Life & Work with Sebastián Gálvez of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sebastián Gálvez

Hi Sebastián, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sure! I was born a storyteller in Madrid, Spain — or so my mom tells me, and I tend to agree. Fast forward to college, and I somehow ended up with a Bachelor’s in Business and Administration from Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, MO. It’s a bit of a plot twist, I know. While most people would’ve been gearing up for a career in finance, I was moonlighting at night school in drama. Classic multitasking.

After graduation, I found myself juggling two worlds: a banker by day, and a theater performer by night. The day job wasn’t as thrilling as the stage, so when a theater company offered me a full-time gig, I kissed the bank goodbye. A bold move, but hey, that’s showbiz.

I then made the leap to NYC to study under the legendary Susan Batson. Spoiler alert: I ended up teaching her method instead of just being her student. Along the way, I got to work with some incredible directors like Richard Linklater, Abel Ferrara, and Josh Hetch—what can I say, the stars aligned.

Then came LA, where I continued teaching workshops all over the world (Spain and Chile, shoutout to my fans across the globe), and somehow earned the honor of winning Best One-Man Show at United Solo, the largest theater festival for solo performances, playing Tennessee Williams, no less (well, the festival was in NYC, but I was already living in LA, where it was born). Directed by Tony Award-winner Paul Sand, I might add.

Acting-wise, I’ve been lucky enough to have some great roles in projects like ‘Two Lives’, which got nominated for International Emmys, and ‘STAGS’, a Brit show from the creators of Sex Education. More recently, I joined ‘Older, Hotter, Wiser’ by Serena Kerrigan for Peacock, because why not continue to age like fine wine? (Kudos to producer Ainara Landon and my friend Jesus Lloveras for a well run shoot).

And through it all, I’ve kept my love for coaching actors alive. Storytelling is my thing—whether it’s on stage, on screen, or through the people I work with. So, that’s the story, in a nutshell. Quite the ride, don’t you think? Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, I’ve also been invited to cover industry news for Cultura Press, a media outlet from Spain. Because, why not add a little more storytelling to the mix?

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wish I could say it was all smooth sailing, but nope—turns out, a career in the arts isn’t exactly the “romantic comedy” it’s cracked up to be. For starters, there was that epic showdown with my father when I told him I was quitting banking. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly the family gathering I’d envisioned. It was a disappointment for them at first, but like any good rom-com, they eventually came around.

Along the way, a couple of agents told me I wasn’t handsome enough to succeed in acting. And while they might’ve had a point (I mean, it’s subjective, right?), I’m nothing if not stubborn. So, I kept going.

There was also the small matter of my best friend having to, well, make some… sacrifices to get me representation. True story—we met an agent at a party and she called me the following morning to tell me I had representation (you can fill in the blanks). And that’s how I got my first agent. So, whatever works, right? New York, though, welcomed me with open arms, and soon enough, I was not only acting but also coaching other actors. So, take that, haters! (In case there are any).

As for the love of acting—it’s like an itch I just can’t scratch. Despite the challenges, it hasn’t let me throw in the towel (even when I’ve wanted to). I’m still waiting for that breakthrough gig, but who knows when or if it’ll come. At this point, I’ve accepted that acting is more of a calling than a choice, and I’m just along for the ride.

Oh, and there were plenty of hours spent in therapy, battling my inner demons. They’re mostly under control now, but I’m not ruling out the occasional surprise guest appearance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an actor, I’m not just skilled with accents—I’ve got a chameleon physique that lets me go from playing a gritty Latino drug lord to a refined French Count from the 16th century, and everything in between. It’s all about versatility, right? I’ve worked on some great projects, but the one I’m most proud of is ‘An Evening with Tennessee Williams’. It took me four years to write, and mastering that Southern accent was no small feat—let’s just say it wasn’t your typical “y’all” you hear in movies. When I received the award from United Solo, it felt like a true acknowledgment of all the blood, sweat, and southern drawl that went into it.

As a coach, I’m grateful that Susan Batson acknowledged me in her book ‘TRUTH’. I’ve got a talent for pressing just the right buttons to help actors tap into the character’s core truth—because let’s face it, the job is all about truth (and a little bit of magic). My actors are known for making bold, out-of-the-box choices that not only surprise casting directors but often leave them speechless. That’s the sweet spot that lands jobs, my friends!

What sets me apart is my ability to blend technique with a deep understanding of character psychology and storytelling. It’s all about digging in and uncovering those hidden layers that make a performance unforgettable. Oh, and I might just have a little more fun than the average coach while doing it! The joy of acting is essential to the work.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best: I absolutely love how this city is a creative hub—it’s like a giant playground for artists. I get to meet fascinating people every day, and with so many industry professionals around, I’m always diving into conversations about what I love most: storytelling. Plus, I get to watch incredible films from insanely talented artists and attend Q&As where I learn from the best in the industry. In fact, Todd Phillips (yes, the Todd Phillips) has coffee at the same café I go to for mine. Any tips on how to break the ice with him? Or should I just paint a smile on my face and wing it? And let’s not forget all the premieres and events with free food—because nothing fuels artistic inspiration quite like a well-catered cheese platter!

Something else I enjoy about LA is that you can surf in the morning and hike in the afternoon—so you can be both relaxed and out of breath in the same day! Oh, and those sunsets—bursts of color painting the sky, as if LA itself is signing off the day in pure artistry.

What I like least: Well, let’s talk about the “natural wonders”—earthquakes, wildfires, and of course, traffic jams. I love this city, but sometimes it feels like Mother Nature is trying to throw a party and a stress test at the same time. Doesn’t it?

Pricing:

• $50/25min coaching
• $100/1hr coaching
• 20% Discount mentioning this article

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @seb_galvez

Image Credits
Bernardo Doral