Conversations with Arturo Collaso

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arturo Collaso

Hi Arturo, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Mexico, at the age of four years old my family moved to San Jose CA, with the hopes of a better life and leaving behind the wrong paths my dad had fallen in. My parents eventually separated as my dad at the time didn’t want to change his ways so I was raised at the age of four by my mom. Growing up I was a very shy and timid kid and kept mostly to myself but was alwasy intrigued by watching music videos and seeing the dancing, acting and singing all come to life together. I soon began to imitate what I saw but only to myself because of my stage fright. I would act out imaginary scenes with my sister as we grew up caring for ourselves as my mom would work from 6am all the way till 10pm at times cleaning houses. It wasn’t until sophomore year of high school when I told myself that If I really had a passion for being in the spotlight I had to just do it. So with the help of my math teacher she helped me sign up for my first production at my local theater company (CHILDRENS MUSICAL THEATER SAN JOSE), in their production of “The Whos Tommy” as she was a costume volunteer with the company. Ever since then I have fallen in love with performing in all aspects and soon decided to purse a BFA in musical theater at AMDA. I have since been in numerous shows and have been a co-director for a friend’s play and assistant choreographer with CMTSJ

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a easy road to get to where I am as a first generation student I have had to do everything alone and go seek help on my own as this is not only new to myself but to my mom. Also as an Immigrant It has been hard to try to achieve my dream because I was brought to the US without getting a say but it has been the best decision my mom could have made for my future but then again there are real life obstacles I face in terms of obtaining jobs, specifically in the performing arts as that is what I want to do with my life. I am still waiting for my DACA application to be processed however with all of its legal battles my application had been on hold since April of 2021; DACA is a program that provides undocumented kids who were brought to the US before the age of 12 a work permit and protection from ICE, I still remain faithful that something will change with my status because I know this is what I am mean to do

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an actor, singer, dancer, and storyteller. I have been doing musical theater since my sophomore year of high school but am intrigued by anything in the performing arts, whether thats film and television, or live theater. I am most proud of being the first in my family to obtain a college degree I have an AA in theater arts acting from west valley college and in june of 2025 will graduate with my BFA in musical theater from AMDA College of the Performing Arts. I think what sets me apart from other is my grit and determination, as an immigrant I am alwasy one step behind everyone else or not eligible for the same opportunities as everyone else because I wasnt born here, but this is my home its the only home I have known since I was 4. So since I cant legally work in this career yet, I go out of my way to network, get my name out there, take those extra classes in acting, singing, or dancing, and build those connections because I have faith that sooner than later something will change and when I can work in this field the connections I have made will help me jump start my career. I want to be the voice for people like me whos talents go unseen because of just where they were born, I want to show people out there that immigrants are not only hard working but also insanely talented. I wanna be the voice so more immigrants like me dont give up hope and continue to strive towards their dreams no matter how big or small, becuase we all have a purpose and no way I was brought here at the age of 4 not to follow my dreams.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me I just take any social opportunity that comes my way and use it as an opportunity to get to get to know someone because you dont know who they know or who they might be in the future. Just go and talk let people get to know you. Or put yourself in situation where people can see you, like for me I take those open dance classes at school to met more dancers and work with teachers who I may not get to meet other wise. You just have to go out there and be social becuase a simple hello could be your next networking opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arturocollaso/

Image Credits
All headshot Images : Caroline Rose Photography

Show Pictures: Children’s Musical theater San Jose

Show picture : AMDA College of the Performing arts ( Has AMDA logo on image)