We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Isabela Tilli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Isabela, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My generosity comes from my roots as a Brazilian woman ans artist, where we are taught to help one another in order to resist and thrive. In my culture, we understand that community is everything, and each individual’s well-being is tied to the collective. As an actress, I’ve seen how powerful it is when we support each other, not just within our professions but in every aspect of life. I am someone who believes in the power of community, and I always try to give back, whether that’s offering a hand to a colleague, supporting causes I believe in, or simply being there for people when they need it most. In Brazil, we learn that solidarity is a vital part of our existence, and that’s what motivates my generosity—it’s about lifting others as we rise together.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi! I’m Isabela Tilli, a vibrant, playful, and spunky Brazilian actress based in NYC. I bring enthusiasm, depth, and kindness to every role I take on. Over the last decade, I’ve dedicated myself to creating devised theater, starring in dozens of critically acclaimed shows across several cities in Brazil.
Along with acting, I’m also a trained clown, dancer, and singer. I’ve studied dance and performance both in NYC and Brazil, from ballet and tap to jazz, urban dance, and contemporary movement. My experience spans across many artistic disciplines, and I find that each one enriches the others, creating a dynamic and versatile approach to storytelling.
One of my greatest passions is the educational power of theater. I’ve spent a significant part of my career working with children and adults in underserved Brazilian communities, teaching them the transformative skills of self-expression, creativity, and empathy through performance. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach at more exclusive private schools like Avenues: The World School, which has given me a chance to blend my artistic expertise with my dedication to nurturing young minds.
From performing and creating theater to teaching and inspiring others, I’ve poured my heart into every role, both onstage and off, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come next.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I would say the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge for me have been:
Love and respect for my craft: One of the biggest factors that has shaped my career has been the ability to wear many hats. Acting, directing, dancing, clowning, and singing — these skills have not only allowed me to approach roles from different angles, but they’ve also helped me stand out in a competitive industry. Being versatile opens doors and allows for creative freedom. To those starting out, I would advise them to stay curious and experiment with different disciplines. You never know how each skill might come together in unexpected ways to shape your career.
Resilience and adaptability: The path of an actor (or any artist) is never linear. There are always setbacks, challenges, and moments of self-doubt. What’s helped me the most is a strong sense of resilience — the ability to keep going even when things get tough. I’ve learned to stay adaptable in different environments, whether working on big stages in Brazil or in small theater festivals in New York. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace the ups and downs. They’re all part of the learning process. Stay focused, and be open to change.
Sharing Knowledge: One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been working as a teacher, especially with communities that don’t always have access to the arts. Teaching not only helped me refine my own craft, but it also reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling and self-expression. My advice to others is to never underestimate the impact you can have by sharing what you’ve learned with others. It deepens your understanding and allows you to grow in ways you didn’t expect.
To those just starting out, I would say: Take the time to explore different areas of your craft. Stay open, and seek out mentors or people who can inspire you along the way. Be patient with yourself. There’s no rush to get to “the destination” — every step, every challenge, and every new skill is part of what makes your journey uniquely yours. And most importantly, have fun!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was the day my dad came to me and said, “We will support you in every step of the way, but you have to work really hard for the opportunities you seek.” His words were a defining moment in my life, and they set the tone for my entire career.
Their support has always been unwavering. I’ve felt their presence in every single show I perform or direct, always there, just on the other side of the theater door. The foundation they provided — both in terms of practical advice and emotional support — has been crucial to everything I’ve achieved. They made it clear that while the journey would require dedication, hard work, and resilience, they would be there, cheering me on every step of the way.
Their belief in me, combined with the drive they instilled in me to pursue what I love, has been the most important foundation of my career. It’s the reason I’ve been able to face challenges and take risks in my artistic path.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelatilli/
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