Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Marcelo.
Nina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My home, the motherland, Michigan is a beautiful state surrounded by water in the Midwest (for those who don’t know?). I’ve always thought of it as a big, beautiful bubble. As great as that sounds, and all the love to my home, it is very confining and most people who are from there never leave. Growing up there, I only got to experience the world through what I’d seen in movies, and boy was I itching to experience it for myself. However, my love for acting specifically didn’t come until later, when I was in middle school. Life was great but not always kind to my family nor easy on them so I can definitely say I’ve had my fair share of struggles. One day I was watching a movie by myself that I had just come upon by chance. While watching, I was taken through a rollercoaster of emotions and it really resonated with me to say the least. The way the actors made me feel was different than anything I had ever experienced because in a way, it felt like they were reflecting what I was feeling at the time, I felt like I wasn’t alone. It was after that that I had made my mind up, I would be an actress. I had always loved the arts, drawing, dancing, singing, anything really but this was when I knew acting would be my greatest passion. At that point, I had never taken a class or anything, so I joined my theater program at school. Through the years, I did it and grew more fond of it but when I went to college, I was still stuck on the notion that I had to go to University, get my degree, and then I could pursue acting. That was very short-lived because after only one year at a community college in Michigan, I knew I needed to do what would make me happy. So I decided to move across the country and take my chances in Los Angeles. I found a wonderful school, auditioned for it, and got in! Not knowing anyone or anything about Los Angeles, I came here alone to attend acting school and after two amazing years filled with tons of experiences and knowledge about acting, I graduated! Graduating in the midst of the pandemic wasn’t the easiest but then again, persistence can get you through anything. So now I’m here, pursuing a career in acting and enjoying every moment that life has to throw at me, and I know this is just the beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As everyone has their struggles, I certainly have had mine. Coming from a family who has never been the wealthiest, the decision to come to Los Angeles and go to school was one I had to make completely on my own. That meant paying for school, rent, and all of the other things that go along with moving out on your own across the country. Maybe it was naïve, but I didn’t hesitate for a second. All I knew is that this is what I wanted to do and I didn’t really care what it would take to get here, but whatever it was, I would make it work. With that being said, I did eventually learn the harsh reality of what that meant. My first time living without my parents was thousands of miles away from them, so it was intimidating to say the least. Let’s just say I learned to budget quickly and work my butt off in order to make ends meet. That all came along with stressful times, points of not knowing what the heck I’m doing and many late-night calls to my mom. But as she told me, “You’ll always find a way.” which got me through more than she knows. Despite that and many other obstacles she was right, I always found a way and I will continue to find a way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an actor, and no it’s not as easy as people think. Being an actor has allowed me to really see the beauty in human emotions. Having to confront my own emotions in their most raw form, I’ve grown to appreciate the strength it takes to bear your emotions in front of others and I’m proud of myself for that. I’ve had roles that have challenged me emotionally and it took a lot of learning about myself in order to overcome those challenges. I have a great appreciation for actors and their strength to do what they do. It truly is harder than people think but it is so fulfilling and each experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always open to meeting, collaborating, and working with new people! One of my teachers once said, “You rise in circles,” and I truly believe that. I think in general, we should bring each other up and support in whatever we decide to do and in any way we can. I love being around people who are eager to share ideas and bring those ideas to life. Surrounding yourself with supportive and motivated people is a very important key in this industry, so let’s collaborate!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ninamarcelo51
- Other: www.imdb.me/ninamarcelo
Image Credits:
Chris Labadie
