Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander Mendoza.
Hi Alexander, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was little, my cousin loved musicals and she exposed me to movies like Oliver, Hello Dolly, The Music Man, and Meet Me in St. Louis. When auditions for Oliver were announced at a local school, they were looking for young kids to be in the ensemble. Through my parents’ encouragement, I auditioned and fell in love with the escapism of musicals; with the ability to escape into a world of song.
I think my love of music as a kid created a foundation for what I do today.
In February of 2020, I had just come off the World Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera understudying the role of Raoul. During that time, the tour performed in the Philippines, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Israel, Dubai, and South Korea.
Before that, I played the roles of The Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in several productions across the country including Alabama Shakespeare Festival. I also was a part of the 1st National Tour of Sister Act The Musical and the North American Tour of Mamma Mia! Over the last year, I’ve spent time in the studio working with producer James Thompson of The Writing Room on both covers and original music, some of which is now available on iTunes and wherever music is streamed. I’m also working with composer Joey Contreras on original music and it will be out soon.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Over time, I’ve learned the things that were holding me back were not people in the industry but were instead people from my past. I’ve talked a lot in interviews about how the way we encourage young artists will affect their future and their belief in themselves, so once I started accepting that the people behind the table were cheering me on and rooting for me, even if I didn’t always get the job, I became less frustrated. Rejection has never kept me from getting up and going to the next audition. The way we talk to ourselves and encourage ourselves is the most important thing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Singing brings me the most joy in the world and it’s where I feel the most connected to God. Being in the studio, I knew there was another side of my voice I wanted to share and I wanted to sing songs I wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to sing in musicals. Starting the process with original material has now given me a chance to share who I am in a whole different way. I’ve always been a part of pop-rock shows like Next to Normal, Spring Awakening, and Mamma Mia. The Phantom of the Opera gave me a new platform which kickstarted my dream of becoming a recording artist. That show was a dream to perform in and right now, I’m focusing on pop music and discovering that part of my voice.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When you’re looking for a mentor, look for someone who will challenge you and treat you with kindness. Someone who will come at you from a place of encouragement and not an attempt to tear you down. Over the course of the last 18 months, I’ve worked with artists and teachers who’ve kept me going, kept me inspired, and challenged me. Some were fellow actors, some were music directors, and some were acting coaches but they all worked with me to become a better version of myself and to draw things out of me in ways I hadn’t thought about before. It’s also worth noting that I reached out and took a chance with each of them, some of whom are personal heroes of mine, and that chance has paid off.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.officialalexandermendoza.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialalexandermendoza/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialalexandermendoza
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbFHhdYTIyveIri25g15fZA
Image Credits:
Photography by Stephanie Girard Photography
