Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Aceves

Hi Valeria, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

For me, it all started when I played the witch of the west in The Wizard Of Oz in a school production. I was 7, and I already knew I wanted to be an actress. Fast forward to a teenager Valeria, who was about to finish high-school, and was building a presentation to show her mom how acting school was the best option, and the only option. I studied acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse, and since then I have been making my way in the concrete jungle.
Since my graduation I’ve done musicals, straight plays, films. I’ve played 5 year olds, 27 year olds, Girl Scouts. I’ve been the villain, the hero, the rebel. I’ve danced, sang, and cried my eyes out. I’ve gotten frustrated, impatient, hopeless. I keep coming back to loving it.
Today, I’m just one of many artists who are here in New York following their dreams. I’m one of may who are struggling and fighting. Who have been inspired and have inspired. Who have been taught and pushed. Who’s gonna make it, because we trust in it.

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?

Plenty. Billions. We still get up and do it. Why? Maybe we ARE masochists. But also, I can never imagine my life without it.
My biggest struggle, and one of many international artists, is proving we are extraordinary. Extraordinary “aliens”.
Visas do not grown on tress, unfortunately, and the fight of those “foreign” born is a tedious, expensive one.
Getting my O1 Visa has been the most rich challenge I have yet to experience. One has to not only fight impostor syndrome, but become the best salesperson for oneself. What it taught me was that I’m my biggest fan, I’m capable of anything and that everything can be achievable with drive and hard work (times luck).
To all my international artists who are applying, who are in the process, who are waiting for a response: you got this. Shots are on me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am an actor. I mainly do theatre, since that’s what got my heart first. But I also do musicals, films, and TV. I’m training to get to know the camera better.
I believe the thing that all the characters that I’ve played have in common, is that they are vigorous. I truly try to give my all to the characters circumstances, and being okay with the pain that comes from being human.
One of the latest projects I’ve been proud of is “The Chickens Have Come Home To Roost”. In this psychological thriller I got to play Angie. This character went from 5 years old all the way to 27 years old, and I really had to work on that physically, vocal tone, mindset. The play talked about abuse and consent and it really made the audience think and deconstruct and analyze. I love that type of work and I hope I get to do more like it in the future.

What are your plans for the future?

Right now I’m taking classes with Anthony Abeson and I’m really looking forward to learning from him. I am very excited of how my instrument will tune, and what tools will I learn to become a better actor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.valeriaaceves.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeria.aceves
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14012192/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

Image Credits

Coco Jourdana, Wolfbane Productions, Sawani Chaudhary, Chris Lesso, Carly Starnes