"There is No Opportunity in the World That is Worth You Belittling Yourself." Chatting w/ Lindsey Anne Dantes!

It is my honor to introduce you to Lindsey Anne Dantes. Lindsey will be playing the role of Selena (aka "The Queen of Tejano Music") in Una Noche En Tejas - When Beyonce met Selena (Directed by Frank Ruiz with Grace Andrade Bowen serving as Executive Producer), which is based on the real historic event of Beyonce Knowles meeting Selena Quintanilla-Perez at a Houston mall in the 1990s, at The Brisk Festival in Los Angeles, California. She studied with Marvin Greene, Jonathan Moscone, and James Wagner at The Berkley Rep School of Theatre. Some of her past theatre credits include - The Diary of Anne Frank (Anne Frank), Dreamgirls, Shake Rattle & Roll as well as The Emperor's New Clothes, and The Billy Goats Gruffat The Improv Playhouse TYA. Her journey (Just like Selena's) is nothing short of inspiring and a strong reminder to anyone who wants a career that it is very important to forge your own individual path in this industry. I am very happy to have the chance to feature this very talented Triple-Threat!

How old were you when you knew you wanted to perform?

Like many performers, I knew that being on stage was something I wanted pretty much from the moment I understood the concept. So, what is that maybe 4 or 5 years old? Singing was and will always be my first love. It wasn't until I was a bit older, around middle school age, that I started acting. In high school is where I realized I could dance and I don't know who I would be without any of these three things. I even tried to step away from the industry for a few years in my early twenties (I know I'm not the only one). When I finally was able, to be honest with myself, I realized that performing is part of who I am; it's how I express myself to the world. There will never be a day that I am not thankful for every opportunity I get to perform.

Where did you study? Do you have any mentors that truly helped make you the amazing performer you are today?

Most of my training in acting came from doing high school theater and then taking classes when I was able at studios like Berkeley Rep School of Theater. Growing up, my family didn't have a lot of money or connections and I was the oldest of four kids so going to a four-year art school of any kind wasn't a realistic option for me. I opted to work instead of finishing college. It wasn't until I saw my youngest brother, Nicholas Dantes, and my cousin, Janelle Villas, build careers for themselves within the Chicago theater world that I started to believe it was possible for me. Watching those two has been my inspiration. Now that I've started my career, I take my training seriously and am continuing to take dance and acting classes as well as train with a vocal coach when I am able. However, I would be remiss if I didn't give credit to my life experience for allowing me to have the emotional intelligence and intuition needed to be an actor. My 28 years have not been typical and I can finally look back and be grateful for that.

Selena is truly a larger-than-life performer that truly left a legacy that is felt to this day. How does it feel to take on such an Iconic figure in Una Noche En Tejas at The Brisk Festival in LA?

When I first read the breakdown for this role I almost didn't audition. I thought, "there is no way!" I am endlessly thankful to Grace Andrade Bowen and Frank Ruiz and everyone involved for saying yes to me. Selena and her music have been a part of the soundtrack of my life and the lives of so many people that I love. I had to take a step back and internalize that I am being asked to play her, not recreate her. Nobody could ever recreate her. The best I can do is step into this role with all of my admiration and respect for Selena. I think anyone, regardless of what they look like, can relate to some aspect of her energy. She is so relatable and real! This whole experience is such an honor.

Are there any shows, performances, or moments in your career that stick out and are near and dear to your heart?

Well, I can tell you this one certainly will! This is my first time back on stage in almost five years. Like many performers, my most recent shows were canceled in 2020 before we opened, so it's been a long time. Outside of the stage, I also work in film. I had the opportunity to play a young high schooler named Jordyn in a short film called, Greñuda written by Denise Diaz and directed by Nahyr Galaz Ruiz. This role was such a gift to me because it allowed me to explore the duality of a young girl excited for her prom while also grieving the loss of her father. Greñuda is coming out this summer and I'm both excited and nervous to see it.

What advice would you give any young artist who wants a career in the performing arts?

Hmmm... Seeing as I feel like I'm just getting started myself, any advice from me should be taken with that in mind. But I would say first, always say yes to anything you are comfortable with. Even if you have limited experience, you owe it to yourself to try. Coming off of that though, never allow anyone to make you feel like your boundaries are wrong. There is no opportunity in the world that is worth you belittling yourself. This industry is both a dreamscape and a minefield. You have to find ways to pour into yourself consistently. Self-love isn't pretty but it will help you survive. When I was faced with a difficult work situation, a dear actor friend of mine kept telling me, "remember who the fuck you are" and that will stick with me for the rest of my career.

Una Noche En Tejas - When Beyonce Met Selena(A 10 Minute Play) will be seen at The Brisk Festival in LA on April 23rdand 24th. For more information please visit - www.briskfestival.com or www.unanoche.info

Make sure you follow Lindsey on Instagram @lindseyanne.d