Meet Nea Somogyi | Actress, Singer, Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nea Somogyi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nea, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been compelled to encourage others to be good humans, Stepping into other people’s shoes isn’t always easy and it doesn’t come naturally to the vast majority unless we consciously work on it on our daily basis. However, it is a quality that makes us grow in empathy and kindness, which is much needed in this world, I strongly believe art in its many forms helps us step into other people’s shoes, have conversations about unexplored emotions and deal with unresolved inner or outer conflicts. Now I’m not a therapist or any kind of doctor but I know art has healing properties. It can surprise us, overwhelm us, excite us,bring us joy, make us cry, make us laugh out loud, we can escape this world or be confronted by it. Whatever it is, it will change something in us. If it’s honest at heart, it will. And that change leads to action. What better way to learn how to be more empathetic and kind with this world than through art? I want to help others become better humans through my art. I hope they can see themselves or someone they know in the shoes I get to step in, and that it will inspire them to expand their points of view and recognize unkind behavior so that they can take action in making this world a better place to live for everyone.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been passionate about art. Since I was a kid, I loved to paint, play instruments, sing and dance. I was that kid that stood out in the school showcase for its outburst of energy and big smile. I was what we call in Costa Rica “bombeta” which is a slang for someone who wants to be in everything and everywhere. Later in high school I discovered my passion for acting, so I decided to start this journey. I have a “yes and” mentality. What I don’t know, I try to figure it out. Every opportunity I had, I took as a path for growth. I became part of the industry and had the pleasure to work with many artists, in many different venues and I’m grateful for it. I discovered how powerful it is to connect with someone through your art. That’s why I felt I needed to experience more, to reach out to more people, to learn from the world and from bigger opportunities. So, I decided to move to New York.

Getting to New York wasn’t easy, it took me around a year or so just to get the means to do so. It definitely was a roller coaster of emotions between loans, opportunities, relationships and big life conversations. However, I was certain I wanted to study at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. I auditioned live without any expectation and my heart full of gratitude for being there. I remember the feeling I got the first time I stepped inside, it felt unreal but I also had a gut feeling. A good one. You know when people say “Trust your gut”? I get it know. And now I always do. My AMDA experience was fulfilling. Sure, it had its ups and downs like any school, with difficult moments, oh, and a global pandemic,But I kept showing up, I knew why I was there and what I wanted to get out of it. I learned and grew immensely, especially as a singer. Heather Petruzzelli (voice teacher) understood my instrument and helped me find my voice so that I could keep growing it, and I will be forever grateful.

Along the way in the years after graduation I met some amazing people and had unimaginable experiences. I got to dance on a Flashmob right in the heart of Times Square, I modeled for an advertisement campaign for a new apartment building, I originated a few roles from new musicals, acted in a few short films and even had the opportunity to get on-set experience from big network productions. More recently I had my OFF-Broadway debut with the show Oh Soledad! which is inspired by a Costa Rican family in the 40s. This was definitely a big step forward, one I’m very grateful for. As a Latina actress I take pride in sharing my culture with the world and sharing unknown stories with other countries and cultures. I believe learning from others makes us grow in awareness and empathy,

I am always on the move between work and auditions. Every 100 no’s is 1 yes. We’re collecting rejections but we’re gaining experience. It is hard to be an actor in this day and time, but when that 1 arrives, it is SO worth it. My biggest challenge is burnout and quieting my mind. I’ve had moments were I second guess myself and doubt of my capabilities, whether it is from social or industry pressure or anxiety. But I understand now that it is a sign of burn out. We are all different, we function differently and our progress can’t be compared to one another. I find solace in self-care practices. We all need rest days, mentally, physically and emotionally. I’ve found that when I exercise, eat healthy, get a good sleep and do things that nurture me as a human such as painting, going for a walk in nature trying something new and so on, I feel a lot better, more energized. And therefore I get a clearer head to work and give my best. At the end of the day, you have to enjoy the ride, put in the work, but live your life and trust that what’s for you will come when the time is right.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m usually the planner! I love trips and adventures, especially in New York. There’s always something new to see and do.

