Today we’d like to introduce you to Isa Arciniegas.
Isa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I knew I always wanted to be a performer when I grew up. Watching Michael Jackson, Robin Williams, made me think ‘that’s what I want to do’. I believe my first play was in 2nd grade, and since then, I was hooked. I did plays and musicals throughout all my years of schooling and knew I wanted to take my passion to a more serious path and pursue it in college. I came to Chicago when I was 18, to study acting at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, and have been working in multiple theatres in the city ever since then.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not smooth, there have been times when I’ve asked myself “What are you doing, you’ll never be an actor, you’ll never be happy doing this”. Some of that was stemmed from not seeing myself on stage. To be frank, every major theatre I went to, I saw older white people on stage. And the stories connected to those plays were definitely not anything I could relate to. There was a time where I thought the theatre was only for white people, since I was seeing that work everywhere, and barely ever saw a person of color, much less a woman, telling these specific stories. I couldn’t help but think “you don’t look like that, so you’ll never get cast”. It was rough.
I was raised by strong women, who have taught me to think whenever you think you’ve lost, and it seems like there’s no way out, to find a solution. Problem solve. Make it work for yourself. That’s what I did, and I researched new plays that were being produced in Chicago. I stopped going to the big theatres and found out what hole-in-the-wall theatres were doing impactful work. I looked up what theatre companies catered to Latinx stories, and hired people of color. I saw so many shows that restored my faith in what I wanted to do, and how I knew that just by looking like me, and being myself that I could change the game in Chicago. Not only that I could, but that I should. I felt a sense of duty, a responsibility as an actor, to work as much as I can, so other young brown girls can see themselves onstage. Representation, man, it matters.
I am grateful for these struggles though. I’ve learned so much, about diversity, inclusion, representation, and have met so many people who have taught me so much about the broad spectrum that is humanity. And how important to have their stories told on a stage. There is so much work to be done, and the Chicago Theatre community is here for it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Actor – what should we know?
I am a Chicago actor where ever I go. Mostly known for my stage work, though I wouldn’t consider myself a veteran when it comes Chicago theatre. I’m 4 years out from graduating, so I think I’m still pretty fresh in the game. I think it takes a long time to establish yourself as an actor, but my dedication lies heavily there.
I was in a show called We’re Gonna Die, that was produced by Haven Theatre, and am so proud of everything and everyone involved in that show. The number of people who have reached out, and told me how the show impacted them, is truly so inspiring. That’s the kind of work I want to be doing. And I am.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Boldness. To not be afraid to take risks and break the rules.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: _isa_a
Image Credit:
Austin D. Oie, Joe Mazza, Brace Lux Inc, Evan Hanover, Liz Lauren
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