goal, even if it is just belting out a show tune in the shower. Surround yourself with like-minded people who want you to succeed.
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If you have the instinct to play a scene a different way… Try it… You cannot do anything wrong. You will never lose going after and exploring meaningful, truthful work and relationships. Also, equally important… Do not attempt to wax off your mustache before getting publicity photos. Leave these things to the professionals.
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I think for me it's the drive to work on projects that I watch and that excites me. There is so much being made and so many new stories being told and I stay motivated because of the excitement I feel. I am a south Asian Actor and a lot of what is being made now is representative of the culture I grew up in or of other minorities. Looking at things like Ms. Marvel, the variety of possibilities keeps me ambitious for the future.
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Advice to young people... Don't be so hard on yourself. That hamster wheel in your mind ain't worth it. The likes & numbers on your social media are not important. What's important is that you continue to look out for yourself and find the artist within. At the end of the day, we all leave at some point... Why waste your beautiful concentration on the things that don't matter. Dream and make them come true.
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I tell everyone the same thing. You have to love it because there will be hard times. You have to trust and know yourself because you can get caught up in other people's stuff and never give up because the next opportunity may be yours and always believe that which is for you, won’t be denied you.
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Always be a student! Be kind! And don’t waste time dwelling on rejections. Rejection is part of the biz. The second you are spending time being sad about a rejection- another opportunity might be passing you by! Also- be open-minded to what a career in theater and the arts can be
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My experience has taught me that it's all about people. It sounds basic, but it's SO important: never be afraid to shake a hand, say hello, or ask for advice. The worst anyone can say is no, and most of the time, that won't be the case.
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If you ever are doing a show where you walk off the stage at night and you don't feel more satisfied, fulfilled, or purposeful than when you stepped onto the stage, it's time to leave that show. There are plenty of days when I don't have what I think is needed to do my job, and I don't want to go on stage. But I almost never leave the stage feeling worse off for having done the job. When I feel worse off, the job is no longer worth its rewards.
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We try not to give in to the mentality of "the show must go on" and, instead, encourage each other to listen to our physical and mental health first and foremost when assessing if we can go on for a certain performance. Because of this, the standbys have been on a lot and it's been amazing to watch the company come together to support each other in this way night after night.
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You have to remember that you are your own amazing/ rockstar/bad** self and when it is your time, you'll know. Also, your worth is never defined by a callback, what people say about you, or a ‘yes/no’. Protect your heart and your mind because your well-being and your spirit are what will open doors for you.
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This is the third time I’ve had the pleasure to be part of In the Heights. The first time was in 2019 with a wonderful cast in Portland Center Stage. The second time I had the wonderful opportunity to be the associate director alongside Luis Salgado as director. This production was very revealing for me and my career. Being in a creative position within a show that I know so well, telling a story that is very close to my heart, really opened up a new perspective of seeing theater and my position as an immigrant, a woman, and a Latina in this medium.
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Take care of your health. That means mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. You have to treat the whole person. Your body is your vessel, treat it well because it's batting for you every night at 100%. Go to therapy, have a support system, and talk about your fears and insecurities.
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It feels incredible. I’m so grateful to finally be here, doing this work with the team at Chicago. David Hyslop (PSM), Rob Bowman (Music Director), and David Bushman (Dance Captain) have been so welcoming, encouraging, and inspiring throughout this process.
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