We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Donio Hinsley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Donio, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was during Fresno City College’s production of “The Thanksgiving Play”. It was a comedy, but it dealt with themes of cultural appropriation and the tension between representation and misrepresentation—subjects that hit home for me growing up as a bisexual native American in a low-income family, where I often felt that my identity and the stories of my community were misunderstood or dismissed. I hadn’t realized until that moment how much theater could be a platform for those conversations.

We were a small, diverse group of students, and none of us had much experience, but there was something so raw and electric about how this play forced us to reckon with history, stereotypes, and what it means to tell a story. I remember rehearsing a scene where we were satirizing the Thanksgiving narrative, and something in me just clicked. It wasn’t just about making people laugh—though that felt great—it was about using humor to shine a light on the harm done by those who control the narrative. It was about using performance as a tool for understanding, for exposing uncomfortable truths, and, most of all, for changing minds.

It hit me right then: performance had power, real power. I could see how art could disrupt the way people think, how it could challenge the status quo, and how it could be a means of giving a voice to the silenced. I realized that acting wasn’t just about escaping into someone else’s life for a few hours—it was about finding ways to bring new perspectives to life, to shift people’s perceptions of the world.

At the time, I wasn’t sure how it would all work out or how I could make this my career. I was still navigating my own struggles, trying to figure out how I could work towards financial stability while also holding onto this fire that theater had lit inside me. But what I did know was that the work I’d done on stage felt bigger than just that moment. It felt like a call to action—like I was meant to use my craft to tell stories that could spark change in the world. From that point on, I was hooked.

And now, here I am, an MFA student at DePaul’s Theater School, still holding onto that same purpose. Every production I do reminds me that performance isn’t just a way to entertain; it’s a way to transform, to push boundaries, and to open minds.

Donio, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! I’m a 22-year-old Native American actor, performance artist, and cover artist from the Pascua Yaqui tribe of Arizona. My journey into the world of theater wasn’t always straightforward. In fact, I spegrowing up as a bisexual Native American most of my childhood convinced I would become a lawyer. I thought a career in law would offer me security and the ability to make a tangible impact on the world. However, my path took a significant turn during my junior year of high school, when a year-long college project opened my eyes to a different possibility: the world of performance.

The turning point came when a close friend encouraged me to audition for a dinner theater production. I didn’t have any experience, but I was drawn to the idea of making friends and trying something new. At my audition, I had no training, so I faked confidence and simply had fun with it. Surprisingly, this landed me a role as a tap dancer in “Newsies,” despite not knowing how to tap dance. This is when I first discovered the power of perseverance in performance. It was a feeling of pure connection, of being seen and understood, and I knew this was the path I needed to follow.

Since that moment, performance has become my passion and purpose. I began to immerse myself in the world of improv, acting, and music, studying and honing my craft in everything from dance to vocal control. Over the years, I’ve worked as an actor, cover artist, and performer, using my voice and presence to create art that is hopefully both meaningful and transformative. My experiences—particularly those that have come from my struggles as a bi and Indigenous youth—have influenced my approach to performance. I aim to create work that is authentic, vulnerable, and powerful, with a focus on breaking down barriers and representing communities that are often overlooked in mainstream media and theater.

One of the things that always keeps me driven is my dedication to bringing my lived experience into my work. As a member of the Pascua Yaqui tribe, I am committed to representing my community through the arts and ensuring that our stories are heard. I also see performance as a tool for personal and social change. Whether it’s through comedy, drama, or musical performance, I strive to challenge perspectives, encourage empathy, and spark meaningful conversations.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve managed to turn my passions into a career despite facing significant challenges, including houselessness. During that time, I created music, performed improv, and rediscovered my love for the arts. It was a reminder that no matter how hard life gets, the work I put into myself—into my craft—is something no one can take away from me. That belief drives me every day, whether I’m performing on stage, creating cover videos online, or working as president of the longest-standing improv troupe at my university.

My work is deeply influenced by my desire to help others and to make a positive impact on the world. I believe in the power of performance to inspire, to heal, and to create change. My goal is not only to be a performer but also to become a theater educator. I’m working toward earning a doctorate in performance, with a focus on psycho-drama, devised performance, and improv. I believe in the importance of a well-rounded education that blends various aspects of performance, including clowning, miming, and music. I aim to teach others to tap into the full range of human emotion and expression, empowering them to tell stories that matter.

For any readers and potential collaborators, I want you to know that my work is always driven by authenticity, a desire for connection, and a commitment to representing communities that are often marginalized. I hope to inspire others, particularly Indigenous and queer individuals, to embrace their unique identities and use their voices to make a difference. Every step I’ve taken in my career has been fueled by the lessons I’ve learned from hardship/the inspiring experiences of those around me, and I believe that as I continue to grow as an artist, I will be able to give back to those who need to see someone like them in the arts. It’s something that kept me driven, and I want to continue that cycle if possible.

I’m excited about what the future holds and about the possibility of collaborating with like-minded artists who are also committed to using their craft to break boundaries, tell untold stories, and create change. Whether it’s through a performance, a cover video, or a future class I teach, my ultimate goal is to help others find their voice, just as I have found mine.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I’ve always thought about the ability to disregard appreciation for “the process” in any art form. Often times, artists post their “final drafts” or wait to showcase their art until they deem it worthy of societal expectations. This is because many audiences do not value the artistic process very much, which I think is the most valuable part of art. That is the meat of the art and without it, we could not have anything meaningful. I’ve seen too many artists be judged poorly for starting works or doing what they love at a different rate than others expect.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Pay artists! Support their work! SHARE THEIR WORK!!! Your artist friend that just came out with something, just opened a show, dropped an album? Support them! That doesn’t always mean you need to spend any money either. Sharing their work to others goes a long way. Telling them what you enjoyed about it will also do wonders. Show artists you care about their art and you will see them thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thumbtack.com/il/chicago/acting-lessons/donio-hinsley-acting-coach/service/494846039090888721?utm_medium=web&utm_source=txt&surface=sp&referrer_pk=399664217050546189
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_doniohinsley_/profilecard/?igsh=MTNzNmQ4dHowYTNuYg==
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DonioIsMe