We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daniel Assetta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daniel below.

Alright, Daniel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Well, I just celebrated one year of living in NYC with a solo debut cabaret show, ‘The Road from Oz’ at Feinstein’s / 54 Below on December 6th. It was a night of songs and stories from my career ‘down under,’ all about my TikTok-viral childhood videos, and how my love of 90s pop and classic movie-musicals led me to where I am today. A dream-come-true moment in an iconic venue like 54 Below.

Daniel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m an Australian born performer, originally hailing from Sydney. I’ve spent my whole life living, training and working all around the country. All I had ever wanted, growing up as a child, was to be a professional performer and I was very fortunate to be able to make that dream a reality after many years of appearing in many theatre productions in Australia, such as Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, Wicked, Cats & West Side Story. But, ever since I can remember I always wanted to do theatre in New York City. Broadway is the epitome of this industry, however, it’s incredibly difficult for Australian to be able to work and live in the United States. So I took a huge risk 6 years ago, where I began the arduous process of petitioning for a Green Card, proving to the US that I was an “extraordinary alien” and deserved to be here. It was one of those things that I didn’t want to regret not trying. So after a lot of paperwork, lawyers, references and money, I am so happy to say that the process was worthwhile and I’m now living in New York with my husband, Tobias and our cavoodle, Ollie, joining the hustle and bustle of the theatre industry.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Honestly, it’s getting to do what I love for a living – I know that sounds super cliche. But it is. When I was 12 years old, I was in a production of Carmen at the The Sydney Opera House. I was in the Children’s chorus and I remember at the time being in awe of the adults who were performing in the show. I was so fascinated by the fact that they were all performers doing what they loved to do but it was also their job. And so whilst Opera was not the industry I pursued, it showed me a reality where there was longevity and the possibility of making a career out of something that you enjoy doing. Of course, it’s not always that simple and our industry is a tough one to continually navigate through but that’s also what makes it so rewarding when you do hit those milestones and dream goals.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

always said that the most exciting things are probably going to be the ones that scare you. Running away from those things leave so many ‘what ifs’ and you may miss out on experiences and opportunities that end up being the most fulfilling. So making the move to New York City, after almost 30 years of establishing a life and career in Australia, was definitely one big and brave decision. Whilst it’s incredibly exciting, it obviously came with lots of new challenges too but I don’t regret it for one second. Being new to the city, has taught me to take chances, be bold and share what you have to offer. My Australian accent certainly has worked it’s own little charm and It’s just so exciting to be living in a city where everyone is striving for something. I’m doing it all for the little boy who was fearless, when that spark began all those years ago, and had the biggest dreams of a life of on stage.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://danielassetta.com/
• Instagram: @dassetta
• Other: Link to 54 Below show on December 6th 7pm Fiensteins’/54 Below NYC or Livestream https://54below.org/events/daniel-assetta-the-road-from-oz/

Image Credits
Michael Hull Production Photos – Robert Catto Lifestyle Photo – Phillip Hamer