We recently connected with Omar Bustamante and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Omar, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I was able to develop confidence and self-esteem through repetition as well as with my relationship with myself.
For years I trained in New York under some great teachers and directors in plays. Whatever was offered to me I did it. Staged readings, theatre companies, Dinner theatre etc. As time went on I started to book larger roles in plays as well as TV and Film. I read once that Bruce Willis would ask a ton of questions on the set of Moonlighting and learn all the ins and outs of what goes into making the show from the lighting to the camera angles. When I am on set I take it as an opportunity to learn as well as give as my character. All of those reps and new roles make me more comfortable and being more professional. I know how to show up. As an actor who is not yet working consistently from job to job it can be a jungle inside the mind. Constant rejection can make the words you say to yourself unpleasant. I’ve really given into the journey of it and am grateful for where I am today.
My self worth isn’t tied up to which job I didn’t get and maybe more importantly the ones I DO get.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
So I’m an Actor for the last almost 20 years now between Stage, Film and Television. When it’s done right it can create change for the audience. Lifting the societal mirror to itself. It’s transformative and evocative. It doesn’t have to be every time and I get great joy when I’m having fun with other actors and that can be infectious to the viewer. Watching the Wire(HBO) years back really impacted me to the point I was teaching kids acting for a few years in some pretty tough areas in NJ. As an artist I was taught to never cheat myself and do the work for the benefit of all involved. The next thing people can see me in is a Guest Star on FBI on CBS. The release date I believe is November 10th, 2025.
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?
Three things that were most impactful in my journey is not being afraid to fail especially in say safe environments like a classroom. Not just focusing on one thing like Drama vs. Comedy. I was at an improv school for 5 years as well as doing dramatic Scene Study work. I feel they both lend to each other no matter what genre. Get on a stage ,and if you can do it do it in New York. The audience is incredibly sophisticated, and besides the experience, the adrenaline of live theatre is second to none.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I have now is being father to two young kids. I don’t have that same freedom to work on things like I used to have years ago. Before, if I had a big audition or something I really wanted I could lock myself out from the world for 7 days and knock it out. But my attention is needed elsewhere. And it’s truly a blessing. Compartmentalizing my dreams has really taught me this whole thing is one big beautiful journey. Having a family is a dream of mine so yeah sometimes there will be a kid yelling in the back of my self tapes thats for a new series with Margot Robbie it just is what it is. But like anything you adapt and become more efficient with your time and space. Also, my kids are watching me. As a parent its not what you say but how you do. My oldest son is already on his second play and can’t yet fully read a script. Proud dad moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://omarbustamante.com
Image Credits
Antoine Smith, Steven Busby, NBC Studios
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