Life & Work with Karla Guzman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Guzman.

Hi Karla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
Hi! My name is Karla Guzman, and I’m originally from Mexico. My journey in the performing arts began at the age of 13. From a young age, I knew that I loved singing, dancing, and acting, but I lacked the confidence to pursue them. However, everything changed when I took the stage for the first time at a talent show. The applause and admiration from the audience made me realize that this was my true passion. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words but one that confirmed I was on the right path. 

A few weeks later, I enrolled in a musical theatre school, where I honed my skills in singing, as well as various dance styles, such as jazz, hip hop, ballet, contemporary, and even aerial silks, alongside acting. Over the course of four enriching years, I had the privilege of participating in numerous productions, including iconic shows like ‘MAMMA MIA’, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’, among others, as well as various plays and performances. 

Those training years were some of the best of my life, but the excitement escalated when the time came to pursue higher education. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic forced me to delay my college plans for a year as all schools transitioned to online classes. However, this unexpected break allowed me to research different universities and explore opportunities to study abroad, which had always been a dream of mine. Eventually, I found my perfect fit at the New York Film Academy in LA, where I pursued a BFA in Acting for Film for the next three years. 

My time at NYFA was invaluable, as it provided me with opportunities to collaborate with filmmakers and fellow actors, fostering tremendous growth in my career. Since graduating, I’ve been fortunate to be involved in various projects, including short films, music videos, plays, and commercials. Most recently, I wrote, co-directed, produced, and acted in my own horror short film titled ‘Speak No Evil,’ which I’m excited to submit to film festivals. 

This is just the beginning of my journey, and I’m thrilled to see where it leads me as I continue to pursue my dreams and aspirations in the entertainment industry. 

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?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve definitely had my share of challenges. About 6-7 years ago, I was super shy, which held me back from diving into opportunities that could’ve boosted my career. 

Then, the whole COVID-19 situation hit, and I found myself stuck at home for what felt like forever. No classes, no training – just a lot of uncertainty. 

Choosing a college was another hurdle. I mean, there were so many options to sift through, and trying to figure out the whole studying abroad thing was a whole other story. But when I stumbled upon NYFA College in LA, something just clicked, and I knew it was the right move. 

Moving to LA at 18 was pretty hard, too. Everything was brand new, and it was my first time being away from my family and living solo. But knowing that I came here to pursue my dreams kept me going and motivated me to give it my all. I’ve had my fair share of highs and lows in this city, both in my acting career and personal life. But somehow, I found my way through it all, and now, I’m loving every step of the journey. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a full-time actress, primarily known for my work in the acting realm. Currently, my focus is entirely on acting, which entails constant auditioning for roles, filming on set, and collaborating with various industry professionals. My specialty lies in drama, although I also have a strong passion for comedy. With training in both theatre and camera acting, I’ve developed a broad range of skills. 

One of my proudest achievements is having received training in both mediums, which has endowed me with a unique versatility when it comes to portraying diverse characters. My goal for this year is to immerse myself in as many projects as possible and continue honing my craft as an actress. While my primary focus is on acting at the moment, my background in musical theatre has proven invaluable, especially when auditioning for roles that require specific abilities. I believe this combination of skills and experiences sets me apart and enables me to thrive in the entertainment industry. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One of my favorite acting books is ‘An Actor Prepares’ by Konstantin Stanislavsky. This book was introduced to me early in my career and has been a constant companion ever since. It offers invaluable insights into the process of character preparation, which has greatly informed my approach to acting. I first encountered this book during my musical theatre training, and it continued to be a vital resource during my studies at NYFA. 

While I’m not an avid podcast listener, I do find inspiration and learning through other avenues, such as YouTube videos. I particularly enjoy watching videos where they analyze movie scripts and discuss character portrayals. These resources offer valuable insights and help me further develop my craft as an actress. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karlaguzman.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlaguzman_94?igsh=YzAwZjE1ZTI0Zg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr