Today we’d like to introduce you to Marilyn Camacho.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. Acting has always been my first passion, but I always knew I had a knack for directing. I started out in theater as a Co-Founder of UrbanTheater Company, creating work in the most predominant Puerto Rican neighborhood of Humboldt Park in Chicago. I dedicated over 10 years of my life to building up the company with my partners, producing original and published plays by underserved playwrights. Having the opportunity to be the Artistic Director of the company led to learning how to produce, direct and occasionally act in the shows we produced along with building partnerships with other local theatre companies. I’m very proud to say that we are still thriving and currently in our 13th Season with a new play called “Back In The Day,” you can read up on the company and the show at www.urbantheaterchicago.org.
I knew eventually I wanted to transition into film and tv. While still in Chicago, I was very heavily involved in the hip-hop scene as an emcee/performer under the name “Ruby Yo”. I performed all across the city, built up a following and decided to shoot a web series based on my struggle to balance my theater/acting life and my hip-hop persona called, “Ruby’s World”. Shooting the web-series was my first hand at creating behind the camera, I was hooked. The following year, it didn’t come as a surprise to my family when I decided to pack up and head to LA.
Please tell us about your artwork.
I’m an advocate for women first and foremost, in being able to create, direct and write our own work and pushing other kickass women artists around me to collaborate with one another. Currently, in my fourth year in Los Angeles, I’ve gained traction acting in several television series, with strong roles not so stereotypical of what most Latinas usually go out for. However, it’s a constant battle to look for the roles that really peel back the layers of a character and that’s what I aim to be able to portray and create as an actor and director. Therefore, the importance of making your own is something I not only preach but also put into practice.
I just finished writing, directing, acting and producing my first short film/web-series called, “PUSH”. It centers on the lives of a group of six, diverse women who stories intersect in their experiences with abortion. It’s my response to what is happening with the Trump administration is trying to get rid of Title-X and overturn Roe vs Wade. I’m excited to be in the editing phase now, with the hopes of submitting it to festivals and the Emmy’s.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Crowdfunding is usually the way that most artists go to fund their projects. However if, crowdfunding is not your thing – I say use that “rainy day” fund you’ve been saving and put it towards your project. You never know the blessings that will come your way for taking the risk and using your own money. That was the route that I took and I don’t regret it.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can contact/follow me personally on Instagram @sheismarilync and support the project “PUSH” on IG @pushtvseries and go to our website for updates at www.pushtvshow.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pushtvshow.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram @pushtvseries
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PushTvSeries/
Image Credit:
Asa Barron Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
