Meet Alyssa Sherman-Ordaz

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alyssa Sherman-Ordaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyssa, why did you pursue a creative career?
From an early age, I was immersed in the world of dance, thanks to my mother, who enrolled my sister and me in classes as a continuation of her own passion. I fell in love with dance immediately, and as I grew older, my commitment deepened. By the age of 13, I began interning as a dance instructor, and by 15, I was teaching full-fledged classes in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip-Hop. My artistic interests expanded in high school when I enrolled in Drama, sparking a new love for theater and inspiring me to pursue a professional path as both a dancer and actor.
Following graduation, I was accepted into the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where I began my BFA in Dance. During my time there, I also secured a position as a Theater Technician on campus, where I gained hands-on experience in stagecraft, sound design, and lighting—particularly falling in love with lighting design. After two years at CalArts, I realized that my true desire was to work directly in the industry, leading me to focus on auditions and freelance creative work.
Since then, I have built a multifaceted career across performance and production. I’ve auditioned extensively, performing for Universal Studios and Six Flags Magic Mountain, worked as an extra in film and television, performed in music videos, taken on various dance gigs, and contributed as crew for independent short films within the horror genre. As my career evolved, I became increasingly aware of the physical demands and shelf life associated with performing, particularly in dance & I decided that no matter what, I always wanted to do something in the arts. This motivated me to broaden my skills in all areas of theater and production, with the goal of becoming as versatile and indispensable as possible.
For me, having a career in the arts isn’t just a career & is not just a profession—it is a calling, a lifelong passion, a way of life, and an essential part of who I am. I chose to pursue an artistic, creative path for the simple fact that not only could I not imagine myself doing anything else, but because it fuels & feeds my soul, and gives my life purpose.

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.
My art is a reflection of my life—deeply rooted in movement, expression, and storytelling. Whether through dance, acting, or technical theater, I’ve always been drawn to the emotional impact of whatever art I am creating and the connection it creates between artist and audience. What sets me apart is my multidisciplinary experience and my drive to continuously evolve. I’m not only a performer but also someone who understands and values the behind-the-scenes work that brings a production to life. From lighting design to stagehand work, I’ve immersed myself in every facet of the creative process because I believe that true artistry involves understanding the whole picture.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve carved out a career in the arts without following the traditional 9–5 route. I’ve had the privilege of working on sets, lights, sound, make-up, & costuming in theaters, and on countless creative projects—all while staying true to my passion. It wasn’t easy. There were many moments of doubt, rejection, and financial uncertainty, but I kept going because I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Every challenge I faced only strengthened my resolve to keep learning, growing, and showing up—regardless of the outcome.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of versatility. The more I expanded my skills—beyond performing to include teaching, technical production, and creative collaboration—the more doors began to open. I’ve also learned the value of resilience, humility, and staying grounded in why I started in the first place: to create, to inspire, and to tell stories that resonate.

What I want the world to know is that my journey is one of passion and persistence. My brand, if I had to define it, is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and adaptability. I didn’t arrive at where I am today by chance—I got here by showing up, saying yes to opportunities, and committing myself fully to the craft. My story is still being written, and I’m excited to keep evolving and sharing it with the world through every project I take on.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people to thank for where I am in my life today, but I would be no where without my family, Brett Burke, Val Ordaz, Echo Lund, & especially my mother, Stacey Lund for putting me in the arts to begin with. I also wouldn’t be here without my amazing High School Drama teacher Linda DeBaun, who pushed me, believed in me & gave me the first building blocks, passion, & knowledge about theater. Thank you all so much. I love you.

Instagram: @asolights07

Other: Email: ldtechlad07@gmail.com

Image Credits
Hannah Cox, Dance Photographer : West Coast Ballets – ‘Dracula’ Lighting by Alyssa Sherman-Ordaz – Photos #1, #2, #3, #4

Stephanie Yantz Photography: Yucaipa Dances – ‘Nutcracker’ Lighting & Choreography by Alyssa Sherman-Ordaz – Photo #5

Charles Convis Photography: University of Redlands – ‘Sweeney Todd’ Set Build by Alyssa Sherman-Ordaz – Photo #6, ‘Acts Of Kindness’ Lighting by Alyssa Sherman-Ordaz – Photo #7, ‘The Cake’ Lighting by Alyssa Sherman-Ordaz – Photo #8