Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliana Destefano.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I found a passion for performing at the age of nine when I started watching Jim Carrey movies. My dad use to do Stand Up Comedy as a hobby right when he graduated from Grad school. He would ingrain Comedy in my mind. We loved watching SNL. I started taking acting classes in Houston, TX at age 12 and auditioned for movies and Tv all through middle school and Highschool.
When I️ graduated high school, I️ told my parents I️ wanted to move to Los Angeles. So I️ packed my bags and moved. I met my acting coach Jeff Dockweiler and started working with him every week on my craft of acting. STAND UP: I would go out every night and practice stand up. I️ would go any and everywhere to try my new jokes. I’ve performed in bowling alleys and even laundromats. There’s this one place in Hollywood that’s a tent behind a 7/11 where some of us comics would practice.
Has it been a smooth road?
First few years weren’t so smooth. I felt like I ran into a lot of my own insecurities. Always wondering if I’m enough. Pretty enough? Tall enough? Smart enough? The moment I stopped caring is the moment I started to really work as a performer. I️ accepted who I️ was. It’s weird how it works that way.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m actually known for a lot of Lifetime Movies. Those thrillers you watch at home with your Mom. My main ones are “Smuggling In Suburbia” and “Psycho BFF”. I️ have performed stand up all over Los Angeles and have done shows with some known names. Nick Swardson, Bill Burr. I was usually just a 5 min guest spot but still best 5 mins of my life so far! Haha.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes. Los Angeles is the best city to move to if you want to be a performer. I think it’s best to start early in your hometown so you can experience being a big fish in a small pond before you move to California and be a small fish in a big pond.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Julianadestefano1
Image Credit:
First photo: SocialFactoryLA; Second Photo: Cal Bingham
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