Today we’d like to introduce you to Maritza Garcia
Hi Maritza , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
“Five more minutes, Mom,” I’d reply, desperately searching the internet for any resource I could find on “how to become an actor.”
I spent hours online, but every time I logged off, I was consumed by sadness.
I was a quiet child; awkward and disconnected, feeling like I didn’t belong in the world I was born into. My upbringing was rough, and I felt disconnected.. Acting always intrigued me because it felt like a way out. It wasn’t just about playing a different role; it was about stepping into someone else’s life, being part of a different family, where things seemed easier, softer, and safer. But as a child, I wanted that freedom for a much deeper reason: I needed to escape. Escape from my abusive father, from the dysfunction that surrounded me, and from the loneliness that consumed me. My mind was often clouded with thoughts I couldn’t share and emotions I couldn’t even begin to understand, let alone express as a child. In those moments, putting on a mask and pretending to be someone else felt like the only way to survive. It seemed so much easier than facing the painful reality of my own life. As Shakespeare so wisely said, “All the world’s a stage,” and I found myself playing the role of someone else, just trying to survive .I wore a smile every day, hid the bruises, and played the part of the perfect student—straight A’s, no hint of anything wrong at home.
It’s hard to admit, but while my childhood was traumatizing, it has also given me an incredible well of emotion to draw from in my performances. The pain I endured, though difficult to confront, has shaped the depth of my feelings and my ability to truly connect with characters. In many ways, my struggles have become the foundation of my strength as an actor. And here I am now—still auditioning, still taking acting classes, still updating my headshots every so often, and still hoping my big break will come soon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was my own ego. As an actor, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re the best, that you’ve got all the talent and craft worthy of an Oscar. But, spoiler alert, I was so wrong. People often think acting is easy, but in reality, it’s incredibly challenging. You have to stay grounded and honest in every moment. Have you ever watched a film and thought, “ I can tell the actor is acting”? That’s because they’re not truly connected to the script—it’s just performative. A friend invited me to take a class at Krater Studios, and at first, I was hesitant. Obviously, I already knew everything I needed to know about acting (I mean, come on, who doesn’t?), but I quickly learned how wrong I was. I, too, had fallen into the trap of performance over authenticity. Taking those classes bruised my ego, but it taught me that acting isn’t something you just perfect once—it’s a process, one that requires constant practice and growth.
In 2022, I really committed to Krater Studios, and Jen Krater pushed me in ways I never expected. One of my biggest struggles was crying on camera—I was deeply insecure about it. Here I was, wanting to be an actor, yet unable to tap into my own emotions. I realized I had been blocking my own talent, held back by the fear of reliving painful memories from my childhood. But since joining Krater, my craft has improved exponentially, and my confidence in my abilities has grown immensely. I quickly became known as the “cry baby” in class, which, honestly, I wear like a badge of honor now. I was terrified of being vulnerable, but I’ve learned that vulnerability is actually one of my greatest strengths.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an actor. When I’m not auditioning, I’m a full-time corporate “girlie” working in HR—because, bills still need to be paid! While I haven’t had my big break yet, I know it’s coming. Some might call me delusional, but everything up until this point in my life has aligned perfectly… so why wouldn’t it work out for me?
I’m Latina. I’ve been compared to a Latina Beanie Feldstein, but honestly, I’m not sure how true that is—you can be the judge of that. At first, I only wanted to do drama, but I think that was because I was afraid of looking silly. So, I had to give myself a reality check! Now I embrace it all, the pretty, the silly, the ugly & the messy – to the point that my dream role is to be in a horror film. I have been told countless times that I have a killer horror scream, and one of my classmates said, i thought you were really possessed during a scene. Hearing these things always makes me proud because I know I’m doing something right. It’s a sign that I’m pushing my craft and improving in the right direction. Every bit of feedback, about my performance, reminds me that I’m growing as an actor and becoming more versatile in ways I never imagined before.
What I’m most proud of is that, despite 10 years of auditions and countless “no’s,” I’ve kept going. I continue to push forward because I’ve always believed in myself and my dream.
What sets me apart? I’m a sensitive queen—after all, I’m a Cancer! My acting colleagues often call me the “cry baby,” but that’s because I’m an empath. I feel deeply, and I have so much love and kindness to give that when I hear others share their stories, it often brings me to tears. That connection and vulnerability are what fuel my performances. Whether it’s a dark, intense script or something more lighthearted, I find emotions and memories I can draw from. Even in roles that seem monstrous or far removed from everyday life, I can connect to the character’s humanity. Because, at the end of the day, our ability to feel—whether it’s joy, fear, or anger—is something we all share, fiction or not.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
It’s not always about you. While we all strive to give an amazing performance in front of the camera, acting is just as much about listening to your scene partner(s). It’s not always about showcasing your own talents; it’s about giving your scene partner what they need to express themselves and to build the scene together. Acting is about the energy that’s exchanged between you both. You have to let go of how you imagine the scene is supposed to unfold. Instead, you create the scene with your partner, in the moment. I think many people believe acting is about delivering your absolute best performance on camera, but it’s really about collaboration and connection.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maritzaa.garcia/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@maritzaa.garcia
Image Credits
James Vela (all images – except orange shirt)
Marisol Garcia (orange shirt/headshot)
