Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Aceves.
Hi Valeria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been a curious person. Since I was little, I tried out all types of activities like soccer, volleyball, boxing and even fencing. Eventually, I got into acting through school workshops. I remember when I was 7 years old, while I was interpreting the witch in the Wizard Of Oz, I felt this sense of belonging that I’d never felt before. Now, I can tell it was the feeling of getting completely lost on stage by delivering yourself into it. Since that discovery, I’ve been acting.
I submerged myself in workshops from the acclaimed school M&M, founded by Patricia Spíndola, as well as CasaAzul, one of the best acting schools in Mexico. Since I’ve always been curious, I’ve always said there is always something more to learn. Some new techniques to familiarize yourself with, some new teachers to know, some new tools to master. I believe that one of the strongest abilities an actor should have is to become a “sponge”, ready to absorb all knowledge.
Back in Mexico, I was in several productions like “Dime que me amas”, “Alguna Chica(s)”, “Ruta 13”, “La Peor Señora del Mundo”, and others. Likewise, I developed a love for film, starting in short films like “Los Últimos” or “Lost Stars”. It didn’t took me long to realize that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Shortly after, I decided to take one of the biggest leaps in my career, and in my life. I wanted to go to New York and, not only study there but pursue my goal of being an actress.
I studied in The Neighborhood Playhouse School Of Theatre, the 2-year conservatory, alongside amazing teachers like Timothy D. Stickney, Carmen Lamar, Gary Kingston, Todd Susman. Soon after graduating, I started the production of “In The Heights”, produced by The Light Opera Of New Jersey, where I played Vanessa. Currently, I’m in the production of a new film by Dimas Salaberrios called “Camp Joy”, a project I’m very thrilled about and cannot wait for everyone to see.
Today, I am a working actress who does her self-tapes every day, and is living the dream of New York City. Still curious of what is to come, and what is next to learn.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe that everything that’s important will have uphills and downhills, and sometimes a little stumble along the way. Yes, there have been struggles, frustrations, and despair. The hardest things for me have been the art of doing self-tapes, and the self-judgment and criticism they involve. Being away from my family, and losing closeness with one of the main supporting communities in my journey. And at last, fighting against stereotypes created towards Latin woman, that are limiting to the reality of storytelling.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Mexican actress currently working in New York City. I do theatre, tv, and film, and I’m represented by the recognized agency, Innovative Artists, by the agent Abby Bluestone.
I have been working for 8 years in Mexico City, where I’ve been acclaimed for the productions of “Ruta 13”, “Dime que me amas” and “Alguna Chica(s)”. I moved to New York City in 2019, and started working on May 2022 after my graduation. I have been recognized for my recent role as Vanessa, in the production of In The Heights, by several people from the industry like Andrea DelGuidice, Jason Tramm, Christian Prins Coen.
Dimas Salaberrios, known for “Chicagos: American Hidden Stories”, recently said to me, after wrapping up one day while filming Camp Joy, “I have several movies coming up and we really enjoy working with you”. I’m looking forward on all the projects that I can be a part of.
I am most proud of an interpretation I did of a character named Carmina. Her monologue surrounded the death of her best friend in the original play of Jimena Merodio, “Ruta 13”.
I feel proud of this project mainly because I didn’t recognize the impact it had, till later, when people reached out to me and thank me for giving voice to one of the worst feelings in the world.
I believe one of the most powerful abilities an actor has, is to genuinely touch people to the bottom of their hearts. And on that project, I clarify myself that I can do this. I can be an actress that touches hearts and reaches souls.
I believe that my drive is one of the things that have gotten me this far. I’ve encountered obstacle after obstacle, and found my way back to my path. I believe that’s one of the things that sets me apart. The resilience towards obtaining my goal.
For me, becoming a successful actress it’s not a dream, it’s a goal. I truly believe that how you set your mind, is how you overcome everything that comes at you. Therefore, I encourage everyone to set their dreams into goals, and not “chase them”, but create a plan to reach them.
Likewise, I have a strong desire to change the stereotype surrounding Latin woman on Hollywood. To tell more stories than that one surrounding narcotraffiic, or cleaning products or s*x symbols. Stories where the strong, brave, caring, fighter Mexican woman is honestly represented. Where we can pay tribute to all the ones that were before us, and all the others that are to come.
What matters most to you? Why?
At this point of my life, in my career, I can say that what matters most to me is to give voice to the ones that don’t have one, or better said, to provide a space for them to express their voice.
We’ve always recognized how strong it is when an actor tells a story of a marginalized group. We’ve always recognized the power of representation. We’ve always recognized the power of telling different stories. But why haven’t we done more? Why have we played it “safe”?
Theatre shouldn’t be safe. Neither TV or Film. It should be HONEST.
I remembered when I watched Roma by Cuarón, and I said to myself “this is the story of one of thousand Mexican women who has done this for years. But now, people can SEE them.” And people did start to truly see them, to the point that a huge moral discussion opened up. Only because of a film.
There’s power in art. There’s change in art. And I want to be part of that change. Why? So in a few years, little girls all around Latin America can see themselves not only as princesses. But as lawyers like Camille Vazquez, as athletes like Alexa Citlali Moreno Medina, as chefs like Claudia Albertina Ruiz Sántiz, as MEXICAN.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valeriaaceves.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeria.aceves/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeria.acevess
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14012192/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
Image Credits
Ismael Rosales
Rosalyn Tramm
