Life & Work with Marina Vidal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Vidal.

Hi Marina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Born and raised in Brazil, I came to the US to pursue an acting/dancing career. In all honesty, things were very difficult, and I had several mentors who helped pave my way and get noticed in the industry. After a few years of hard work and off-Broadway shows, I was cast in the Broadway Tour of “On Your Feet!”, which tells the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, icons of 80s Latin pop music. That catapulted my career into more prominent roles and opportunities, such as being Dance Captain multiple times in the Tony Award-winning musical productions of “In The Heights” by Lin-Manuel Miranda. I’ve also assisted many award-winning choreographers, such as Vincent Ortega and Hector Flores, and I have danced commercially in several concerts throughout the city. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road. The struggles usually arise from being an outsider in an industry that is so well-structured and, to be honest, very judgmental. I feel that some people who were raised in this culture had the upper hand in several instances. I had to learn how to adapt quickly and how to leverage my strengths effectively. There’s a lot of talent in this city, so I had to learn how to make myself noticeable in a strategic manner. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am passionate about musical theater, and that’s where I have made the most progress in my career. I take pride in how I represent my culture and the LGBTQ+ community in the industry, making it more inclusive for people like myself. I believe I bring something unique to every production I am involved in by staying true to my essence as an artist and as a human being. Representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in musical theater and the arts industry, in general, is still lacking, and it’s my goal to continue changing that narrative, especially within the Latin community. 

How do you think about luck?
I believe in always being prepared. I wouldn’t say I’ve been very lucky in my life. I’ve had to kick down doors more times than I can count, and I continue to do so. I truly believe that the opportunities I’ve received were a result of being the most prepared and open-minded that I could be. This might sound unpopular, but it’s important to also ask for opportunities that you feel prepared for. This has significantly changed how I perceive and am perceived in the industry. People admire those who take initiative instead of waiting passively for things to happen. So, in conclusion, No, I am not one to wait for luck. I make my own luck. 

Contact Info:

• Website: marinavidal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_marinavidal/

Image Credits
Alex Settineri
Thomas Tan