By Kevin Ray Johnson (Staff Writer for OnStage Blog)

It is my honor to introduce you to the wonderful Alicia Kaplan. Alicia is an Actress, Dancer, Director, Choreographer, Producing Artistic Director, Broadcaster/Host, Interpreter, and Cultural Activist who is currently performing in the Acting Ensemble of Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk at The Metropolitan Opera which opens today (September 29th, 2022). Her acting debut in New York was in the world premiere of Venezuelan playwright Roman Chabaud's Terrible Angels at the Henry Street Playhouse. Since then, Alicia has performed in the United States, Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Spain in more than 260 productions in English and Spanish, including television series, films, soaps, theatre, commercials, and broadcasting.

Alicia is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Danisarte, which is a not-for-profit bilingual theatrical production company whose mission is to develop original productions in English and Spanish and showcase the talents of minority artists. A springboard for many novice artists, and an experimental company for many seasoned performers, Danisarte has been a pioneering advocate for inclusion and racial equality and a leader in diversity and non-traditional casting since its inception in 1992.

Alicia is truly a joy and privilege to watch perform. She is truly someone you love to talk to about her career and the industry as a whole. Her stories and endless knowledge in her career can do nothing but inspire those not only in the theatre business but anyone who crosses paths with her. I am very grateful to feature this award-winning Artist!

1.) How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?

How old was I when I decided to become a performer? Difficult to say, since I have been performing since the age of six. My Mother Ruth Antonofsky was the favorite choreographer of Maria Luisa Escobar, a well-known composer, zarzuela, and opera director in Caracas, Venezuela. So, my Mom included her three kids in all the theatrical and television performances that she was involved in. Many were presented at el Teatro Municipal, a magnificent theatre.

2.) Where did you study and do you have any mentors that truly helped you become the wonderful performer you are today?

I studied ballet in Venezuela with Russian teachers named Matlinsky, the Prima ballerina of the Ballet Russes Nina Novak (who was there because she married a Venezuelan diplomat), and Lidija Franklin (who danced with the Agnes de Mille company). In New York, I studied with Merce Cunningham & Don Redlich (modern dance), Maria Swoboda (ballet), Luigi, and Jaime Rodgers (jazz). Thru these various teachers, I could say I was if not mentored, but inspired.I also began my acting career in Venezuela under the guidance of teacher Paul Antillano, then worked at the Caracas Theatre Club (the only theatre at that time with a circulating stage), el Ateneo de Caracas and on television. In New York, I studied at the Center for Stanislavski Art with Sonia Moore, and took various acting, Shakespeare, and directing courses at H.B. Studios. As a young actress, I worked in various film, theatre, and television productions in Mexico City.

I was given many opportunities in the Hispanic Theatre of New York. I made my debut in New York at Repertorio Espaῆol, working in many classical Spanish plays, and have worked with many /Latino companies, including the off-Broadway Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre in bilingual (Spanish/English) productions and city tours. I also worked in a play at the public theatre. I have had the opportunity to work regionally in the U.S. (Austin, Texas, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, California) as an actress. I also toured Colombia with the Thalia Theatre and with my own company Danisarte. Many other opportunities arose in theatre, television, films, commercials, and broadcasting.

3.) Congratulations on Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk at The Metropolitan Opera. How has the process been for you at The Met?

Thank you. I am incredibly happy to be working at the Met. The auditions were very challenging, as is the process of being on a six-day rehearsal schedule and being part of such a fabulous group of talented people of spectacle. And working with a creative knowledgeable choreographer as is Ron Howell has been inspiring.Full Circle, since I began as a child in the largest most prominent theatre in Caracas, Venezuela. And here I am in one of the most prominent operatic spaces in the world. And again, as an Actress/Dancer.

Alicia in her dressing room at The Met during Lady Macbeth Rehearsals.

4.) Are there any shows or moments in your career that stick out and are near and dear to your heart?

So many moments stick out in my career as an actress. I have learned thru all my experiences. Most prominent though was the founding of my own not-for-profit production company Danisarte (www.Danisarte.org) which turns 30 this year. I started it at the behest of my acting students who wanted to continue performing. They were all immigrants that mostly spoke Spanish. I started it in East Harlem (el Barrio), established it at the Latin American Theatre Ensemble, then moved to the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center. We gave acting and playwriting workshops, and presented yearly festivals of new works, giving new actors experience, and professionals an experimental platform. I have directed more than 50 plays with this company and others.

5.) What advice would you give any performer wanting a career in the performing arts?

A performer who wants a career in the performing arts should study, study and study all facets of the performing arts and the business and public relations aspects as well.Be prepared and open and grateful for opportunities large and small to exercise the creative muscle. And it helps to have another means of economic support that one loves almost as much when there is a need. This is a fickle business, but then so is life. Finally, when the door of opportunity opens, be prepared to enter it, appreciate it, work hard, & shine.

Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk at The Metropolitan Opera opens today, September 29th, and Runs until October 21st, 2022. For more information please visit - www.metopera.org; To learn more about Alicia and her amazing career, journey, and company, make sure you visit - www.Danisarte.org

"Appreciate it, Work Hard, & Shine." - Chatting with Alicia Kaplan!

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