Today we’d like to introduce you to Javier Collazo Lopez.
Hi Javier, 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?
I went to my first production when I was nine and it was to watch my sister in the school’s play. She played one of the Indians in Peter Pan. I was fascinated by the stage. At our school, there was an age restriction on when students could be part of the production. I had to wait another year before I auditioned.
I was cast as a hyena in Lion King the following year, and I haven’t looked back since. When the pandemic hit and closed all the theaters, I became interested in the film/tv world of this industry. My mom dove right in and got me the coaches, the classes and the material I needed to grow. It’s been a pretty amazing ride so far. I’ve added credits to my resume and continue to build it.
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?
It’s not always smooth sailing. The struggles of rejection are real but I’ve learned that it’s best to just submit and forget. Move on to the next audition, train and be better than the day before. Balancing school and this industry can be difficult too. It can be a bit much sometimes but I always find a way to work it out. It just comes down to priorities. My mom says that school is still my number one priority and that if I want to make something work, I need to do schoolwork first. However, if an audition is due right away, I take time to do that before my school work. It’s a balance. It’s tough at times and stressful, but to make it, it’s about working hard. Without the support of my family, my teachers, my coaches and my team, I don’t think I could do it all.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an actor who loves to sing. Not many guys my age are tenors, but I can hit those higher notes. I’ve expanded into learning dance too. My agents and coaches say that my look sets me apart. I’m ethnically ambiguous and many times that works in my favor. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. In just under two years, I’ve been cast in lead roles, earned many credits, booked commercials and I’m currently working on a feature film where I’m the lead. I’m proud of my growth along the way, which wouldn’t have happened without my team. I’m thankful for them. Also, without my family’s support, I couldn’t be here.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think risk taking is a big misunderstanding in this industry. What I think risks really mean in this industry is going outside your comfort level and playing roles you never imagined yourself in. I think it could also mean taking a leap of faith and doing something because you were given the opportunity. This summer, I actually went to New York and auditioned for the lead in a new Broadway musical. I never, at 16 years old, would’ve imagined I’d be doing something like that. If you had told my nine years old self, playing an ensemble role in the Lion King, that I would’ve stood up in front of a casting director for Broadway, he definitely wouldn’t have believed you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.javiercollazolopez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcollazolopez
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jcollazolopez
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCollazoLopez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL19k2YNOhxBqGyjxhCI8YA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@javiactor23
Image Credits
Kristia Knowles and Marliese Carmona
