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

Hi Cristian, why did you pursue a creative career?
I am an artist by accident. Let me explain. I started very young– TV/Film/Commercials/Theater/Acting Teaching Artist and now a writer for Stage/TV. I didn’t come from a “industry” family or anyone in my immediate circle who was previously was an artist. What I came from was a family that supported me from the beginning in realizing I was never going to be a sports player or an engineer, or doctor– I was a kid who was glued to anything regarding TV, Films and Broadway (Yes TV/Books/Cassettes/CDS/Scripts/You tube Recordings/Books) anything regarding the arts– that’s where my eyes lit up! I realized there was magic to be done to create progression, joy, reality, escapism, and be apart of something important. To become a part of communities that shared the same want to do good work. Why do I pursue this? It was my calling from the day I could see, hear, and walk. The arts was and continues to be my way to see the world in beautiful way. People often tell artists “if there is anything you’d rather do– then do that”. I agree with that. For me, I pursue it because this where I’m my most joyful, most curious, most willing to do what it takes to make something meaningful, that’s the space I would die to be a small part of.

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.
The journey has been a long one in the many facets in which I hope to continue to be a part of the community.
There is really no way to tell it in a linear way. Mine was nothing but linear. I learned through everything that being authentic to my the things I wanted to do well but equally being willing to learn in ways to grow. I am continuing to learn that anyone with a dream should dream as hard as they can AND keep taking class, keep seeking out mentors and teachers, and surrounding yourselves with people who love you and believe you can do anything.

CRISTIAN GUERRERO
(Award-winning Playwright, Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Lyricist, Teaching Artist | Film, TV, Theatre, Musical Theatre)

BFA in Screen Acting, Chapman University. Alumnus, National Theatre Institute. Lin-Manuel Miranda Fellow.

PLAYWRIGHT
Cristian Guerrero is a bold, boundary-pushing playwright whose work fuses electrifying theatricality, razor-sharp humor, and gut-punching emotional depth. His plays explore identity, ambition, survival, and the relentless pursuit of artistic truth, often centering underdogs and dreamers fighting to carve out space in the world.

His original play The Five O’clock Mambo was selected for the Lin-Manuel Miranda Fellowship Summit, where it will be showcased to Broadway industry leaders in 2025. A highly theatrical, fast-paced, and darkly comic drama, the play fuses explosive dialogue, heightened realism, and Latinx storytelling traditions to create a work that is both intimate and epic. Cristian was the first-ever artist in residence at the Grunewald Guild to develop this play.

As a musical theater writer, Cristian co-wrote the book and lyrics for Mad World: A New Musical, which he also co-directed, co-produced, and performed in. The show was developed through New Musicals Inc. in collaboration with Disney Imagineering and was recognized as a Winner of the Wonderland Grant for Best New Work at USC, as well as the Kennedy Center Winner for Best New World. Mad World was also selected for the Ball State University Department of Theatre and Dance Discovery Festival.

His solo show Off Book: Cue the Memories is a genre-defying, immersive theatrical experience incorporating multimedia, movement, and personal narrative to examine the intersection of art, identity, and self-acceptance.

Known for his ability to seamlessly blend comedy and tragedy, Cristian continues to push the boundaries of contemporary theater with work that is both fiercely personal and universally resonant.

ACTOR
A seasoned performer with over 25 years in the industry, Cristian has appeared in film, television, and theater, bringing depth and authenticity to every role. His TV & Film credits include ABC, Disney Channel, Lifetime, CBS, and national commercials. On stage, he has starred in acclaimed productions such as Spring Awakening, The Last Five Years, Twelfth Night, Anna in the Tropics, and Disney’s Newsies, where he stepped into the role of Crutchie.

Cristian is known for his ability to effortlessly shift between comedy and drama, bringing raw emotional intensity and nuance to every performance. His deep connection to storytelling and character work has made him a standout presence both on screen and on stage. He is currently in rehearsal for his one-man show, At This Performance, premiering in Los Angeles.

TEACHING ARTIST | FOUNDER, THE CRISTIAN GUERRERO STUDIO
As a dedicated educator, Cristian is the founder of The Cristian Guerrero Studio, where he coaches actors worldwide in film, television, and theater audition technique. His students have booked major roles across Broadway, TV, and streaming platforms. His teaching philosophy emphasizes craft, confidence, and authenticity, helping actors hone their technique and bring their fullest selves to every performance.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend is visiting LA, then Republic of Pie in North Hollywood is our first stop! The coolest space to grab the greatest pie in NOHO to hang out or do the thing my bestie and I have to do is write or run lines. Showing up and grabbing a slice Cookie and Cream Pie (yep my favorite! Thank you Republic of Pie!) and getting a moment to work, converse or just enjoy the food and the excellent customer service before we might have to jot down the block to any NOHO Theater District venue to get to rehearsal, audition, or a class. Post rehearsal drinks– Tiki No for sure!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out two fantastic organizations that I would be nothing without. as an emerging artists and to be completely honest– a human. National Theater Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center with the collaboration of the Lin-Manuel Miranda Fellowship. These organizations gave me a voice, resources, opportunities, space, travel, housing to create and learn. It feels like a dream, yet it was real. Upon my acceptance to get to train, develop, and make new work on Day 1 – I felt “I had no space to be an artist but here we go”. After the process, the love, the support, the friendships, mentorships, inspiration– I left with “I am an artist and will continue to be and be there for how we can we support every other artist out there”. Anyone who is a dreamer and in pursuit on art, please look into applying and being a part of these programs. If you are someone who has the means to donate or provide scholarships, you will change lives. It changed mine. Thank you NTI and Miranda Fellowship. You saved me.

Instagram: @mrcristiang

Image Credits
All images I own the rights to.

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