Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Vasquez.
Hi Jacqueline, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Houston, TX, and I started performing at the age of 3 with ballet. I come from a 1st generation Latinx household, which filled my life with music, culture, great food, and dancing. Dancing is a big part of how my family celebrates and unites together, so dancing came very easy to me, and I fell in love with all forms of it. I continued with ballet off and on throughout the years, acting as my foundation to dance. However, I also learned tap, jazz, hip hop, merengue, bachata, cumbia, salsa, and ballet folkloric, specifically from the summer program at the Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts, also known as MECA. As I grew, so did my exploration to the other branches of the performing arts. I was part of drama club, I joined choir, doing shows and competitions year after year. I was a full-on drama nerd, and I loved it. By high school, I decided I wanted to pursue my passion as a career. I was accepted to Texas Christian University and graduated with a double degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Theatre. After graduation, I returned to Houston and worked as a music teacher while performing in the city in the evenings for a year. Being a teacher was a test of my resilience, dedication, creativity, collaborative work ethic, and grit. It is not for the faint of heart, and I’m honored to have been given the opportunity. However, I realized that I had put my dreams to the side, swept them under the rug, I was settling. And the one thing I tried to instill into my teachings and students was to believe in yourself and give yourself a chance. So, I followed my own advice, I gave myself a chance. I left teaching and starting pursuing a career as an actress.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh no, however, I believe every aspiration in life has its own obstacles and challenges. It’s no secret about the competitiveness, rejection, and finances that comes with being an actor. It was expected. However, my own personal challenge that I’ve discovered during my time as a performer is the “in between” period. The time when you’ve just finish a project and have nothing lined up immediately after. You’re not sure when you will do another show and have to find something to do to bring steadiness during a time of limbo.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Well, I’m a Houston-based actress, and I specialize in theater work, specifically in both straight plays and musical theater. I’m most known for my roles in Mainstreet Theater for Youth (MSTY), which I’m very thankful and lucky to have been given the opportunity. However, the project I’m most proud of is a show called “Carmela Full of Wishes.” It was MSTY first bilingual show, and I was so honored to help bring such a beautiful story to life with a phenomenal production team, cast, and crew.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My family, especially my mom and dad. They continue to be my steady rock during harsh storms, always encouraging me to shoot for the stars and never give up, even when times get messy. I would not be where I am in my career today if it wasn’t for their unconditional love and support. My friends, both the old and the new. They have always been a constant support and light during the process, whether it be cheering the loudest at curtain call or simply running lines with me at 11 o’clock in the evening. Also, my mentors from college, especially Twyla Robinson, who never lost faith in me, helped me craft a degree plan unique to what I wanted and inspires me as an artist and teacher to this day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline.l.vasquez?igsh=MTI2bjFiaGNnOXN2bw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
