Today we’d like to introduce you to Donio Hinsley
Donio, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From an early age, I have always been very theatrical with my storytelling, zany characters, and curiosity with the bizarre. Unfortunately, my financial situation never really allowed me to really understand that there was a place for me in the world of performance besides having a small dream. As I grew older and gained more responsibility for my own decisions, I started to get more involved in performance. It started out with taking a beginner acting class at Fresno City College during my duel enrollment time at Design Science Middle College High and later being convinced to audition for a dinner theater (Roger Rocka’s) by my good friend, Audrey Portela. After auditioning, and by some miracle, getting cast, I fell in love with theatre! I started taking dance, improv, and singing lessons gradually as my 3 minimum jobs would allow. I was too afraid to admit it then, but during those moments, I knew that my dream was to perform. I went on to get my BA in Psychology and Theater Arts with a double minor in education and literature at UCSC. There, I also had the honor of joining historic performance teams, Cloud 9 A Cappella and Humor Force Five Improv, both of which helped develop my theatrical skills more than my own theater degree. Alongside these great development opportunities, I got to (and still get to) work with the incredible Grace Kinstler as my vocal coach and Sebastian Arboleda / Julia Martin as my Acting Coach(s). From their training, I went on to get my performance business certification at NYU. Now, I have the privilege of learning from top professionals in Chicago at one of the top MFA Acting programs in the world (DePaul MFA Acting) and the top improv school in the world (Second City). From performing Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” quietly in my bedroom, to performing on the biggest improv/theater stages that my younger self could only dream of, I will forever be grateful for everything and everyone that helped me get to where I am today.
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?
It has not been an easy journey for me at all. Some of my challenges included financial barriers growing up in a low income family, having no artistic support growing up, being bisexual (which had its own challenges I focused most of my energy towards), struggling with homelessness, being a POC in a white dominated field, and finding likeminded creatives who are passionate and driven by their love for the arts.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I am an MFA Acting student at The Theater School DePaul in Chicago where I am training in all aspects of theater to better prepare for my performance career. Previous educational credits include a BA in theater and psychology from UCSC, a performance industry certification from NYU, and around 3 years of private voice, acting, and improv lessons that were funded by side hustles and grit. A big focus of mine as a performer has always been improv, so I also study at Second City Training Center. Online, I am most known for my singing content, though there are a few videos I’ve done with comedy and lifestyle content. I am most proud of the growth I’ve had in singing/acting without having many opportunities in the arts as a kid in a low income family. Because of this perseverance in artistic growth and what it has offered me, I plan to continue my education in performance so that I can offer the same gift of performance to others that may be in a similar position as I was.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Stay curious and busy! It is one thing to dream about performing, but it is another thing to learn more about how you can improve and act on it. I promise you that so much can come from small changes you make everyday that will slowly help you grow as a performer. One example is watching YouTube tutorials on how to sing, dance, and act (or whatever you have interest in). Another thing: try not to turn your passion into an obligation. If you spend to much time beating yourself up about not practicing every minute of the day, you’ll never want to practice. Try to stay curious and busy, but also know when to rest and celebrate being able to rest. Resting is just as important in your artistic development as practicing is, so work on finding a balance that works for you! I believe in you💛
Pricing:
- Acting Lessons (60 min) – $50
- Acting Lessons (30 min) – $30
- Meditation Session (45 min) – $40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thumbtack.com/ca/santa-cruz/acting-lessons/donio-hinsley-acting-coach/service/494846039090888721
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_doniohinsley_/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@donioisme?_t=8qgFP4mL9UV&_r=1
