Today we’d like to introduce you to Alysia Velez.
Hi Alysia, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in the Bronx, New York. But whenever people ask me where I’m from I say Miami, Florida. At the age of 2 my mom brought my brother and I to the sunshine state to start our lives for the better. Fortunately for us, we had family in Miami and moved in with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. Our own little Spanish full house. I went through the Miami-Dade school system and at Frank C. Martin, age 10, I joined both the dance team and the drama club taught by JoAnn Alvarez. I was immediately hooked on musical theater after my first lead role as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. From then I knew I wanted to pursue a life on the stage. My mom always instilled in me that I could do whatever I want but regardless of what I did I needed to “work my butt off,” for it. I studied musical theater in high school at Robert Morgan where I discovered opera. By my senior year in high school, I had won first place in competitions for both musical theater and opera and also received the title of “a soloist of the year” in Miami Dade County in 2016.
During my free time, I loved giving back to my community and volunteered my time in different theater troupes directing/choreographing competitions, showcases, and big productions (Jekyll and Hyde, Legally Blonde, Sound of Music, School of Rock.) I’m invested in the progression and growth of young artists expressed through my work with community theaters in Miami. Some of my favorites include choreographing a production of Aladdin performed at the South-Dade Cultural Arts Center, directing a virtual performance of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory during the pandemic, and most recently choreographing for School of Rock.
I knew that if I wanted to pursue Broadway I had to move to the place where it happens. I auditioned and received a full scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. I saved every penny and bought a ticket. I graduated in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Music and have been a part of many projects in and out of NYC including my first opera debut with Magic City Opera in their production of Hansel and Gretel, I was a background salsa dancer in the Warner Brothers film of In the Heights, and was a part of TikTok‘s first commissioned musical “For You, Paige” which received over 40 million views and Emmy nominations.
Two weeks after graduation I found out that I booked the role of Rapunzel on Broadway making Into the Woods my Broadway debut. We are currently in the midst of performances and it has been nothing short of a dream come true. I am proud of myself.
It’s important to remember where you came from, so you’re able to take in the present moment and live truthfully. My dreams came true with a blonde wig and a tower with Broadway’s Revival of Into the Woods. I have so much life to live on the stage but I’m beyond grateful for a beautiful beginning. I know I represent my family, my ancestors, my culture, and myself, and take great pride in that and thank them with every breath.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My road had some definite bumps, turns, and even dead ends where I had to back up and re-navigate. I cannot for one second complain about my life. My early years taught me to have thick skin and to appreciate all that I have and all that I don’t. As long as I have food in my stomach, human necessities, and love from family (blood or not) I will be alright. I am very grateful and blessed to have my family and mentors (my support system.)
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an actor, singer, and dancer. I am currently performing on Broadway as Rapunzel in the musical Into the Woods. I am the first Afro-Latina Hispanic Actress to play Rapunzel on Broadway.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
My favorite memory is my mom, brother and I (I was probably 6 and my brother 4) sitting on the couch watching American Idol and eating through a whole bag of Dum-Dum Lollipops. Simple, sweet, and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alysiavelez.wixsite.com/alysia
- Instagram: Alysiavelez.
- Facebook: Alysiavelez
- Twitter: Goofyalysia
- Youtube: https://www.YouTube.com/channel/UCeUtGgh-evPbrvMLMg4Mlow
Image Credits
Bruce Glikas
