Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Carrión Álvarez.
Hi Jorge, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve liked playing characters ever since I can remember. I’m originally from Madrid, in Spain, and that’s where it all started for me. I have distinct memories of coming back from the movie theater with my parents and spending the next few weeks pretending to be the characters I had just seen on the big screen: Jack Sparrow, Aragorn, Legolas, Batman, Spider-Man… Letting my imagination run wild felt like second nature. That’s how I think my love of acting and characters and stories began: by pretending to be these bigger-than-life people. I didn’t really put two and two together until I was around fourteen when I realized that playing and pretending to be other people was something people actually did for a living. Once I had that realization, I decided to pursue my passion fully and come to the U.S. to train and study. Here, I’ve been very lucky to find a strong, supportive community of like-minded people. It’s been here that I’ve fallen deeper in love with acting and telling stories. I’ve also had the chance to work with elementary school kids, teaching them and sharing my passion for acting with them. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, and it has inspired my to keep working to make theater accessible to younger generations so they can fall in love with it just like I did.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any good journey, it’s been a combination of smooth and bumpy. I remember auditioning for drama schools fresh out of high school and getting into none of them. None! I don’t think I fully processed how much of a blow that was at the time, but looking back on it it’s the kind of thing that really could have made me give up. I think I was maybe too naive to let it sink in, so I trudged on forward, going to a fantastic fine arts school and trying other ways of expressing myself artistically. By the time undergrad was done, I decided to give drama school one more try. This time, I got into my dream school and felt so validated and excited. It felt like a new life was opening, and I’ve felt that way ever since. To me, that speaks to the power of taking the bumps in stride, understanding that if you stay consistent, you will find your way. I’ve been keeping that in mind since graduating last May. The world was sort of upside down for an actor: the remnants of the pandemic, a several-month-long strike…it’s not the most hopeful landscape to graduate into. Relying on community, on your friends and family, is key in moments like this. And, like I said, trusting that you will find your way. Despite all the uncertainty, I’ve been lucky to work with some wonderful people as a part of some really fantastic projects. And I’ve discovered new passions, like teaching and connecting with kids.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Even though I’ve been lucky to have been a part of all kinds of projects, I’ve definitely found a home in the theater world. I’m really passionate about the connection that performers have with a live audience. Just like listening to a record at home isn’t the same as going to a concert, I believe the same happens in theater. Therefore, I’m always looking to be part of projects that emphasize the actor’s connection with the audience. I’ve found that a great avenue to explore that connection is Shakespeare. Those plays invite performers and audiences alike to participate in a shared experience. The playwright gives you innumerable chances to share your experience with the people watching, encouraging their response. It’s truly a communal experience. I’m also quite passionate about physical theater, especially devised theater. In devised theater, the performers don’t really have a set script that they learn. It’s a collaborative process in which the company of actors develops the play through improvisational rehearsals and exercises. It’s a fantastic way to free yourself from your thinking mind and embrace a more visceral process of creation. Embracing that element of physicality, as well as the audience’s presence in the room, is something I always strive for and, hopefully, something that sets me apart from others.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Pursuing a career as a performer is more of a group effort than I initially thought. When you’re first starting out, there’s this idea that it’s all about you and how much work you’re willing to put it. Even though that’s still true, you quickly learn that being able to rely on a strong community will give you the energy you need to keep pursuing your dreams. I’ve definitely lucked out with the people in my life. My family, first and foremost, have been nothing but supportive of my journey. They’re always there to share their advice, their perspective, and their feedback. I’ve also been blessed to be in the room with some unbelievable mentors. My acting teachers have been instrumental in helping me develop a sense of who I am as a performer. I also been incredibly lucky that, since I started working professionally, I’ve had the pleasure to collaborate with some of the greatest, most creative minds in the field. It would be a disservice to list just a couple because the truth is that I’ve really learn a lot from all of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jorgecarrionalvarez.com
- Instagram: jorgecarrional
Image Credits
Christopher Carter Photography
