We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lorena Pulido. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lorena below.
Hi Lorena, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
As an actress, my journey into this profession involved a combination of formal education, practical experience, and continuous self-improvement. I started by taking acting classes when I was in high school, I was in theater all four years. Once I graduated, after a failed attempt at pursuing a different college degree, I transferred to Columbia College Chicago for Acting. After some time, I realized that I would need a deeper hand holding approach and transferred to a Conservatory program at Act One Studios. The conservatory involved workshops to understand the basics of acting techniques, script analysis, and character development.
To speed up my learning process, I could have actively sought out more opportunities for hands-on experience. This might include participating in more community theater, student films, or even internships with established professionals in the field. Networking and building connections within the industry early on would have provided valuable insights and learning opportunities.
In my opinion, the most essential skill of many acting skills is the ability to have empathy. Having empathy for the character you’re about to embody allows you to place yourself in the shoes of the character, which provides an emotional connection and understanding. Another important mentionable skill is to truly know yourself. What moves you, what makes you angry, what evokes the most intimate thoughts and emotions within yourself. That is your compass. Follow it!
Obstacles in the learning process often include rejection, competition, and the need to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry. Overcoming self-doubt and building resilience in the face of rejection are important aspects of the learning journey. Additionally, understanding the business side of acting, such as auditions, contracts, and negotiations, can pose challenges that require a separate set of skills to navigate.
Overall, the key to success in acting lies in a combination of education, practical experience, perseverance, and a willingness to continually learn and grow in the craft.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, everyone! I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself as I embark on my journey in the world of acting. My name is Lorena Pulido, and I’m a first generation Mexican American woman born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I remember the exact moment I wanted to pursue acting. I was five years old, watching a school production of Cinderella, and while watching the live performance, I felt an incredible desire to want to be on that stage. I knew and said, “I want to do that.” At that moment, I realized the profound impact that storytelling can have on people’s lives.
After getting rejected from my second year at the conservatory program for not being good enough, I gave up on my dreams for thirteen years and pursued another career. I gave up… I thought that this desire to act would go away overtime. I had convinced myself that I would outgrow this childish dream. I never did. Throughout those thirteen years, I battled depression and obesity until I eventually got sick. A benign tumor was discovered on my pancreas and I underwent a six in half hour major surgery involving the removal of multiple organs, called the Whipple Procedure. This experience was terrifying. After healing and reflection, I felt that one reason for even getting sick was that I stopped pursing what was put on this planet to do, which is to tell meaningful stories.
I took a terrifying leap in 2022 and quit my job to pursue a career in Acting. Unbeknownst to me, my year in half journey has been filled with emotionally driven and meaningful projects from the stage to the screen. My heart has never been more full than it is now. I’m inlove with this work! I’ve learned so much about myself, my own abilities as an actor. My confidence is at a new level due to witnessing my own performances and actually enjoying them. I am genuinely an empathetic person and that has equipped me with a solid foundation to bring characters to life on stage and screen.
I’m currently focused on auditioning for various roles, be it in theater, film, or television. My goal is to immerse myself in diverse and challenging projects that allow me to showcase my versatility and commitment to the craft. As an aspiring actress, I aim to solve the need for authentic and compelling performances that resonate with audiences.
What sets me apart is my journey and passion for making that five year old in me proud. I realized, I have the power to make the choices to fully pursue this career. I feel such joy being on set, even as a background extra. My mission and dedication to make myself proud and not let myself down is what I believe has helped me stand out. In addition to my ability to empathize with characters and bring authenticity to every role. I believe in the power of storytelling to connect people on a deep emotional level, and I aspire to be a part of projects that leave a lasting impact.
I take pride in my work ethic, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate seamlessly with directors, fellow actors, and production teams. One of my most significant achievements so far is my recent appearance on one to Chicago’s top shows, Chicago P.D. as a Co-Star.
To any potential followers or fans, I want you to know that I bring passion, dedication, and a fresh perspective to the table. I’m not just an actress; I’m a storyteller on a mission to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and contribute meaningfully to the world of entertainment. I invite you to join me on this exciting journey, and I can’t wait to share my upcoming projects and performances with all of you!
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
As an up-and-coming actress, there are aspects of my creative journey that might be challenging for non-creatives to fully grasp. One of the key elements is the emotional investment and vulnerability that comes with the territory.
In my view, non-creatives may think that acting is fun and easy. They might struggle to understand the emotional rollercoaster of auditions, rejections, and the constant self-discovery that accompanies the pursuit of acting. Each role I take on requires me to tap into a range of emotions, often dredging up personal experiences or exploring unfamiliar aspects of the human psyche. It’s an intimate and intense process that can be both exhilarating and emotionally draining.
The constant uncertainty of the industry is another factor that might be hard for non-creatives to comprehend. The irregularity of job opportunities, the fierce competition, and the unpredictability of success make for a unique professional landscape. It requires resilience and an unwavering passion for the craft, even when faced with setbacks..
Ultimately, my journey as a creative involves a profound connection to the human experience, a willingness to expose vulnerabilities, and a passion that fuels resilience in the face of challenges. While these aspects may be challenging for non-creatives to fully comprehend, the richness and fulfillment found in the pursuit of artistic expression make the journey uniquely rewarding.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
First, there is so much talent in Chicago. There is a small yet large and fierce community of filmmakers, writers, actors, makeup artists, ect. I often wonder, how can we get these short films or student films in front of an audience? So first, recognizing that filmmaking and theater contribute to cultural enrichment, empathy, and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives is essential.
Another way of supporting is through financial support, whether through grants, scholarships, or fair compensation for work. Many artists, including myself, face financial challenges in the pursuit of our craft, and support in this aspect can be crucial. Affordable and accessible education and training is crucial. Ensuring that education in the arts are accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background. This can include affordable arts programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities for aspiring creatives.
By embracing these small examples of principles, society can create an environment where artists and creatives can thrive, contribute to cultural enrichment, and continue to inspire and challenge societal norms through their work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/lorenapulido/home
- Instagram: @loreyogilove
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoreKittenMe
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorena-pulido-28ba9446/
Image Credits
Brian McConkey https://www.brianmcconkeyphotography.com/