Meet Arianna Bermudez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arianna Bermudez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Arianna with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My parents -They both worked very hard and instilled a good work ethic in me at a young age. Some of my first exposure to performing arts was due to my mom taking us to see shows from an early age, I can remember vividly watching “42nd Street,” at Miller Outdoor Theater and being mesmerized. She picked us up early from school to see “Fosse,” at the Hobby. My sister and I danced from an early age and through that I got exposed to musical theater. Saturdays were filled with dance rehearsals, shows and occasionally competitions. While I knew I would never grow up to dance professionally, it gave me the foundation to pursue theater.

I watched my dad do his 9-5, but he always played music, he has a band called “Angelucho’s Copabana,” and still does to this day! I can remember his band rehearsing in our garage, playing his annual New Year’s Party, recording albums, playing at restaurants, etc. It gives him joy and it is amazing to see him still pursuing his passion to this day. I can only imagine how hard it must have been to juggle kids, a full-time job and his music at the same time, but the music has been his creative outlet, like theater is for me.

I am a new parent myself and slowly dipping my toe back into the theater community, but I can proudly say that even after being out of it for a year, I pride myself in the work I put into preparation – audition season is among us and I believe in always being ready for any opportunity that comes your way. It is hard work, but it is part of the job.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I grew up dancing primarily, and then in high school I did my first play and I really liked it, and then my junior year my HS did a production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” and I auditioned. I knew it was risky because of my commitment to dance team, but I was given a featured role and it worked out. I found myself wanting to do more, and eventually – my senior year I left dance team for the theater department – a decision that ultimately became life changing. I acted in 3 shows my senior year and had the bug before I went to college at Stephen F. Austin State University. I majored in Communications with an emphasis in Radio/TV and minored in Theatre. I auditioned every semester and eventually ended up getting cast in Grease as a chorus member. From then on, I did smaller roles on the mainstage and learned a lot. I also did overnights for the college radio station and a local station in Lufkin called KFOX 95.5. I went into school thinking I would love TV, but I actually really did not enjoy being on camera and found I had a good voice for radio, which helped for theater too.

By the time I graduated in 2009, I booked my first professional show. It was “Little Shop of Horrors” at Texas Repertory Theater, playing Ronette. I had no idea what I was doing but I worked so hard to make sure I could sing those three-part harmonies – constantly listening to my recordings outside of rehearsal. The rehearsal hours conflicted with a potential radio job – so I decided theater was the better call and a day job to supplement. Been doing it ever since.

The first years in the Houston theater community were tough – I tell people that “Little Shop” was beginner’s luck because I did not book a THING until almost a year after that show was done. I was also in my 20’s and so were a LOT of other girls. I had to learn that rejection was a natural part of the job, and most of the time it is nothing personal. I took acting classes and voice lessons – trying to figure out the type of roles I fit and developing my voice. Somehow giving up was just never an option. I just kept showing up. I also enjoy auditioning (for the most part).

I have been so lucky to have gotten to play a variety of roles in Houston. My early work was mainly chorus in musicals at Masquerade Theater or Bayou City Concert Musicals (unfortunately neither company exists anymore). However, it was Jennifer Decker at Mildred’s Umbrella who gave me my first lead in a play called “Carnival ’round the Central Figure.” It was an amazing learning experience for me and a challenge. Mildred’s has become a home for me I serve as a Company Artist and Secretary of the board. I have gotten to play some really cool characters and participate in world premieres such as “Tooth and Tail,” playing Grainne. I love the dynamic of working in musical theater and straight plays – both are so different, and I want to continue to do both as much as I can. We have an amazing theater community in Houston and there is so much opportunity for actors. I feel so lucky to be a part of it. It has also grown a lot in the last 10+ years, and if I can get another 10 in, I will be so grateful. In some ways I feel like I am just getting started. I have worked with some great theater companies and artists.

I also started playing the role of Mom last May, and what a huge accomplishment that has been. I don’t know how balancing acting and motherhood will look until I am given the opportunity, but I look forward to the day my son can watch me onstage. I auditioned until I was about 9 months because I was scared that I would disappear and people would forget about me or think “she’s a parent, she probably can’t do it,” however – the amount of support I have received has been such a blessing. It is nice to be back in the mix, and the timing will work itself out. “Timing and lighting,” as someone once told me – and it is so true.

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?

Always be ready – the director of Little Shop encouraged me to get a repertoire together of go-to monologues and songs. I still have that huge binder and it is filled – some material I have not used yet, but I save it for the future. Now when an audition comes up – I can go and reference it whenever I need. We are not always afforded the luxury of time for auditions, so go with what you know and are comfortable with – and that shows range.

Take classes when you can – even though I cannot do this nearly as often as I would like, sometimes even a good voice lesson or private acting session can do wonders. I also like to take dance classes once in a while to make sure I can still pickup choreography. It is good to expose yourself to different instructors and styles.

See shows – especially if there is a company you are interested in working in, go see their performances and network – I did a lot of this when I was just starting and met so many people that way. Also, they always need volunteers – you can see the show for free!

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Adjusting to motherhood while very rewarding can also be challenging. I am now in a new chapter where I am slowly trying to accept who I currently am mentally and physically. It can be very difficult at times, but I have an amazing husband who is so supportive, and I seek help when I need it. This was a huge year of transition, and there was a moment where I was not sure if I could balance everything. However, I learned change is constant, and it is how I react to it that will help shape my future.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ariannabcase
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/arianna.bermudez.12
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianna-case-b439b554/

Image Credits

Claire Logue
@naranja_dulce_studios
Tasha Gorel
@brenhamportraitgallery