We recently connected with Bar Daniel and have shared our conversation below.
Bar, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Throughout my journey thus far, I’ve found that embracing leaps of faith is a fundamental aspect of being an artist. Every day presents new opportunities that require risk-taking, and I’ve learned to thrive in that environment. When I reflect on my decision to pursue my passion for performing in Los Angeles, it’s clear that it was a defining moment for me. Some may have doubted my choice, but I was driven by a deep conviction that this path was meant for me, and I still hold onto that belief today.
the arts, I spent two impactful years in the IDF, where I served as the spokesperson for the bereaved families and lost soldiers unit. Those years shaped me and my viewpoints on life, they were filled with meaning and taught me invaluable lessons about living life to its fullest through the incredible stories of the amazing families I had the privilege of telling. However, my passion for performance beckoned me back, and immediately after my release from the military on June 17th, 2021, I embarked on a journey to the US. I wasted no time and began my first semester at AMDA College as a Musical Theatre Major.
The transition to my new environment was both exhilarating and challenging. In my first week, I was humbled in ways I hadn’t anticipated. From navigating the intricacies of opening a bank account to mastering the art of doing laundry, I was thrown into a crash course in adulthood. Amidst it all, I was reminded of the power of love—the love for my craft, for my country, and for representing my heritage proudly. As the sole Jewish Israeli on campus at the time, I embraced the responsibility of being a cultural ambassador, wearing my uniqueness with pride.
Looking back at the person I was three years ago, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for her bravery and determination. It’s because of her unwavering resolve that I stand here today, holding a BFA in my hand and on the brink of realizing dreams that once felt beyond reach. If you had asked me three years ago, I never would have imagined achieving the goals that now lie within my grasp. But through perseverance and a steadfast commitment to my passion, I’ve defied my own expectations and emerged stronger than ever before.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hello, I’m Bar Daniel (Yup, like a pub, or a rod). Currently, I reside in Los Angeles, where I passionately pursue my career as a performing artist. Singing, dancing, and acting are not just skills I’ve acquired; they’re an intrinsic part of who I am. I often joke that I was singing before I even knew how to talk – it’s truly my greatest passion.
My journey into the world of Musicals began In third grade. I was introduced to the iconic film ‘Grease,’ which left an indelible mark on me. Despite its less-than-PG-13 content, much of the subtlety was lost on my young mind. What captivated me most was the realization that there existed an art form that seamlessly integrated all three of my favorite disciplines, and of course, my first crush – John Travolta’s iconic portrayal of Danny Zuko.
Despite facing a language barrier at the time, my enthusiasm for musical theatre knew no bounds. I embarked on a mission to immerse myself in this captivating world. Hours spent devouring content on YouTube became the norm, each video expanding my vocabulary and understanding. Cast recordings became the soundtrack of my days, with every lyric and inflection committed to memory through sheer determination, I think I can confidently say that Broadway taught me English.
As a performer, I’ve had the privilege of gracing the stage in a diverse array of productions, spanning from original works to globally recognized classics. Among my credits, I’ve inhabited iconic roles such as Dorothy Gale in “The Wizard Of Oz,” Ivy Robinson in “Bare: A Pop Opera,” Hope Cladwell in “Urinetown,” and Maggie Winslow in “A Chorus Line.” Each character has allowed me to delve deep into their unique journeys, connecting with audiences in profound ways. I’m thrilled to continue this journey, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to step into more inspiring stories and bring them to life on stage.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
My journey as an artist is a continuous exploration of how to anchor myself in the love I have for my craft. I wake up every day with a sense of purpose, reminding myself of the privilege it is to pursue what I am truly passionate about. When I just got started, my drive stemmed from the need for affirmation, craving the admiration of others and letting it determine my level of talent.
However, as I matured, I had to undergo a mind shift. I came to realize that the pursuit of applause while gratifying, could not be the driving force behind my artistry. At the core of ‘Why I do what I do’ lies a profound commitment to storytelling, and to bestow the gift of sharing the experience with the audience that agreed to step into the performance space.
This evolution in perspective has been transformative, shaping me into a storyteller driven not by the pursuit of praise, but by a genuine desire to connect with audiences. Today, I try to find fulfillment in the resonance of the stories I tell and the emotions they evoke in others, learning this important lesson one step at a time.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
One of the most significant driving forces in my artistic journey is the recognition that there is always more to learn. The boundless expanse of knowledge yet to be discovered fascinates me to explore, and to constantly dive deeper.
With each new production, my primary objective is to encapsulate the essence of the human experience. Every rehearsal and performance serves as an opportunity for me to delve deeper into the psyche of each character I play, striving to deliver an authentic and resonant portrayal.
This dedication to authenticity and continuous learning drives me to push the boundaries of my craft, constantly seeking to refine my skills and deepen my understanding of the art form.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bardaniel050.wixsite.com/mysite
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_bar_daniel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bar.daniel.9/
Image Credits
Doug Penikas AMDA college.