Conversations with Iris Disla

Today we’d like to introduce you to Iris Disla.

Hi Iris, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started when I was a little girl. Since my earliest memories, I always had a passion for impersonating and imitating people. My house was always heavily populated by family, family friends, neighbors, etc. Every person that came to my house would get imitated on their way out. I would grab props such as my aunt’s shoes, purses, glasses, etc. It’s my happy place to imitate and play pranks on people. This then turned into modeling which leads me to acting. I attended The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC and upon graduating, they offered an acting for film program in Los Angeles. I decided to go to LA for a summer to take this acting program and nine years later, I am still here. I am now attending Baron Brown Studio in Santa Monica and finishing up a two year program. I am currently working on developing more work with my production company and finishing my first short as an actress/producer.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I took a long break away from acting because I was trying to find a place to fit in. I am originally from the Dominican Republic but I grew up in NYC where many Dominicans live. Moving to LA was very challenging because I constantly needed to explain where I was from. I didn’t really fit the stereotypes of the Latinx industry. I had to change my accent to a more neutral Spanish accent in order to get acting jobs and to be understood even at my job at a restaurant.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an actress who lives in the drama world but in my personal life, I am a jokester. I started my production company Must Be Nice Films in which I have a couple of projects lined up for 2021 and I can’t wait to get them out. In my free time, I am learning how to DJ and produce music as well. This is something I’ve always wanted to do because of my love for house music and I was able to pick this up over quarantine. What I am the most proud of is my drive and ambition. I am very passionate and determined about everything I do. Almost to the point of being stubborn in a way because I hate giving up and I believe this sets me apart from others.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like the best about LA is how everyone is trying to make it. I’ve never lived in a city like this. Everyone is very creative and willing to collaborate with you regardless of whether you are just getting started or if you have a ton of experience! Also the beach and the palm trees! This makes LA a paradise! What I like the least about LA is the traffic and how far everything is. I wish I could visit other parts of the city and get to visit more friends and so on but this makes it very difficult.

Contact Info:

• Email: irisdisla@gmail.com
• Instagram: irisd_25

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