We were lucky to catch up with Atila Carmona recently and have shared our conversation below.

Atila, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

“I am very happy as an actor, but it’s true that this career path involves a lot of rejection and frustration. Auditions are highly competitive, and not landing a role is quite normal. Reasons for not getting a job can vary widely: not meeting physical requirements like height or appearance, having visible tattoos, possessing an accent that doesn’t fit the role, feeling nervous during auditions, lacking industry recognition, or simply not matching what the casting team envisioned.

There are times when you really want a role, and not getting it can be incredibly disheartening. Often, you don’t even receive notification about the outcome, leaving you waiting anxiously for weeks or months.

These experiences can make you question whether the sacrifices of this career are worth it, or if you’re good enough to continue. However, as an actor, I’ve learned to approach auditions differently. Now, each audition is an opportunity for me to express my interpretation of a role. If I don’t get the part, I believe it simply wasn’t meant for me.

This mindset has helped alleviate my anxiety because I no longer feel the pressure to be ‘perfect.’ Instead, I focus on showcasing my unique take on the character and what I’ve been diligently preparing. Furthermore, auditions serve as a chance for casting directors to remember me for future projects. Even if I’m not selected for one role, delivering a strong performance can leave a lasting impression.

For me now, auditions are about self-expression, learning from each experience, and moving forward to the next opportunity. In this industry, hard work and perseverance are crucial.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m fortunate to come from a family of artists; my mother is a dance teacher, and my dad is a pianist. From a young age, I immersed myself in contemporary dance, ballet, piano, and soccer. Despite not starting acting until I turned eighteen, my early experiences in dance and studying at Barcelona’s music conservatory allowed me to experience the stage firsthand.

At eighteen, I began taking acting classes in Barcelona, where my passion for acting ignited thanks to a dedicated teacher who introduced me to Uta Hagen’s method, which I became obsessed with. A year later, I successfully auditioned for and enrolled in Barcelona’s Drama Conservatory (Institut del Teatre de Barcelona), where I honed my craft over four years.

Following this, I moved to New York to deepen my understanding of Hagen’s methodology at HB Studio, where I studied for two years. As an actor, I believe my background in dance, music, and sports has been immensely beneficial. A well-rounded individual is capable of portraying a wider variety of roles convincingly.

I hail from Barcelona and am fluent in Catalan and Spanish with my mother and brother, and in Italian due to my schooling at an Italian school in Barcelona. I also learned English during my year in Australia and subsequent move to New York. Being fluent in four languages and possessing a diverse skill set has proven invaluable in my acting career.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

There are several things I’ve had to unlearn in my acting career, and one of the most significant has been the pursuit of ‘perfection.’ I’ve realized that striving for perfection not only doesn’t help, but it’s also an unrealistic ideal. Instead, I’ve found it much more enriching to experiment, try new approaches, and embrace the lessons learned from mistakes.

Coming from a background in dance, where discipline and rigidity are often emphasized, I had to adjust to the more fluid and responsive nature of acting. Acting, akin to music, requires a relaxed state and the ability to listen and respond authentically. The more relaxed I am as an actor, the more open I become to the nuances and stimuli within a scene.

Learning to be fully present on stage or in front of the camera has proven to be one of the most crucial lessons for me. Being present allows me to connect deeply with my character and with the other actors, creating genuine and compelling performances.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, especially as an actor, in my opinion, is the opportunity to learn about oneself.

Observing how people navigate life—how they act in various situations, handle emotions, and interact with others—provides invaluable insights into both society and personal growth. This continuous observation enriches our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Moreover, I believe that the most effective training for an actor involves seeking diverse experiences. By immersing oneself in different roles and situations, an actor can better empathize with characters, drawing from personal experiences to bring authenticity to their performances.

Each role taken on becomes a part of the actor, contributing new skills and perspectives that enrich their craft. These experiences not only enhance their abilities but also deepen their understanding of human nature, making them more versatile and compelling performers.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @itsatila
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@atilacarmona/videos
• Other: -Acting Reel: https://youtu.be/91bTtRcAWhY
  -Longer Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@atilacarmona/videos
  -Actors Access Profile: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/2294497-6383717
  -IMDB Profile: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14013351/
  -Casting Networks: https://app.castingnetworks.com/talent/public-profile/b7d32e50-dfe4-11ee-9486-8f6445217fc6

Image Credits

Pictures taken by Núria Antonijoan, Nica Fazio and Jason Contreras.
Instagrams:
@nuria.antonijoan
@nica.fazio
@jasoncontreras25