Meet Jesus Chavarria | Musical Theatre Actor and Performer

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

Hi Jesus, how do you think about risk?
Where do I even begin? Well, I’m a first generation college graduate and first time performer in my Mexican family. It is important to say that a life as a performer or anything having to do with the arts was never in the cards for me, that is until I decided to take a leap of faith and audition for a performing arts college. What was an even bigger risk was my attending said college after I was accepted. When it comes to Latinx families, it is expected for our kin to pursue something grand, whether that be a medical degree, or a law degree, so you can only imagine the grand risk that this was. Three years later and I can say that I’ve graduated, earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts, and am living in Los Angeles California pursuing my dream every single day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like to think of my art as a tribute to those who look like me who haven’t been able to see their stories told. As a plus size gay man, it is pretty easy to fade into the background. Whether it be the stage, or a social gathering someone who looks like me doesn’t exactly stand out for good reason, which is why I strive to be the best version of myself when I am performing while also being true to myself. Growing up I didn’t see myself being the handsome prince or the super hero, but rather the villain, or the bullied outsider; my mission as an artist is to break that stereotype and I won’t lie, it’s not easy because, again, I have never seen someone like me be the dashing gentlemen, which is why I strive to be the first of many to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the city for the first time I would definitely have to take them on one of those cheesy celebrity tours that take you around Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Hollywood Hills. I definitely think it’s a must especially if its your first time in Los Angeles. Along the way, we would also visit places like Santa Monica, Long Beach and catch some lunch out there while basking in the sun, swimming in the ocean, that sort of thing. We would also have to have a little slice of West Hollywood while they’re in town. Stop by some clubs like Beaches, Stache, Rocco’s. And to top it off, since my best friend has never tried In N Out, we’d most likely have a double double and some animal style fries after an eventful night of bar hopping in WeHo.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents have been the two people that have supported me in my journey as an artist. Coming from a Mexican household, the arts aren’t exactly seen as a type of future/career that one expects of their child, so just the fact that they trusted me enough to move away from Texas and come to California in pursuit of my artistic dreams is something that I will cherish and be forever grateful for.

Instagram: @jesus.a.chavarria