Conversations with Elizabeth Salazar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Salazar.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a first-generation Mexican-American actress, born in a small town in Texas and raised in Mexico. My family and I didn’t officially move to the U.S. until I was about eight years old. I fell in love with acting at a very young age, and from that moment on, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to pursue.

In 2014, I co-founded The Playback Collective production company with Erick Solis, and together we created a couple of short films. In 2018, I made the big move to Los Angeles, where I began producing and assistant directing short films—one of them being NIGHT RUN, a fun, cheesy, ’80s-inspired action flick. (Fun fact: I make a tiny cameo in it—blink and you’ll miss me!) Here’s the link check it out! https://youtu.be/S6sVSRdTEdg?si=qPANcOw9IbC1wgcq

Then COVID hit, forcing all of us to pause and reflect. It was a powerful reminder to hold our loved ones close, because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Personally, I felt overwhelmed and unproductive—quite the opposite of those who discovered new talents or passions during that time. But looking back, that stillness gave me space to seek out acting coaches and mentors.

In 2022, I discovered Gannon Performance Studio, where I met my coach and mentor, Scotty Gannon. With his guidance—and the unwavering support of my husband—I finally found the courage to apply to the Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre. There, I discovered a vibrant community of driven individuals with powerful stories to share. I found actors, collaborators, and lifelong friends.

In Fall 2023, I began pre-production on The Playback Collective’s next short film, CLEAN SLATE, which I produced and assistant directed. We filmed in February 2024, entered post-production in March, and screened the film in April. Here’s the link check it out! https://youtu.be/y_HaSMcVDpQ?si=s7jADtZqOELAZNVd

In May, we kicked off pre-production on another short, LAST STORY, which I co-produced and co-starred in. Then in June, Scotty invited me to a workshop in Canada focused on exploring the art of being yourself on stage—writing for yourself and for others, and performing each piece. That experience led me to meet casting director Cathy Reinking, who later invited me to be part of her show In My Shoes.

In July, I traveled to Atlanta to take part in In My Shoes, where I had the privilege of performing both a poem and a monologue I had written in prose. It was an incredibly personal and rewarding experience. We shot LAST STORY in August and quickly moved into post-production.

In September, I had the honor of performing in Real Women Have Curves at La Mirada Theatre with Phantom Projects, playing the role of Rosali. We performed nine shows in October—it was an unforgettable experience. The following month, we hosted a private screening of LAST STORY, which was such a meaningful moment, surrounded by friends and family. You can find more about LAST STORY at www.instagram.com/theplaybackcollective

Now, in 2025, I’m excited to be producing four new projects with The Playback Collective.

To this day, I see acting as a lifelong journey. I continue taking classes at both Stella Adler and Gannon Performance Studio—because there’s always more to learn, and always something new to discover.

Alright, 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?
Being a first-generation Mexican-American comes with a lot of pressure. Growing up, I carried the weight of my parents’ expectations. They didn’t believe someone like me—because of how I looked or where I came from—could make it as an artist. That broke my heart. So, I put those dreams away and followed a different path.

I got a part-time job at a courthouse, worked my way up to full-time, graduated from university, became a teacher, and got married. On paper, it was the perfect immigrant success story—the American Dream. But while giving a speech to my graduating students about chasing their dreams, I had this realization: I had lived my parents’ dream, not mine.

I’m forever grateful for the life they gave me, and I don’t blame them for only knowing how to survive. They did what they had to do. But now, I want to show them—and myself—that there’s more than just survival. Their sacrifices gave me this chance, and I want to honor that by daring to dream again.

Yes, I’m a brown woman who wants to see just how far she can go. Life doesn’t owe me anything. I get what I work and fight for. I may have stopped fighting for a while, but the dream never left. I owe it to myself—to honor that little girl who felt alive on stage, and to give her a life filled with possibility.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a full-time actress and the co-founder of The Playback Collective, a production company where I also work as a producer, casting director, and assistant director. I wear many hats, but storytelling—through acting—is at the heart of everything I do.

One project I’m especially proud of is LAST STORY, the latest short film I co-produced and starred in. It was both challenging and incredibly rewarding because I got to act while also being deeply involved in the production process. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way.

Lately, I’ve also stepped into writing and directing for the company. It’s been a thrilling evolution—creating space not just for myself, but for other artists who want to tell stories that reflect the richness of our communities. What sets me apart is my perspective: a deep-rooted commitment to authenticity, resilience, and a hunger to explore the full spectrum of human experience—on both sides of the camera.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Absolutely. One of the best ways to find a mentor or build your network is by taking classes—whether online or in person—that are specific to your niche. The more focused you are in what you’re seeking, the better your chances of connecting with people who align with your goals.

Show up on time, be kind, and lead with curiosity. Always show initiative and drive, but don’t forget to be supportive and a team player. Your contribution matters, but it won’t go far if it’s not paired with humility and respect. In this industry, how you show up—both professionally and personally—leaves a lasting impression. Relationships are everything

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lizsalazar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethsalazaaar
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/elizabethsalazaaar
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/theplaybackcollective

Image Credits
Photography by: Ethan Ingle and Erick Solis