Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Rodriguez.
Hi Vanessa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Acting for me began at an early age. I always loved to reenact scenes from movies, whether I was alone or with my cousins and friends. I was probably about 5 or 6 during that time. I started to do plays during elementary school and started choir in 3rd grade. When I got to high school, that’s where I began to do musical theatre and absolutely fell in love even more with acting and singing. Throughout high school two elective classes I was part of-honors performance, which was the highest theater class that was offered in school. We got to perform at middle schools and went on to competitions in the state. I was also in Singsation, which was honors choir and both of these classes required auditions to get in. Theatre for me was my foundation but I always knew I wanted to do film and t.v. Fast forward, went off to college from 2011-2015, graduated with my B.S, got my first big girl job in the corrupt world and was never happy. I never felt fulfilled and felt like I was wasting my time. Acting was always on the back of my mind and would daydream about being on set, being on a show, commercial or movie, etc. I was living in the suburbs at the time and then I moved to Chicago in 2017. It wasn’t until 2018 that I made the decision to finally pursue my dreams and purpose. I left my full-time job, got a part-time and went on this new scary yet exciting journey. I began to take on camera classes, voice over classes and so on at different acting schools in Chicago. Met a lot of new people, got headshots and all my materials to submit to an agency. I got signed to my first agency in 2018 and I am still represented by that agent, who is simply amazing.
So from 2018-2020, I did a lot of independent projects, non union commercials and auditions. I continued to grow as an Actress, went to different acting workshops, webinars and so much more, I always found myself learning and learning (the learning never stops) and I LOVE THAT. During 2020, which a lot was shut down, I used that time to update my materials, read books and keep that acting muscle going one way or the other. During that year, late 2020-my agency here in Chicago became a SAG-AFTRA agency. This year I began to get my first co-star auditions and guest star auditions. I was auditioning nonstop and was being called back by the same casting directors. (Actors we know how that goes, audition after audition after audition until FINALLY, we book something, lol.) After auditions and auditions, I landed my first Co-Star role on NBCs Chicago P.D that eventually turned into a recurring role. Honestly, that is just amazing and just the beginning for me. Since my role on Chicago P.D, I’ve done a supporting role in a feature film that will be premiering next year in 2022. Just had a screening for a short film I was in, which was a huge success. I have a few projects that will be coming out next year as well that are currently in post-production. At the moment, I have representation in Chicago, tri-states (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana) and LA. That is how my story started and is continuing to be written 🙂
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?
No, it has not. This industry is like a roller coaster. Many highs and many lows. There are times where I’m auditioning and auditioning and not landing a single gig. No after no after no. For me personally, during those no’s and bumps in the roads, I look at it as a challenge to keep going and never stop. As crazy as that may sound, I enjoy every moment of it, yes including the lows. Because during those times, that really makes you strong and continue to push and move forward. NEVER STOP.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Actress-I’ve been in movies, features and shorts, commercials and t.v. At the moment, I would be known best for my co-star/recurring role on NBC’s Chicago P.D as Hostage Woman/Carmella Quintana. I am proud of all of my work, big or small. I learn and grow in every character I have portrayed so far. I love to take on versatile characters and to challenge myself. I think as actors, we all shine in our own way and we are all unique, no one is like the same person and I love that. For me personally, I am bilingual-Spanish and English. I have a good age range from 17-31 and I’m simply myself. That’s one of the most important things I always tell everyone, just be yourself.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is my family, close friends and my furry babies. I love being around my family, we are very close and every time I am around them, I am so happy, they make my heart full. I love being around my friends and seeing them happy and succeed in their careers and life brings joy to me. Of course can’t forget my pets, I mean dogs and cats are everything. I love them so much and have been a huge animal lover since I can remember. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Email:Â [email protected]
- Instagram:Â https://www.instagram.com/thevanessarodriguez/
Image Credits:
Nancy Vella (photographer of my headshots) Oscar Garza (Photographer) all other images are from my phone.
