Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karla Bacigalupo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Karla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I had the opportunity to participate in the 3rd edition of the Brisk Festival, a theater festival in Los Angeles where excellent plays were performed in English and Spanish. Alongside Ximena Galiano, we co-created “Necesito que me quieras”/ “I need you to love me”. A dramedy that aims to promote self-love despite our insecurities and teach us to not seek external validation. It was our first time writing and presenting a play at the festival, and our play and 52 more were selected (from among 250 submissions) to be performed in this edition. Getting to the finals depended on the votes of the audience and the jury. Our director Alonso Garcia, helped us bring life to this story on stage and we successfully qualified for the finals. At the finals, we had the privilege of performing alongside 10 excellent plays, featuring incredible talent from many parts of the world. Although we didn’t win the award, we had great reviews from the jury and audience. Also, we gained a lot of valuable lessons, and joyful moments, and made friends whom we greatly admire. We have the goal to return for the next edition with even more enthusiasm.

The second and most important project is happening this upcoming November, I am glad to be part of an extraordinary play. “Sisters from Other Misters” is a musical comedy written, directed, and performed by Anahi de Cardenas, alongside two more talented actresses, Ale Barandiaran and Ximena Galiano. We will be performing for 8 dates at the ZEPHYR Theater. The play will be in English, and it is an excellent opportunity to spend a great time with friends. Tickets are available through the link at the end of this interview and in my Instagram profile.

Finally, I’m developing a short film, now in pre-production and we will be shooting in late October. At the moment, I won’t provide details about the story, but it’s an ambitious project that will bring elements of my culture into a fictional drama narrative. We will be submitting it to festivals by the end of the year, and I’m confident it will generate a lot of buzz.

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

Two years ago, I moved to Los Angeles and began my acting career at UCLA Extension, complemented by classes at Stella Adler, and several acting coaches. I was able to participate and gain experience in student projects, and thesis; as well as shorts for film festivals, and projects that I created and brought to stage and screen. I got signed with Johnson Talent when I was finished with my studies.

The SAG and WGA strike is a determinant for the industry’s future; but in the meantime, independent projects and theater are the best ways to continue building experience. Currently, I am focusing on co-creating with other artists. I’ve been lucky that all the projects I’ve been involved in have been great experiences, from the script to the crew and actors that made them possible.

In addition to acting, writing is something that I’m really passionate about. It helps me continue being creative. But every one of my projects becomes even more magical with a team that believes in it and resonates with the stories, and in addition, they will provide their input and experiences to elevate each project into another level.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Having the opportunity to engage in narratives that deeply connect with human emotions is something I’ve always cherished. Ever since I was a child, I used to watch movies that brought me joy and uplifted my spirits. Now, as an adult, I relish delving into various facets of the human experience through my own work or the work of others. Witnessing the audience forge a connection with my story and its characters, carrying those emotions with them, is immensely gratifying. Moreover, in this industry, collaborating with a team of individuals who share a profound passion for their craft and discovering artistry and enjoyment in every project is truly fulfilling. It’s a realm where creativity and imagination know no bounds.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve made several career changes over the years. Initially, I pursued a degree in administration because it offered a “secure” income, but my true passion has always been the arts. Whether it’s painting, writing, designing, or taking pictures, I’ve engaged in these activities as hobbies and means of creative expression. Transitioning into acting was a significant challenge, especially when many individuals already had well-established careers. However, I felt compelled to take this new path; otherwise, I knew it would have remained a lingering regret.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlabacigalupo/?hl=es
• Other: https://www.ticketor.com/sistersfrom/upcomingevents?PageId=189305

Image Credits
Solomon Augusteyn Franco Salas