What is your hometown?
My hometown is Morton Grove, IL. I was born in Evanston, IL, grew up in Wilmette, IL and was the first in my immediate family to be born in the United States (my older siblings were born in Havana, Cuba).
What brought you into Chicago Theatre?
After earning my BFA in Theatre at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, I moved to New York City where I lived and pursued theatre for four years. In NYC, I worked with El Repertorio Español and The Light Opera of Manhattan where I met my husband, Ernesto Valenzuela. When my husband and I knew we wanted a family, we decided that the better fit for us was Chicago; a rich theatrical city, more comfortable and close to family.
How long have you been involved in Chicago Theatre?
I’ve been involved with Chicago Theatre off and on since 1979. ¡Ay, que vieja!
How have you seen the industry change?
The theatre scene is constantly evolving; however, it is booming with exciting and thought-provoking ‘truths’ in theatres across the city. Chicago theatre has become renowned world-wide and the industry here is driven to push boundaries and represent local stories. As a Latina in the industry, I’m proud to say casting a richly diverse company is now the norm—yay! The current Chicago theatre and film opportunities have attracted a myriad of wonderfully, talented actors from near and far, and with good reason, competition has gotten really steep! That being said, opportunities for untold stories and playwrights in Chicago has expanded and has become an integral component of the theatre scene.
What inspired you to choose acting as your career?
I was inspired to study Theatre and pursue acting as a career, because I was mesmerized by my theatre and musical professor in high school, Dr. William Peterman. He truly changed my life!
How do you choose the projects you want to work on?
I am drawn to projects, and specifically, a role within a project that is interesting, has flaws and that will stretch me beyond my own self.
What advice would you give emerging actors?
When I was a senior in high school, I survived a near fatal car accident. I went through the windshield after being in a vehicle that was struck by a drunk driver. The damage from the accident led me to believe I wouldn’t be able work in the film industry. I loved theatre, I loved to act, I loved singing and I loved being on stage. I realized the only person whose mind I needed change and who I needed to prove wrong was myself. My advice to emerging actors would be to embrace the challenges in your work that you might see as a limitation and do not allow your own negative thoughts to stop you from pursuing what you love—I still struggle with that but everyone does! Be humble and appreciative to the person who gives you a helping hand in the ‘biz’. And if you are a Latino actor, try to be proficient in both English and Spanish (Gracias, Myrna Salazar!), because there could be DOUBLE the amount of opportunities awaiting you!
