Today we’d like to introduce you to Danice Cabanela.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born on Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines and moved to the U.S. when I was two years old. I spent most of my childhood growing up in San Antonio, TX where I did Taekwondo, played basketball, got good grades, and loved reading. I remember buying my first play from the Scholastic Book Order in 4th grade: Romeo & Juliet. I think it had a rose on the cover and it reminded me of Beauty and the Beast… yeah, it was not like Beauty and the Beast. I didn’t understand it, but I loved it.
In junior high when it was time to sign up for an elective, I didn’t get into one of the classes I wanted– so I decided to try Theatre. My first play was called ‘Juvie’. I was in 7th grade and I played a character on drugs. It was intense, especially as a 12-year-old. Thanks, Mr. Miller?! In my grade years I played anywhere from a villainous banker to Henry David Thoreau’s love interest who talked about transcendentalism to a Brit in Blood Brothers to a southern belle in Steel Magnolias. I loved that while performing I could be anybody. I realized that theatre was a way to explore other people’s perspectives, where I could learn about the world outside of what I thought I knew. We could even heal through art.
I later attended the University of Minnesota/Guthrie BFA Actor Training Program in Minneapolis, MN and also studied at Shakespeare’s Globe in London. My sophomore year, I was actually cast as ‘Juliet’ in R&J and I’d think back to my young, 4th-grade self who had no idea what she was getting herself into. Even today in Los Angeles, I wake up and ask myself that question: What did I get myself into? Now, almost seven years in, at least, I’ve begun to write and create my own content. I’ve booked a few things along the way, and am staying focused and committed to the journey day by day. I also teach yoga and that helps me to keep sane, resilient and flexible (pun intended). I know I’ve still got a lifetime to learn and grow, and despite all the challenges in this crazy industry, I still feel like it’s worth it.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road to infinity has certainly been a tumultuous one. It’s not a straight path. There are no ladders to climb, no promotions after a set period of time. I feel like you barely even know if where you’re stepping is the right step. After hitting year 6 this last year, the darkness started to settle. The fear, uncertainty, and comparisons began to take their toll. The higher I reached, the harder I fell. We can’t live in that space for too long.
If I were to give advice to my younger self, I’d say:
– The spark in your eye when you first move to LA — don’t ever lose it. Hold on to that curiosity, courage, and hope.
– Surround yourself with people who fill you up, not drain you dry.
– Each person has their own path and will move at different speeds. Our path is neither comparable nor replicable. You hear it all the time because it’s true: This a marathon, not a race.
– Know the things that bring you joy and do them often.
– Be true to yourself.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I co-wrote and produced my first film called ‘Forget Me Nots’. It explores mental health told through the lens of a Filipino American family, and we’re beginning to submit to festivals worldwide.
You can catch me in my supporting role “Jeanette” in The Debt Collector on Netflix.
I’m in a Lyft commercial directed by Tom Kuntz and shot by Hoyte Van Hoytema (Her, Dunkirk, Interstellar).
In March, I was in the World Premiere of Tucked Away by Joni Ravenna and won the award for “Best Actress in a Drama Short”.
I teach yoga for Drunken Lotus (yoga meets wine tasting) and was recently featured on Access Live on NBC as well as Eye on LA on ABC7.
I’m currently featured on Corepower Yoga banners and posters nationwide.
I’m passionate about representation in media and fitness, arts advocacy and deploying art as activism to bring awareness to issues that matter.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
It’s vital to have a sustainable self-care practice, know who you are and what you need to do to maintain a healthy, resilient and inspired you. You will meet more rejection than you can imagine. At times it will burn you out. Know what you can control and what you can’t. If you’re an artist, do what you love to do and create! There’s a lot more that’s within our control than we think. Commit to learning new things every day to expand the life you know, and remember you are more important than this audition (thanks for the reminder, BGB). It doesn’t always feel like you’ve got this — but you’ve got this.
Contact Info:
- Address: LA Talent
7700 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046 - Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @danicecabanela
Image Credit:
Michael Roud, Joanna Degeneres, Shiloh Strong, Amanda Zaeske, Daniel J. Sliwa, and Jesse Bainbridge
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