Today we’d like to introduce you to Delia Mejia.
Hi Delia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was first introduced to stage theatre as an elementary school student when I watched The Phantom of the Opera with my older siblings. From that moment the world was filled with music. I auditioned for my first stage performance in 6th grade. When I landed the role of Becky in La Presa Middle School’s show choir production of Dear Edwina Jr. and had the opportunity to sing, dance, and act in front of a live audience including my loving and supportive family, there was no turning back. From there I auditioned for every high school theatre production at Monte Vista High School, performed my way through receiving my AA at Grossmont College, and finally was accepted to my dream school San Francisco State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in theatre with an emphasis in performance. Since moving back to San Diego I have had the honor of serving as a creative board member for Riot Productions, participating in the Latinx Actors Cohort with Camino23, taking part in my first San Diego International Fringe Festival, and meeting and collaborating with many talents throughout San Diego.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been moments of ease and moments that have tested my faith in myself as an artist. Like anything worth doing, there have been sacrifices I’ve needed to make to pursue my dream of being surrounded by theatre. I moved away from my largest personal support to pursue higher education in a new city and for the first time I learned to rely solely on myself for reassurance and confidence in the path I chose to take. I fought with the idea that pursuing theatre is too much of a risk to dive into 100%. “What if I don’t have the talent or skills?” “What if no one sees what I have to offer?” For years, I continued switching majors and investing time in other options but always found myself drawn back to theatre one way or another. These thoughts kept me from realizing my dreams and my life became harder to manage without having a creative outlet. After falling into waves of depression and desperately missing the outlet that theatre and other arts had always given me throughout my life, I committed to my dream. I reconnected with local artists and made my way back into the world of artistry and productions. With the help of therapy, an incredibly supportive community, and my re-involvement in stage productions, I’ve learned skills to overcome the negative self talk and bet on myself fully.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am extremely grateful for the home I’ve found in the San Diego theatre community. My goals as an artist is to share stories that empower women, people of color, the lgbtqia+ community, and keep my culture and the story of my ancestors alive. I am honored to act as a creative board member with many amazing women in Riot Productions, a non-profit theatre production company that shares my values. As a company, we recently presented “Death and Murder and Poison and Scene”, a new play by local playwright Sarah LeClair, at The San Diego International Fringe Festival. It was my first time performing in San Diego since I moved back!
Additionally, through Camino23, an actors cohort that focuses on elevating the skills and voices of Latino actors in San Diego and Tijuana, I have had the privilege of working with many skilled actors and am currently collaborating on a new play by Xóchitl Quetzal Ramos an emerging playwright, actress and songwriter from the Tijuana/San Diego border.
Along with acting, I enjoy singing, dancing, painting, and have dabbled in playwrighting. I hope to one day produce my own work to share my story and perspective.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Put yourself out there, get involved in community events, be kind, and be yourself!
In my opinion, the best way to find people who match your vibes and values is to live authentically. Live your values out loud and people who relate will be drawn to you. I also believe it is important to support others in the community who are doing the work you value. I make an effort to see plays on a weekly basis as available and meet other actors in the community. Social media is another great way to know what is happening in the theatre community and support smaller production companies and emerging artists.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://riotproductions.art/about-riot-productions/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mejia_d/
Image Credits
Miguel Mejia
