Q&A: Jordyn Aquino

Posted by Zoe Baillargeon in Performing Arts

Getting ready to graduate college and tackle the real world is a hefty challenge, but Jordyn Aquino is prepared for the big leap with a good head on her shoulders. Aquino, a senior BFA Musical Theater Major in the SFUAD Performing Arts Department, has spent her college career working on multiple productions, including starring as Ti Moune in the Spring 2013 production of Once on This Island, and appearing in Middletown, Little Shop of Horrors,  and Spring Awakening. Aquino sat down with Jackalope Magazine to reflect on her time at SFUAD, her relationships with her teachers, and what the future holds after graduation.

Left, Jordyn Aquino in spring awakening directed by Gail Springer during the spring 2014 semester. File Photo/ Luke E. Montavon

Jackalope Magazine: Tell us a bit about your background as an actress and singer.

Jordyn Aquino: Well, I grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and as one would imagine, there isn’t a ton of wonderful theater going on there. So I did kids performing troupes and stuff like that. I never really did much high school theater. I was more into community theater and the different camps that they had going on at local colleges. Also, I grew up singing a lot, so music was always a big part of my life and theater just kind of went hand in hand with the music stuff. My singing led to competitions, and then that branched into acting competitions. There were agents and managers at these competitions and that led to me moving to LA. I did pilot season, for ABC pilots and Disney things. I was getting far along in auditions, but then I ran out of money, went back home, and decided ‘maybe I’ll go to college.’ So I did.

JM: Why did you decide to attend SFUAD?

JA: Well, I went to a prospective student dinner and I met [former PAD Chair] John Weckesser and [alumni] Lisa Hamilton, who did a ‘how to prepare for an audition’ video for the department, and I really appreciated what she had to say about the school. It seemed like a place where, not only could I grow as a performer and learn about my craft, but I could also be a better-developed human being. So John Weck gave me his card if I promised to call him, so the next day I did, I sent in a video audition, and he said ‘ok, you can come here,’ and that’s how SFUAD happened! God, this is awkward! Doing your first interview is like losing your virginity!

Jordyn Aquino is a graduating senior BFA Musical Theater Major ready for whatever the future holds. Photo by Luke E. Montavon/The Jackalope

JM: Haha, how so?

JA: Well, you know, it’s awkward, a little bit painful…haha!

JM: I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone say that about an interview! Wow!

JA: Sorry!

JM: What has been your experience in the Performing Arts Department (PAD) at SFUAD and how have you grown?

JA: It’s hard to wrap it up. The experience has definitely helped me prepare for working in the industry. I’ve had wonderful training and been able to work with teachers who helped me identify my strengths and I’ve been able to nurture those. I’ve also been able to work on my weaknesses and get better. As far as how much I’ve grown, I’ve learned to calm down, learned to be more patient and not take myself so seriously.

JM: Do you have a teacher that you feel particularly influenced you in a positive way?

JA: Oh yeah! All my teachers have been great influences, I love them all so much! Well, Victor Talmadge and Gail Springer, definitely! Gail has really influenced me and it’s been really wonderful to work with her, especially when it comes to vocal training and Estill training. She’s also cast me and helped me expand and given me parts that challenge me and help me grow. For Victor, I really appreciated the kind of discipline he had for acting. You always had to have a reason for what you were doing. You had to justify everything! I appreciated that because acting is an art form, so it’s not black and white, but he broke it down into a science. Then there’s Jon Jory, obviously. He’s awesome. He has a ‘no shit’ approach to acting which is so great. Joanne Camp, who is not afraid to tell me to get it together, Shep Sobel, who has been so wonderful and supportive…God, they’re all wonderful! All my teachers are great! Oh, and Benedetti! I love Benedetti!

JM: What’s been your favorite production to work on during your time here?

JA: Once On This Island, duh! Haha! I mean, who wouldn’t say that if they weren’t the lead, but regardless of the size of my role, I had so much fun on that show, and I really, truly feel that everyone involved had such a great time. Everyone was enjoying the process! I really threw myself into the role of Ti Moune and I think it worked out, I think I justified everything I did and I think people really cared about her when she had to go. It was a really scary and challenging part and I was really lucky to have a great director and a supportive team and cast.

JM: What’s next for you?

JA: Well, I’m going to be an actress! Haha! Well, I might stay here in Santa Fe, or I might go back out to LA, because I see myself working primarily in film. Not because I don’t love the theater, I do! I appreciate both and pulling off live theater is such an incredible feat, but I feel like it’s easier for me to be on camera than it is to be on stage. Then, after I build up my resume, I would like to segue into more theater. Oh! Also, the other thing I’m super excited about after I graduate is that, I enjoy writing, and I have this dream of putting together a web series! But yeah, I really want to create my own work, meet with like-minded individuals, and be able to run my own career.

JM: Any advice for Performing Arts students, particularly here at SFUAD?

JA: In general, for performers, tenacity! You gotta want it. You have to want it with a burning passion. For me, I knew ever since I was tiny that this was what I wanted and nothing has stopped me. I didn’t grow up with a lot, my mom was a single parent, but I was still always performing regardless of obstacles. And advice for students in our department at SFUAD, don’t let your teachers forget you. Talk to them! If you’re not cast, show up in their office the next day and ask ‘what did I do, what can I do?’ Sometimes there won’t be an answer, sometimes you’re just not right for the part, which sucks, but don’t be discouraged and always try to do better next time. So, do the work, ask your teachers for help, and don’t let yourself be forgotten or discouraged. And be nice! Be a good person, be supportive, and be happy for them if they get a part or something. Really support each other.