Today we’d like to introduce you to Fran Tapia

Hi Fran, 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 started my journey as an actor during my university years, and it was there that I began to discover my ability to express myself through movement, which was a new and exciting realization. I had never danced much beyond some ballet lessons as a child and I danced socially during my teenage years, especially during summers at a resort where my parents, who were passionate about Salsa, Tango, merengue, and rock and roll, would invite dancers over to our home. I loved dancing with them.

Working with talented contemporary dancers who were more experienced than me was a huge learning experience. I admired and respected them, and their influence really accelerated my development. The pressure to deliver was intense as I began performing almost immediately, but it felt right, and I was eager to explore what I was discovering about myself.

Acting was something I always had faith in—I never doubted my ability to create interesting characters and bring deep themes to the stage. However, singing was a different story. I lacked confidence in using my voice, had no formal training, and my early experiences in musicals were more about survival than anything else. Those initial years left a lasting impact, and I’ve been working ever since to undo the habits I picked up during that time. This is why vocal exploration has become so important to me. I’m on a journey towards self-acceptance in my vocal identity, striving to use my voice confidently, let go of fear, and move beyond the limiting beliefs that have held me back.

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?

It hasn’t been a smooth road, and one of the biggest challenges was not having anyone in my family or close circle who worked in the Arts and Entertainment Industry. In my home country, art isn’t typically seen as a viable way to make a living, which made the idea of pursuing a career in this field feel distant and almost impossible. My dreams were limited because I didn’t know what different paths were available to me, and I’ve often found myself living experiences that I never dreamed of simply because I didn’t know they were possible.

I began to expand my involvement in the arts after high school, and everything I’ve learned has been thanks to the inspiration of my mentors. It took me many years to reach a point where I understood that it’s possible to make a living from art, even though the path isn’t traditional and comes with its own set of challenges, especially depending on your expectations. I’m still amazed and learning every day that you can craft a life that truly suits you, managing your time and expectations in a way that aligns with your desires. I grew up in a society that promoted a clear and specific way of living, but now I’m giving myself the opportunity to create my own vision of what I want my life to be.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

At the moment, I’m working at Folger Shakespeare Theatre and we are opening Romeo and Juliet October 1st. It has been a busy month for me and I have been particularly excited because I have been collaborating for the first time with Spooky Action Theater, The Kennedy Center, and The Folger. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step into these spaces and learn from these experiences.

I’m a performing artist—an actor, singer, and dancer—and I have a deep love for theater and musicals that allow me to infuse my own voice and bring a contemporary vision to them. I aim for my performances to resonate with audiences by addressing current topics that need to be highlighted.

I’m known for my dedication and investment in my work. I do extensive research when creating a piece or character, which I believe enhances my ability to foster dialogue between different cultures and historical moments and to create a genuine connection with the audience and with my own story. I pour myself completely into my work, so every performance carries a deep significance. There’s always a purpose behind it, a search for meaning, and an intent to connect with the community.

As a mentor and coach, I am committed to helping each mentee delve deeply into their craft. I strive to ask thought-provoking questions, offer various paths for exploration, and support them in discovering and embracing their unique identity.

What do you like and dislike about the city?

What I love most about DC is its vibrant theater scene and the interesting work being done across the city. I’m finally starting to get to know more about the different theaters here, and I’m also finding more opportunities to showcase my work. However, it has taken time to adapt, especially as a Latina having English as my second language. There’s a language barrier that I’ve had to overcome, but I’ve been lucky enough to meet people who are willing to make space for me and welcome me into their spaces, and give me the time I need to adjust and bring my self into my work.

Pricing:

• Arts Project Consultation – $100
• Personalized Mentorship & Coaching – $100

Contact Info:

• Website: https://frantapia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franciscatl/

Image Credits

1. Fran Tapia Directing the students at Strathmore Summer Camp 2024
2. Fran Tapia taking a vow as Director of GALA´s Paso Nuevo Summer Show 2021: ¨Trashpickers¨
3. Fran Tapia with the cast of Mummy in The Closet, The Return of Eva Perón. Credit Daniel Martínez
4. Fran Tapia as Eva Perón. Credit Daniel Martínez
5. Fran Tapia Credit JBM Shoots
6. Fran Tapia on the 2nd Broadway National Tour of On Your Feet as Gloria Fajardo. Credit Production photos.
7. Fran Tapia at GALA´s On Your Feet en Español. Credit Daniel Martínez