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• 1 media/JoseMartinezCh_Headshot_.jpg 2021-02-28T10:57:34-08:00 José Martinez-Chavarria 16 plain 2021-05-09T14:33:25-07:00 What parts of the industry are you involved in?

  I am an actor, singer, and dancer based in New York City.

  Are you currently involved in any theatrical or artistic projects?

  I am really thankful and lucky to be working steadily through these times. Currently, I am cast in Broadway Mania's production of In The Heights. The production is very modern and innovative. All of the performers are required to rehearse remotely and record themselves professionally. All of the footage will be professionally edited to essentially create a movie-like version of the musical. This is my first time working with such technological conditions to produce a musical, and I have to say the experience has been very fun but very different from traditional theatre. It's camera acting heavy, so a lot has to come from you alone, unlike in theatre where you can bounce off of other people. 

  How has the COVID-19 epidemic personally affected your artistic opportunities?

  The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely reduced the artistic opportunities, especially in live performance mediums. Live theatre has definitely taken a hit and here is where I am appreciative of my training at Western Michigan University. During my time there, it was always encouraged to strive to be as great of a well rounded performer as you possibly can and that has come in handy during this time. Although live theatre has taken a hit with broadway closing, I had to seek out other parts of our industry such as voice over work, commercial auditions, and commercial dancing. The LA scene is a bit more dynamic when it comes to these kinds of opportunities but I have been able to book voice over work and commercial dancing gigs fairly steadily in NYC. 

  What do you think is in store for the industry? Will it be the same post-COVID?

  I am very optimistic that live theatre will come back to us all. We need it. Our souls need it but I definitely see a shift towards mediums that do not necessarily rely on that live in-person contact. Television is huge for that and the opportunities are boundless there. People are watching TV, sales are going down, and companies are aware of the chance they have to increase their presence in people's minds. More commercials are being created. More performative campaigns are being produced and even more voice over work is out there too. We are in an industry that is a business and sometimes it's easy to overlook that. Think of the Old Navy commercials where people are dancing in their jeans, or the state farm commercials, or even the audiobooks that are being produced - these are all opportunities that are adapting and need our talents. Commercials have even implemented "pod-casting" - which means they would rather hire groups of performers that live together in hopes of being more COVID-conscious. I think there is value in making sure you have the skill set strong enough to be flexible in this new age of technology and social media and I am confident that our future as actors remains bright. 

  What words of advice or solidarity do you have for other artists in the theatre industry?

  It is very disheartening to feel like the industry you have chosen is somehow viewed as "disposable". There was a shift in culture and I encourage all of my young Broncos to keep pushing and trust in your own talent, abilities and magic. It is exciting to know that we all compose the next generation and all we can do is continue to do our job, which is to create. Do not allow your creativity to die in this time. My friends and I do readings. Some of my friends have created podcasts. Some of my friends have produced movies and written their own scripts. Allow yourself to explore. I will never forget the words of Joan, Lofty, and Ms. D when they all said the more you allow yourself to grow as a person, the stronger of an artist you will be. We are all in this together in the end. Don't be afraid to reach out to other alumni too. Opportunities are all just around the corner!