Inspiring Artists Stories
Today we'd like to introduce you to Olivia Aniceto
Current Location: Cerritos, CA
Olivia, thank you for taking the time to share your story. Could you start by telling us a little about yourself?
When I was 3 years old I did my first musical, Miss Saigon at the Academy for the Performing Arts. Ever since then Theatre has been a huge part of my life. I'm currently a senior in APA and am planning on attending Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre next year. Over the years I have performed all across SoCal mainly at the Rose and consider myself a proud member of the Rose Center family.
Can you tell us a little more about what you've been working on recently?
Unfortunately due to covid my senior year is not all how I imagined it to be. But thanks to my teacher Mr. Nelson I have been able to have a few performances including playing Laurey in Oklahoma, Johanna in Sweeney Todd and Maid Marian in Robin Hood and the White Arrow.
What challenges have you had to overcome on your journey as an artist?
When I was little I didn't have many women of color to look up to on Broadway. I would sing "A Whole New World" on repeat marveling at the fact that the voice behind Princess Jasmine was a Filipina like myself. But as I got older, I saw that many leading ladies didn't look like me. In fact, the roles I wanted to play were all traditionally cast as white girls, and looking around at my peers I saw many girls who fit that exact type. These realizations encouraged me to work twice as hard to prove I can play these roles just as well as they could and led to me being cast in parts such as the peppy blonde "Dainty June" in Gypsy as well as "Johanna" in Sweeney Todd which are two roles that before this I could never even dream of myself playing.
Are there any lessons that you've learned along your journey so far? Something that you'd want to tell your younger self?
If I could tell my younger self anything it would be to have confidence in what you can do. The first person you have to convince is yourself and everyone else will soon follow.
What's the best piece of advice you've received?
I once heard "Your joy can do things that their hatred cannot" and that phrase really resonated with me. To me it means that if I am happy with the things I've achieved and put my energy towards becoming a greater artist. While others choose to put theirs toward trying to lessen my accomplishments. Though I can join in and berate others the decision is easy and I choose to focus on myself and move forward towards joy.
What inspires you as an artist?
When I perform I am always truly inspired by my fellow artists. I know how hard it is to create art and put yourself out there so this whole community of like minded individuals who support each other through everything is very inspiring.
The mission of The Rose is to make the arts accessible in the community. What purpose do you think the arts or artists play in today's society?
The arts bring fulfillment and happiness to all lives and are sometimes overlooked but overall improve quality of life.
What are your hopes for the future of the arts?
I believe the arts will come back better and stronger than ever and until then we have each other for support during these times.
Contact Info:
Instagram: @olivia.aniceto
Photo Credit:
Nancy Hickey Photography
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