Meet Alexander Scelso

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexander Scelso a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexander, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
To be honest, overcoming imposter syndrome is something that comes in waves. Especially because the arts can be so competitive so mentally, it brings you to a comparative state. Social media doesn’t make it easier. But the best thing that my mom told me was that in this life, what is meant for you is meant for you, just keep putting in the work towards your dreams. It rings so true because when I go into a rehearsal or a performance and my sole purpose is to share myself, tell a good story, and have fun, it feels like I’m doing what is meant to be done. The audience connects with me and I know I’m at the right place doing all the right things. What also helps is knowing that we are more than our artistic occupations. Spending time with people who cherish us keeps us grounded and humble.

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 a multi-hyphenate. I’ve been an actor for 28 years, since I’m 4 years old. I am a poetry performer and published writer. Writing poetry taught me how to stop bottling my emotions and sharing my poems made me want audiences to connect with me on a deeper level and let them know they are not alone with certain things. Those things are grief of losing a parent or loved one, the effects of the political state of the world, gratitude for our chosen family, the fear of being disappointed or getting hurt after falling in love, imposter syndrome, even sexual assault. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I perform my original poetry in drag as my drag persona Sitanya Face. I can also turn the party and you’re all invited! I’m a teaching artist for children grades kindergarten thru 5th. Seeing their breakthroughs is the best thing. The arts for children can honestly change their lives for the better. Would love for you to have my poetry book which you can get at www.alexandergscelso.com/books. Buy from me directly and I’ll leave a little love note! 🙂

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?
This all might sound so simple…but I’d say being kind to other people goes a long way. People want to work with you when you arrive to things on time, you keep your promises, and you’re respectful to every person in the room. Journaling and reflecting after a day of artistic work helps to solidify things you may have learned or experienced that day. When you’re practicing your art at home, don’t focus on being perfect. You’re prepared by doing your work, come to those rehearsal or performance spaces with your pockets full, but be ready to throw things away and have fun! Letting go is an art unto itself. But there is no perfection. Which is what makes art so beautiful to create.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
I’m entering a willingness to collaborate with other drag artists. To host at a local bar for a brunch or a night of performing in NYC. I’ve done so much in my career on my own, but I started out doing drag wanting to connect in the first place. I also want to act in more plays. I write so much of my own material and have performed that the last few years, but I miss a good script and a close knit cast! I think the challenge has been trusting other artists with deadlines and communication because when you work solo, you depend on yourself to make sure all the contracts are submitted, deadlines are met, etc.. And I take my work seriously to the point where I know I won’t let myself down.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Alyssa Rapp, Elmer Quintero, Michael Kushner

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