Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Richard Soto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Richard, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Oddly enough, while it was probably in front of me my whole life, it took many experiences that drew my attention, became my motivation, and at the same time many other life experiences that I withdrew from, to realize I love being an artist, I love storytelling, I love people, and I love using my passions to help others searching for their own purpose. I went from being a sensitive young Latino from a loving, yet broken family life, who loved comic books and movies because I felt those worlds were better than my own life, to a dreamer who wanted to draw comic books. Unfortunately, because I was dreaming and drawing instead of studying and working to support that dream my story took a turn. I still loved telling stories, but now instead of drawing the characters, I was going to perform as the characters. I took a chance with an acting workshop at The Arizona Theater Company, and auditioning for a job as a stuntman at Old Tucson Movie Studio. I both learned from and loved these experiences that led me to return to college, get a degree in theatre, and hone my skills as a storyteller. Long story short, my life changed profoundly. I moved to L.A., met my wife, my better half, who encouraged me with love, patience and inspiration, to believe in myself in anything I tried. I collaborated with her and other actors, teachers, and many other creatives, to work in the television and film industry, to help build a theater company, and become a teaching artist, sharing what I learned both from my successes and more importantly my failures, and with the support from countless colleagues and friends, what the world of storytelling can bring to everyone’s life, whether as a performer or as an appreciative audience member.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I like to say that I am The Richard Soto because I believe we all want to matter and I want to make a difference. I am a passionate storyteller, whether as an actor, teacher, a fight director, or a writer. But I am not obsessively driven, maybe because I never thought I would be where I am, or have gotten this far from that life – Imposter Syndrome. Having said that, I have also found myself saying yes to the many opportunities that have come my way, and I am grateful to the many people in my life that have encouraged, supported and advised me. When I came to Los Angeles, like many others, I had to find my way. I was encouraged to create my own way, beyond hoping someone would hire me as an actor. So I used my passions and I went on other journeys. Writing, I created The Legend of El Lobo, a character and story, inspired by the Aztec/Mexica people, for a comic book movie, as well as a comic book. I’ve also written several short plays, that have been produced at Los Angeles area theatres and other theatres involving the immigrant and refugee experience that are part of my political activism, and my passion for humanity, as well as a few full-length plays, Danny and The Masked Avenger, and another that revolve around my life experience and my love of comic books. If that wasn’t enough, I am constantly directing stage fights and movement, and teaching stage combat at high schools, colleges and theatres throughout the SoCal region. I have been an instructor with the South Coast Repertory Theatre Conservatory for over twenty years, and have been an adjunct professor at Vanguard University for almost 10 years, where I also recently directed a production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It. I love teaching and am very enthusiastic, earnest and direct in my approach to teaching and stage combat, safety of mind, body and spirit, as well as trust, being of utmost importance. My classes are a socially enthusiastic environment, where individuals of all ages and backgrounds find their voice, and engage their creativity, expression and empathy. I look forward to doing more involving my passions of people, art, history, education, and making the world a better place.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
It has taken time for me to consider myself to be a highly skilled individual, but I’ve learned to listen to, and trust those around me. I’ve learned that, not only would I not be regularly hired, or asked to participatea if I wasn’t a skilled, creative collaborator, and teacher, but I am also responsible for these journeys. I believe my qualities or skills, let’s call them my super powers, are my passion, or enthusiasm, my imagination and curiosity, coupled with wanting to improve myself by learning, and experiencing, and, with time and wisdom, not worrying too much about failure. I tell my students that no one needs permission to express their creative voice, and that there are no mistakes in creating, only different choices.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents were young and inexperienced, but they did a great and powerful job of raising me and my five brothers and sisters. I’ll call it tough love, with lots of noise and laughter. I believe I get my love of the arts and storytelling from my mother. She was firm, but taught me to be kind, to try new experiences, whether different foods, classical music, reading more than a comic book, learning to order from a menu, traveling, always growing and becoming. My step-father taught me hard work, discipline, and they both taught me sacrifice for the other, while doing it with love. Lots of love. My family life was not without a great deal of stress, sometimes difficulty, and, by today’s standards, some trauma, but always love, and laughter.
Contact Info:
- Website: thelegendofellobo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardsoto60
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-soto-70509412/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ycU0mRtadpHzsi8X9F7OA
