Today we’d like to introduce you to Roxane Carrasco.
Hi Roxane, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a Chicana from East Los Angeles who wanted to be an actor on Broadway. Throughout my childhood, as we didn’t have the means for private lessons or coachings, I learned the art of performing through imitation, hard work and grit. My first professional gig was at the La Jolla Playhouse in 1986 when I was 16 years old. I hadn’t even had official dance class or acting classes other than drama classes at Serra High School in Tierrasanta, and yet I booked a professional union show. I was hooked and on my way. My first official dance class happened at UCSD while I worked on my B.A. in Theatre, emphasis on Acting.
I continued to work professionally in various shows in Los Angeles and at the San Diego Repertory Theatre, the Old Globe and La Jolla Playhouse. Pretty soon, I was in New York and booking National tours of Broadway Musicals and assisting Directors and Choreographers with projects in NY and around the world.
I finally achieved my dream of starring on Broadway with CHICAGO in 2001.
I returned to San Diego to attend SDSU and get my MFA in Musical Theatre (2014) so I could officially teach my craft at the Collegiate level.
I fell in love with the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, where I thought I could make a greater impact on aspiring artists that come from a similar background to mine.
I happily am the Chair of the Theatre Department at SDSCPA and try to be the teacher I would have always wanted when I was younger.
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?
Some struggles have been wondering whether to embrace my Latino roots or ignore them in the early stages of my career. There were some prejudices and some advantages to being Latino in this industry back in the day that were somewhat difficult to navigate in the industry, especially as a young woman trying to know herself in a very competitive field. Some other issues we’re dealing with the “casting couch” – meaning, I had promised myself and my dad that I would never use my womanhood or sex to gain parts or a rise in status in the industry. I have “lost” opportunities due to my not saying “yes” to these kinds of offers and I’ve left the room/the opportunity when situations like this have appeared. It’s not so prevalent these days as much as it was in the 80’s and 90’s, but it was always a learning curve as to the integrity of a production company and the producers.
I have never regretted saying “NO”.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a performer and a teacher – As a teacher, I work at SDSCPA – Theatre Department Chair – specialize in Musical Theatre – as a teacher outside of the school system – Master classes in FOSSE, BENNETT, ROBBINS, How to Audition. I also mentor Directors, Choreographers, fellow teachers and private artists in the city.
As a performer – in San Diego – I have worked at the San Diego Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, the Old Globe, Moonlight, North Coast repertory theatre, The Roustabouts. In NYC – CHICAGO (Broadway’s Shubert and Ambassador Theatres, 1st national tour as VELMA and as Dance Captain) + many other broadway workshops and out of town tryout shows.
I think my humble beginnings set me apart from the rest-meaning desire was there, but training happened much later. I was not privileged in taking all these private lessons/coaching that many people think are super important today. My perspective is always – “hard work trumps talent” and that it’s NOT TOO LATE to start. I think others instill fear or a sense of doubt when someone decides to pursue this art form at a more mature age.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
LUCK is a game changer. SKILL gets you in doors. But LUCK is the missing ingredient when it comes to time and place and nailing the job.
Contact Info:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roxane-carrasco-93078144
Image Credits:
Photo credit: Dena Meeder (body shot of myself sitting ONLY)
