Meet Calvin Romance

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Calvin Romance. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Calvin below.

Calvin, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I have learned to be comfortable with being set apart. I have adapted to being comfortable with being uncomfortable. When I am the only one in the room, it can feel intimidating, but it is also familiar. I have often been the first in my life: the first artist in my family, the first to go to college, the eldest child. From a young age I learned how to adapt, but in time I realized I was not meant to blend in. I was made to stand out.

Being set apart is not about vanity. It is about humility and accepting that not everyone will understand you, while still showing up fully as yourself. I believe I was given this path, and my responsibility is to steward it well by carrying myself as a role model and using my voice to reflect the best of who I represent.

It is never without nerves, but when I remind myself of who I am and whose I am, I find my strength.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m an Afro Latino actor and creator in Los Angeles, and my focus is on stories that deal with identity, power, and inner conflict. For me, acting is more than just performing—it’s about responsibility. A performance has the power to shift how people see themselves and their world, and I take that seriously every time I step into a role.

Right now I’m developing City of Saints, a supernatural crime thriller that I wrote and will star in. It combines the grit of crime drama with the mystery of the supernatural, but underneath it’s about themes that have always spoken to me: legacy, survival, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. Most importantly, it’s about creating space for complex Afro Latino characters in genres where we’re usually missing.

I’m not here to chase credits just to say I worked. I want to build a body of work that lasts—roles and projects that carry weight long after the screen goes dark.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

When I think about the qualities that shaped my journey, the first is how I handle pressure. On the day I filmed my very first short film, I was robbed on the way to set. It shook me because it came out of nowhere, but I walked in, hit my marks, and finished the work. It was an out-of-body experience where I saw myself calm in a storm. That moment showed me that nothing, not even fear, can stop me from doing what I was meant to do.

The second is principles. I have turned down roles that did not align with my core values. Some projects use sexuality as shock value instead of intimacy or truth, and I had to look a director in the eye and say, “my product does not do that.” He was angry, but I had peace. I would rather be known for what I stand for than for what I compromise.

The third is responsibility. Performing Fences reminded me that acting is more than achievement or ambition. It is speaking for people who cannot speak for themselves. Carrying August Wilson’s words stayed with me long after the curtain dropped. It gave me clarity: I do not just want to work. I want to do transformative work that asks questions and changes people.

If I could give advice to anyone starting out, I would say this: it is more important to be yourself than to give the perfect audition. There will always be others who look like you or who seem more experienced. What makes you unforgettable is making choices that only you would make. Walk in with relaxed mastery. Remember that you are enough.

My process now is lifestyle-driven. I do not live like a machine, I live like an artist. That means reading scripts, cooking, singing, dancing, studying, and showing up to class to sharpen my craft with other people. Acting is a team sport, and you learn who you are in relation to others. That is the life I want to keep building, one role at a time.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I am always open to meaningful collaboration. I am looking for directors, writers, and producers who are serious about telling stories with depth. I want to work with people who value artistry over shortcuts, who are not afraid to take risks, and who understand that our work can both entertain and leave a lasting impact.

I am especially interested in collaborating with artists who are developing original stories that highlight underrepresented voices or who are committed to creating prestige-level work that moves culture forward. My own project, City of Saints, is an example of that, and I welcome anyone who feels aligned with that vision.

The best way to connect with me is directly by instagram @calvinromance. I am based in Los Angeles, but I am open to collaboration across the country and globally if the project has purpose.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @calvinromance

Image Credits

I shot these myself.