We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Martina Demaio. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Martina below.
Martina , 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?
Being the only one in the room has been my reality since moving from Buenos Aires to New York to pursue acting. Often, I’ve been the only Latina, the only immigrant, or simply the only one with my story. At first, it felt isolating, but over time I learned to transform that difference into my strength. What makes me “different” is exactly what makes me valuable.
I also discovered that once you step into those rooms and share your truth, you begin to meet others who carry similar challenges. You connect, you unite, and together you create a stronger voice. That has happened for me through building a theater company with two other immigrant women, through developing original plays and films that highlight underrepresented stories, and through teaching, where I ensure every student feels seen.
Instead of shrinking in those moments of being “the only one,” I now see it as an opportunity to lead, to connect, and to open the door wider for the next person. My resilience, authenticity, and ability to turn isolation into collaboration are what make me effective and successful in any room I walk into.
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 am an Argentine actor, teaching artist, and producer based in New York City. What excites me most about my career is creating original work that highlights immigrant voices and brings new stories to the stage and screen. I co-founded REacting, a theater company with two fellow immigrant women, where we produce short plays and performances that speak directly to our communities.
Beyond performing, I am developing my own one-woman show and several short films—including comedies and movement-based projects—that I plan to share at festivals and venues across New York. Teaching is also a huge part of my mission: I lead acting classes for children and adults, with a focus on empowering immigrant artists and women to claim their voice.
Looking forward, I’m focused on expanding my artistic presence by continuing to create original work, building international collaborations, and presenting projects that inspire, connect, and represent underheard voices. For me, art is not just about performance—it’s about connection, representation, and opening doors for others who feel like they are “the only one in the room.”
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?
The three most important qualities that have shaped my journey are:
1. Resilience. Moving from Argentina to New York to pursue acting meant constantly facing rejection, uncertainty, and moments of being “the only one in the room.” I learned that resilience isn’t about never falling down—it’s about getting up every single time. My advice: build daily habits that remind you of your strength, whether that’s journaling, training, or leaning on community.
2. Authenticity. I discovered that my greatest power was not in trying to blend in, but in bringing my full self—my culture, my accent, my story—into the room. Audiences and collaborators connect to honesty. My advice: stop asking, “Do I fit in here?” and instead ask, “What truth can I bring that no one else can?”
3. Collaboration. Success in the arts doesn’t happen alone. The moment I began creating with others—founding a theater company, writing plays and films with friends, teaching with colleagues—I realized that community turns isolation into momentum. My advice: seek out people who share your values and struggles, and build together. That’s how your voice becomes stronger.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I am always looking for new collaborators. I’m especially interested in partnering with artists, writers, and producers who are passionate about creating bold, original work that uplifts immigrant stories, women’s voices, and underrepresented perspectives. I also love working with musicians, movement artists, and filmmakers who enjoy crossing disciplines and experimenting with form.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything I do—from founding a theater company with fellow immigrant women to developing films and plays with friends—so I welcome opportunities to connect with people who value authenticity, community, and creativity.
If you’re reading this and want to collaborate, the best way to reach me is through my email [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.martinademaio.info/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/titidemaio?utm_medium=copy_link
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@martinademaio.artist?si=1iwCpTL6FwGEnZz_
- Other: Site link: https://bio.site/martinademaio
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