Today we’d like to introduce you to Blanca Isabella.
Hi Blanca, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a Mexican-American actor from Los Angeles, CA. I grew up in a loud, loving, and proud household with my mom and grandparents. Although no one in my family had ever pursued a career in the arts, as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be an actor. From an early age, I fell in love with film and went to see plays with my mom at CasaO1O1, where I would be itching to get out of my seat. My love for storytelling and the work ethic instilled in me by my family gave me the support and courage I needed to pursue my dream of being an actor. When I was 11 years old, I started taking acting classes at East LA Rep in Boyle Heights, where I learned acting exercises and the power of Chicano theatre.
My acting teacher there, Adam Jacobo, told me about a performing arts high school and that all I needed to get in was to audition. I attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), where I studied Theater and had many great mentors like Lois Hunter, who truly believed in me. I was able to get a strong foundation in my theatre training there, and is also where I began acting for film. Spending every weekend making films with my friends not only taught me so much about the medium but deepened my love for film even more. In my time at LACHSA, acting in plays and making short films gave me the creative outlet I needed to learn and grow as an actor and only solidified that this was what I would do for the rest of my life.
Shortly after graduating, I was cast in my first feature film, “Lolo” directed by Justin Huen and written by Chris Banda, where I played Lorena “Lolo” Lopez. I am forever grateful for the experience I gained as an actor doing Lolo and the doors it has opened for me since. But mostly, I am grateful that my first feature film was an entirely Latinx cast and crew telling a story for and about Mexican Americans. “Lolo” will always be one of the most fulfilling and empowering experiences I have ever had as an actor and Chicana.
Earlier this year, I completed a semester abroad studying Shakespeare and Classical Acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). At LAMDA, I got to work with incredible actors and directors on Shakespeare’s histories and tragedies which has completely impacted the way I approach both classical and contemporary text. Currently, I am completing my BFA in Acting at Boston University’s School Of Theatre, where I have been able to do new plays, devised work, and now Célimène in “School For Lies” this coming winter. After graduating from BU, I look forward to returning home to LA and bringing with me all that I have gained from my experiences on the East Coast and in London.
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?
There have been difficult moments, but I have never fallen out of love with what I do because I truly cannot imagine my life without it. Because even in the moments that are hard or frustrating, I always have my art to turn to, to be my most authentic self. Now although much has changed, I still find myself being one of the few, or the only Latina in the room in many spaces. There is still so much change needed in film and theatre regarding Latinx representation but I am hopeful that things will continue to shift and that the conversations we are having regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion continue.
If anything, those moments that have felt discouraging have taught me the most about my role as an actor, not just in the work itself but the greater responsibility I hold in what stories and characters I embody. I remember being that little girl dreaming of one day having the chance to do the things I get to now, and while nothing is easy, I love acting and the power of storytelling more than anything, and it has given me a voice in more ways than one. With that voice, I want more young Latinas to know that they have a place in the arts and that they are more than enough. And as those who have come before me have helped pave my journey, I hope that the changes we continue to make now will help pave the way for many more Latina actors and artists to come.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work in film, and theatre especially, has mostly been new work, and because of that, I have gotten the opportunity to work with amazing writers who have provided me the space to embody diverse stories with powerful and authentic Latinx characters. In theatre, I have been a part of new work such as “Los Pobladores” (Ella Fernando), “OTP” (Ceci), and “It Happened In Jefferson Square” (Laurie), as well as plays such as “Titus Andronicus” (Tamora) at LAMDA and “Everybody” (Everybody) at Boston University.
My first feature film, “Lolo”, allowed me to tell a new story about a strong young Chicana finding her purpose. “Lolo” premiered at the first Mexican American Film Festival (MACEF) and has gone on to screen at other festivals, winning awards such as Best Screenplay and Best Actress. Upcoming, I am in a film adaptation of Victor Villaseñor’s novel, “Macho!” written and directed by Walt Perez where I play Lydia Sanchez. “Macho!” is a coming-of-age story focusing on 17-year-old Roberto Garcia and his journey from Mexico to the United States. I’m excited and honored to be a part of an amazing cast and crew to tell this important story.
In my work, I feel a responsibility for each story I tell and lead into every process with love and intention. Because of that and the opportunities I’ve been given to work on material I’m passionate about, I am proud of every project I’ve been in. I believe that storytelling, both in film and theatre, has immense power and influence to uplift and inspire, and I take that responsibility to heart with every character I portray. Through the stories I embody, I aim to uplift my community through visibility and hope to reflect the complex and intersectional realities held within being Latinx and Chicano. I hope that with the work I do, I bring truth and pride to our experiences and reflect on what it means to be human. With the experiences I have gained and continue to gain as an actor, I hope to one day direct and produce films.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think being a Latina first-generation college student and choosing to major in Acting is a big risk in most peoples’ eyes. Not only in being the first and going to a new place but pursuing a career with absolutely no guarantees. And yet, there is no other option. My family came to a new country with no guarantee of anything but hard work so that one day I could have the blessing and opportunity to choose. To choose to pursue my dream as “risky” as it is. Truth is, I would be nowhere without the sacrifices and risks my family took, and I see pursuing my dream as following in their footsteps: Taking a big risk for something bigger because as much as I owe it to myself to work hard for my passion and dream, I owe it to them for the hard work and passion they invested in me. So I take these “risks” for my passion, for a purpose, and for the promise para salir adelante, and pay it forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blancaaisabella/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13308634/
