Today we’d like to introduce you to Alanna Cabrera.
Alanna, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Dominican Republic. I have always been interested in the arts, especially in acting. I remember being obsessed with every child actor I saw in every movie and I would always question myself when was I going to be able to be in one of those movies. I took my first acting class when I was nine because a friend recommended it and I completely fell in love with it. I remember thinking that it didn’t even feel like a class because it was just so much fun. As time went by I started getting involved in other areas of the arts such as dancing, singing and piano and I enjoyed every single minute of each lesson, but something in me always knew that I wanted to leave the country and train properly in the US, specifically New York City.
Once I graduated High School, I moved to the city of my dreams on January 2019 to study Musical Theatre at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. This has been one of the best experiences of my life. Getting to be on my own, doing what I love, meeting people with the same dreams as me and sharing a bunch of amazing moments with all of my new friends. It has definitely been a crazy rollercoaster but an experience that has helped me grow in many aspects. Currently with this whole situation, no one knows how things will work out after this, but I’m choosing to see the positive side and I know that if New York is meant to be my home, somehow my path will lead me there.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely been a crazy journey. It is so hard to keep up with school and at the same time take care of your physical and emotional health. Sometimes we forget that our body is our instrument and that we have to take care of it in order to succeed in our craft.
To all the young people aspiring to follow their dreams, I would say, be patient with yourselves and with the timing that life has for you. Sometimes you might feel desperate or insecure, but I promise you that if you work hard and do things the right way, it will pay off.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m an actor, a singer and a dancer. I started training in Musical Theatre when I was 12 years old. When I graduated from the musical theatre academy, I then shifted my focus to dancing because I figured I needed more training in that area. I trained really hard for three years in hip hop dancing, and then I went back to acting. At 17 years old, I landed my first professional job in the musical “Little Shop of Horrors”, then at age 18 before moving to NYC, I played the lead role in the musical “Once on this Island”, which has a very special place in my heart. The whole experience was amazing. The people I met, the directors and producers, the whole rehearsal process and the outcome were all so magical. Acting is my biggest passion and I am grateful for all the experiences I have lived so far.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I enjoy reading plays a lot. My favorite so far are: The Shape of Things by Neil Labute (One of my favorite Playwrights). Almost, Maine by John Cariani
Contact Info:
- Email: alannacabreraA@gmail.com
- Instagram: @alannacabrera17
- Facebook: Alanna Cabrera
- Twitter: @alannacabrera17
Image Credit:
Cristian Perez
Studio Theater RD
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