We were lucky to catch up with Nora Pantoja recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nora, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

There came a point in life where I was at a crossroads. I was freshly divorced and in limbo. I had the option to go back home to Miami with family but instead felt called to move to New York. I called up an old college friend from undergrad who was living there and decided to catch up with her, two weeks later she calls me and mentions she needs a roomate. The stars seemed to be aligning. I didn’t have a job lined up, I honestly wasn’t sure what I would be doing in New York but I felt like it was the right time to jump. So with very little money in my pocket I drove from Miami to New York. Got a job as a teacher once I landed, and ironically enough the school was across the street from Juilliard. Everyday I would walk to work and stand in front of the school and say a prayer, “I don’t know why but I belong there”. I went ahead and decided to audition for Juilliard, which was a crazy adventure and tested me in many ways as an actor. I was blessed to get in. The doors kept opening. Two years later and now as I begin my third year as an MFA student Tuition is fully free. Taking the risk to make the jump to New York was in the books for me. I needed to be at a place where I had lost everything and was willing to risk it all. Once I jumped all the puzzle pieces came together and confirmation as an artist, and human came through. Trust the process.

Nora, 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 started in the music world and grew up at the church working as a worship leader. I shifted late in highschool and college to theatre and truly fell in love with the world. I went to college at Florida International University. This journey from college really paved the path for the rest of my career. I began to teach as soon as I graduated. I directed many childrens plays and musicals. Taught over eight years all areas of acting, movement, acting, voice, singing, makeup design.I think my background in undergrad gave me the ability to make sure that my students are well rounded in multiple areas in their craft. I also love to work on latinx plays and have BIPOC voices be heard and tell their stories.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I believe as artist we are vessels and what we do truly is a calling. And though there is art for arts sake and entertainment I believe that it is our duty to use our platform for good. To get voices and stories that won’t otherwise be given life. To allow all sorts of people from backgrounds and ethnicities get a chance to see themselves on stage. It is also so rewarding to collaborate with a group of artist who share the same vision and create magic through the art form of storytelling.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think making theatre accessible for all incomes. There are so many people who do not get to experience some of these stories due to price tags. There should be more support on this end. To be able to show the world all that art has to offer and not let money be what stops them from experiencing it.

Contact Info:

• Website: norapantoja.com
• Instagram: _norapantoja

Image Credits
Gus Leon