Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Gamboa.
Hi Deanna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am Deanna Gamboa, a Cuban-American professional actor based in Miami, FL. At seven years old, I struggled with reading comprehension, and when summer classes didn’t help, my mom enrolled me in acting classes — where I not only improved my reading but also discovered my love for performing. Soon after, I began auditioning and competing, earning 1st Place in Monologue at the IPOP Competition in Las Vegas and starring in my first movie, Old Dogs. Throughout my adolescence, I remained active in school plays and choir, with highlights including singing the national anthem at my fifth-grade graduation and becoming the first sixth grader to land a lead role in a school play.
In high school, I moved from Connecticut to Miami, Florida, where I experienced an identity crisis alongside severe culture shock. That first year, I struggled to find my place and stepped back from the arts. But by 10th grade, I began to reconnect with my passion, performing in talent shows and school productions like Murder at the Banquet as Claudette Pindu, and by senior year I was honored to play Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Also, I toured with Concept Health’s Una Voz Troupe, performing educational shows about teen issues across local schools.
After high school, I pursued a BFA in Musical Theatre at New World School of the Arts, where I played roles like Lucy in Sense & Sensibility and created a one-person show, In the Hyphen, inspired by my journey through cultural identity.
Today, I work as an actor, educator, and marketing coordinator for theatre companies, while also hosting The Brand New Actor Podcast — a platform where I combine my artistic and marketing skills to help fellow actors navigate the business side of the industry and build their own brands. Every part of my journey fuels my passion for storytelling and supporting others in the creative community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has had its share of challenges. My family lost our home during the 2008 recession, which was a significant hardship being my childhood home.
Moving from Connecticut to Miami in high school brought a difficult identity crisis and culture shock. I struggled with feeling “too American” or “too Cuban” and didn’t know where I fit. It was through a personal encounter with Jesus that I found peace and purpose — learning to embrace my whole identity and simply be myself, rather than trying to fit into someone else’s expectations.
Graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic brought another set of obstacles. Our junior and senior year productions were curtailed, and we even performed a musical outdoors wearing masks and had class on Zoom or what we called “Zoom University”. It was a challenging time to be an actor — the uncertainty of when live theatre would return made me feel unprepared to enter the industry. The traditional showcases in Miami and New York that would have connected us to agents and casting directors were canceled, leaving many of us feeling lost and unsure of our next steps.
Despite all this, these struggles shaped me into a more resilient and determined artist. They inspired me to create The Brand New Actor Podcast as a way to help others navigate similar challenges and find their own path in this unpredictable industry. While the road hasn’t always been smooth, my faith and purpose have given me the strength to keep moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Miami-based professional actor, educator, and Marketing Coordinator with a passion for musical theatre and Theatre for Young Audiences. I specialize in bringing stories to life for children and families through educational and engaging performances. Many actors might overlook Theatre for Young Audiences, but I find it incredibly rewarding because children are honest and deeply engaged. Growing up as a creative learner myself, I know how powerful theatre can be as a tool for experiential learning, helping kids connect with concepts in a way that traditional methods often don’t.
Beyond acting, I coordinate marketing efforts for a local theatre company, helping to build audience engagement and community relationships. I’m also represented commercially by Stellar & Applegate Talent agencies, and I’m active as a worship singer and leader at my church, which is an important part of my artistic and personal life.
What I’m most proud of is launching The Brand New Actor Podcast, where I use my combined experience in acting and marketing to support other performers in navigating the business side of the industry. What sets me apart is this unique blend of skills and passions — from educating and inspiring young audiences on stage, to strategic marketing behind the scenes, to leading worship — all fueled by authenticity and a genuine desire to uplift and connect with others.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is authenticity and connection — both in my work and in life. I believe that when we are true to ourselves, we can build deeper relationships and inspire others to do the same. My journey, especially navigating my identity as a Cuban-American and finding purpose through my faith, has taught me the importance of embracing who I am fully and encouraging others to do the same.
In my work, that means creating meaningful art that speaks honestly to audiences, whether it’s through theatre, education, or community leadership. It also means supporting fellow actors and creatives by sharing knowledge and resources, so we can all grow together. Ultimately, making a positive impact and uplifting others is what drives me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://deannagamboaofficial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannanicole_official/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-gamboa-9133a2298/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL0s3L4gkZffW5NMEeH2nRg
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/thebrandnewactor/?hl=en
Image Credits
In The Hyphen & Three Little Birds- Morgan Sophia Parker