For an amazing first day in the city, we would start with a brunch at Ol’Days in Nomad with their amazing pancakes and flavorful coffee. Then walk around Flatiron District, Garment District and Times Square. If you’re new to NYC I would say absolutely don’t miss the basics-walking by Penn Station, Macys, The Empire State, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, etc. Get that done on your first day and end the day with a dollar pizza.
For the ultimate fun and breathtaking experience I would say SUMMIT is a must. The best observatory in my opinion. If you love museums as much as I do, you have to visit The Met and the Natural History Museum. The Met Cloisters is also a gem to explore. Now when it comes to sweet treats I will highly recommend cookies from Levain Bakery and Chip City, cupcakes from Billy’s, banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery and waffles from Waffles and Dinges. If you’re looking for a nice coffee shop with good pastries and coffee you HAVE to try Angelina Bakery in Midtown, Café Bilboquet in the Upper East Side and Romeo & Juliet Colombian Coffee in Hell’s Kitchen. Whenever you need a break from the concrete jungle head to Central Park, you won’t be disappointed, with music on every corner and gorgeous views. My favorite statue is the Alice in Wonderland on the East Side. For a night out with good drinks and dance I always recommend Iguana in midtown with fun Latin Dance playlists. But if you’re more into sip and chill then Smalls Jazz club is the place to go!
And to wrap it up, here are some honorary food mentions my European-Latina roots demand I recommend: The Hungarian Pastry Shop, Empanada Mama, Nelore Grill and Arepa Station.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In this fast paced lifestyle we experience as artists we encounter a numerous amount of people, some welcoming, some not so much and some exceed expectations. Certainly the people that surprise you and radiate you with their kindness and support are the ones you keep close to you and your heart whatever paths you embark on; because every single one of them encourages you to bring out the best you have to offer.

Such is the case of Laure Chan (Violinist/@laurechanviolin), who is the perfect definition of discipline and passion. We’ve known each other for many years now and she never fails to motivate me. Having performed in Carnegie Hall recently she continues to fulfill many of her goals and dreams. Hope Dyra (Actress/@hopedyra) was a ray of sunshine in one of the oddest shows I’ve ever been a part of. We constantly remind each other on the importance of having a purpose in every character you play, which makes our job exciting. She’s definitely a compelling storyteller that lights up the room. In order to grow and expand our range, constant training and learning is crucial for any actor, and I’m glad I was able to share that path with Ken Taing (Actor) and Adi Singh (Actor), whom I met in a workshop taught by Giles Foreman about Yat Malmgren’s Character Transformation. Since then we continued to share our passion for this wonderful craft. One of the things I enjoy the most is collaborating with artist friends, and one of my favorite collabs has been with Shiho Kawai (Actres/Singer/Pianist/@shiho_kawai) who has perfect pitch and outstanding attention to detail, challenging me always to have fun while training my brain to listen meticulously. Coming to New York from another country, leaving everything behind to fulfill your dream isn’t easy, and New York, doesn’t make it easy either. Mia Ventura (Actress/@miavlucas) knows this as well as I do. But we keep going, and our families and friends back home keep rooting for us, because this is who we are and where we need to be. I was fortunate to meet such a strong presence like her. I appreciate the strength she’s shared with me.

And big part of this journey wouldn’t have been the same without the support of my love Mario H. Roa (Medical Interpreter/Translator) who has been there through my roller coaster of emotions and continues to share his love and support, inspiring me to be the best version of myself every day. And I’m absolutely grateful to my familia and friends in Costa Rica, they’re always in my heart.

To everyone whom I’ve crossed paths with: Thank you! Every experience is a learning opportunity and your kindness is never overlooked. Pura Vida!

Website: https://www.neasomogyi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nea_somogyi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nea.somogyi

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGs9MOd71qxq18C9Ie0Kynw

Image Credits
Lifestyle Photos by Max Martínez BTS Photos from Gemma’s Sabbat and The Remnants Production stills from Apple Pie Dreams and December 1964, both currently in Post-Production