Daniella Castoria shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Daniella , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
This past week, I had the incredible opportunity to step into a different track in a show and a role I had performed earlier this year, but never at this theater and with this team. I learned the role of Anita for this show in just under 48 hours and went on stage at the Los Angeles Opera in front of 3,200 people, performing while someone was flown in to cover my usual track as Rosalia in West Side Story.
Despite the whirlwind of emotions, I stayed focused on honoring Anita, her confidence, her individuality, and the strength that comes from her culture and family, while remaining true to honoring the original West Side Story script and score. My cast and creative team were incredibly supportive, and their trust and encouragement made the experience even more meaningful. It reminded me of the profound power of storytelling, of rising to a challenge with presence and heart, and of the resilience we discover in ourselves when we are fully committed. Ultimately, it proved that with focus, heart, a strong work ethic, and the support of those around me, I can rise to any challenge.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Daniella Castoria, and I am a bicoastal actress, dancer, and singer. I moved to Los Angeles in 2016 and began truly working bicoastally in 2022. I was born in New York and raised in New Jersey and I’ve explored just about every corner of the performing arts world. My experience spans from film, TV, commercials, voiceovers, music videos, and podcasts, as well as musical theater, theater, concerts, and even opera.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was told I didn’t have the talent to make it professionally in this industry. That I just wouldn’t get there. I carried that belief into my early auditions, not realizing how much those words were affecting my confidence. I genuinely thought I had to be naturally talented to succeed, or that I just didn’t have “it” whatever “it” was.
Over time, I learned that success isn’t just about innate ability or other people’s opinions. Dedication, persistence, and learning from failure are equally, if not more important. Every time I’ve faced a challenge, whether learning a difficult role, stepping into a part at the last minute, or navigating a new creative environment, I’ve seen how preparation, effort, and the work I do when no one is watching truly makes the difference.
I’ve now completely changed how I approach challenges today. I focus on growth, I embrace the learning process, and trust that my consistent work will take me where I want to go. Ultimately, I believe that if I keep learning, growing, and showing up, the right opportunities will come my way.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience and perspective in a way that success never could. It pushed me to work harder, trust the process, and embrace growth over validation. Success feels rewarding, but it’s failure and struggle that have truly shaped my confidence, adaptability, and determination to keep showing up for myself. For every “no” I’ve heard, I’ve used it as fuel to keep climbing, reaching, and working towards that one “yes.” It’s a constant uphill climb, a continual effort to grow and challenge myself, and live in the uncomfortable or unknown, but it’s that journey that has taught me more than any easy win ever could.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what really matters to me is giving my all to everything I do and showing up fully for the people I care about. They’d say that I’m someone who values growth, dedication, and creativity because I approach both my work and my relationships with the same passion. Whether it’s preparing for a role, collaborating with a team, or supporting a friend, they’d say I’m committed to giving 100% and staying true to myself. They’d also joke that while my calendar is packed with auditions and rehearsals, somehow both my performer friends and the ones who’ve never acted are reading lines for a musical, TV show or commercial on our girls’ trips because that’s how full out I am.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m fully immersed in a rehearsal or performance when all the preparation and nerves drop away and I’m just present in the moment, telling the story. That flow state, where everything clicks, is incredibly grounding for me. It feels like I’m floating in the ocean and simultaneously on top of the world. I feel like I was meant to tell stories through a variety of art forms, and that there’s no box or limit I need to stay in. I’m meant to push the boundaries of what a performer can do and transform every stage, screen, and story I touch.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daniellacastoria.com
- Instagram: @daniicastoriaa
- Linkedin: Daniella Castoria
- Facebook: @daniellacastoria
Image Credits
Emily Lambert, JT Church, Cristyn Dang
