Actor Sebastian Treviño chatted about being a part of the Off-Broadway show “Kowalski.”
Treviño stars in the play alongside Robin Lord Taylor, Brandon Flynn, Ellie Ricker, and Alison Cimmet.
This show was written by Gregg Ostrin, and it was directed by Colin Hanlon. It is being performed at The Duke on 42nd Street.
‘Kowalski’ experience
On his experience in “Kowalski,” he said, “It has been amazing. I’ve done mostly musicals over the years, so doing a play feels like a breath of fresh air.”
“Also, the cast is fantastic and we get along really well. And again, because it’s a smaller cast than your typical musical; it feels very intimate and familiar,” he noted.
Playing the character Pancho Rodriguez
On playing the character Pancho Rodriguez, he said, “What I like most about my character is how passionate he is. Granted, he is equally passionate in his good and mad moods, but he feels everything so intensely and that’s fun to play.”
“In life, he measure ourselves in so many ways, so it’s fun to not have to think about repercussions and go all out if the situation leads Pancho to that,” he added.
Working with Robin Lord Taylor and Brandon Flynn
On working with Robin Lord Taylor and Brandon Flynn, he stated, “Robin and Brandon are both so sweet and talented. Seeing them do their magic on stage has definitely been a learning experience for me.”
“We’re a very warm and tactile cast, so there’s plenty of hugs and kisses going around at all times. They’ve been leading the ship and have made everyone feel at home,” he expressed.
Daily motivations as an actor
On his daily motivations as an actor, he responded, “More than as an actor, as a human, I just remind myself of how happy I am when I’m on stage, playing around and working with my cast members.”
“I remind myself to enjoy the process, because whenever you reach a goal, or climb another step on the ladder, you realize how it’s all really just the same thing. Sure, probably with more money involved ha, but the essence is the same,” he elaborated..
“Also, in terms of my artistry, watching theatre and movies always inspires me to keep creating,” he added.
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, Treviño said, “I’ve gone through phases where I really want to get into TikTok/Instagram and be super active… and then I remember how tedious it is!”
“It is so much work and I… don’t want to do it,” he said with a sweet laugh. “Instead I concentrate on training, taking classes, and auditioning as much as I can. If my work leads me to have a big social media presence, great! If it doesn’t, great!”
Lessons learned from the play ‘Kowalski’
On the lessons learned from this play, Treviño reflected, “It has definitely reminded me of how resilient and perseverant I’ve been.”
“Last year, I did over 100 auditions (I keep track) so when I got this job, it reminded me that things happen, if you decide to keep going. 99 no’s and then you get a ‘yes’,” he added.
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and aspiring actors, Treviño stated, “I think the most important things are to train and to put yourself out there. Take all the classes you can, singing, acting, on camera workshops, clowning, dance, and writing.. anything that will complement your craft.”
“Practice makes ‘perfect’ and I say ‘because of course perfection is nonexistent but being prepared will free you from nerves and from thinking of your lines at auditions.’ It frees you so you can actually start playing and living in that character,” he noted.
“Also, putting yourself out, going to any and all auditions you can will also help you get comfortable with that process, and hopefully, make it fun! Because auditioning is 90 percent of what actors do. If we’re lucky, we get to act,” he explained.
Success
Regarding his definition of success, Treviño said, “Success, to me, is having a balanced life in which you’re able to live off whatever you love doing the most and have free time to share with yourself and whoever really matters to you.”
Closing thoughts on the show
For fans and viewers, he remarked, “This play is a good reminder of how something magical can come out of the most random, chance encounters.”
“We don’t realize how our actions on any given day, as minute as they may seem, can influence a person. Don’t take that for granted.
To learn more about Sebastian Treviño, follow him on Instagram.
For more information on “Kowalski,” check out its official homepage.
Read More: “Kowalski” review
