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

Alright, Santiago thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I remember perfectly the second I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It actually happened when I was a 13-year-old awkward kid. It all started with a school play, a friend convinced me to audition for a musical production of “Sister Act”. Little did I know, that experience would change the course of my life forever. From the very instant I started to dive into creating my character, learning the songs, the dances, to the second I stepped off that stage, something clicked inside me. It was like finding something I didn’t know I was missing. The rush of adrenaline, the thrill of embodying someone else’s persona, the feeling of transporting myself into a different world – it was the best feeling I’ve ever had. And right then and there, I knew without question that I wanted to do that for the rest of my days. It was so clear to me that acting wasn’t just a hobby or a phase; it was my calling, my passion, my purpose. And from that moment on, I’ve been only getting better, learning more and explored the different ways I could share this passion for acting.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Let me tell you a story of how I ended up working as an actor in the film industry, this ride that began with a simple school play in Mexico City, my hometown. From the moment I stepped onto that stage, I knew this was it, wanting more of that energy I felt as I brought characters to life. Those first years I got sucked into the world of musical theater, having the privilege of working in over eight musical productions in different theaters and cities in Mexico, from the timeless tale of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” to the rockin’ vibes of “School of Rock” and the amazing drama of “Evita,” each performance leaving me wanting more. Then, like a plot twist in a film, I ended up working in a movie set where I found myself behind the scenes, learning firsthand about the movie magic I’ve always heard about. It was in those moments, surrounded by the buzz of the cameras and lights, that I realized that I wanted to stand in front of the camera, bringing characters to life on the screen. From commercials to feature films and national TV shows, I dipped my toes as most as I could into this industry, working on my craft and fueling my need for more screen-time. As I finished my high school years, I knew it was time to take my passion to the next level. And so, in a crazy and hectic moment of uncertainty (during the Pandemic), I decided the next part of my story was in Los Angeles: studying acting in the heart of the entertainment capital.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Let’s talk about resilience, because let me tell you, being an actor is the most unpredictable, frightening and fulfilling journey. You see, in this world of auditions and callbacks, rejection is basically an everyday thing. You pour your heart and soul into a scene, lay it all out for that audition, and then? More often than not, you’re gonna hear a very loud SILENCE, “thanks, but no thanks.” It’s like a little punch every time, it messes with your ego and can make you you question your artistic abilities. But here’s the thing: you gotta let it go, dust yourself off, and keep on doing it’. Because resilience isn’t just about going back at it after a rejection; it’s about embracing it as a necessary (sometimes painful) part of our journey, and to think that maybe after this “NO” it’s going to be a “YES” waiting for you.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being an actor is like diving headfirst into an emotional tornado, journey through the immense spectrum of human experience, and let me tell you, it’s what I love the most about this amazing craft. There’s something just magical about stepping into someone else’s shoes, stepping into different paths of life, and exploring all the human emotions you can imagine. From the greatest of love and joy to the worst heartbreak and grief you’ve ever felt, every role offers you a chance to get deeper into the human mind, and find what is it that makes us human (or any other creature you might portray). And sure, it’s not always easy, there are late nights, early mornings, and more than a couple of moments of self-doubt along the way. But the rewards are so worth it. To stand on stage or in front of a camera, to lose yourself portraying a character, it’s a feeling like no other, a feeling of connection and an explosion of emotion that reminds you what it is to be alive.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santiagoacebras?igsh=YzVkODRmOTdmMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.backstage.com/u/santiago-acebras/

Image Credits
Julio Cesar Flores