Meet Hernán Angulo | Actor & Teaching Artist

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

Hi Hernán, how do you think about risk?
I personally view risk as a part of my backstory. I would not be living in this country if it weren’t for my parents making the decision to leave everything behind them and immigrate to a country they’ve never been to and literally navigate it with so much uncertainty. So, I’m very proud that risk-taking is a part of my family’s story.

Taking risk is understandably very frightening because there’s a chance that we might not succeed or our plan might not work out. This past summer, I served as a faculty member in American Conservatory Theater’s Summer Training Program in San Francisco, and I observed that at times my students became creatively paralyzed by the fear of taking risk. I helped them become less fearful in making big choices by encouraging them to ask themselves, “What if my choice that I’m not entirely certain of works?” So instead of being scared of taking risk, I tried helping them be curious and excited of the uncertain outcome. I believe that as creatives, we need to take risk to succeed and grow while also allowing failure to be a part of our creative process and journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Although I didn’t know what I wanted to study after graduating high school, I knew that I wanted to do something that I wouldn’t get tired of doing every day. So, I took a risk in pursuing acting and I think it worked out. I got a degree in Theater and Performance Studies from UC Berkeley and then I received my MFA in Acting from American Conservatory Theater. I was lucky to get my first professional gig right out of grad school. I’m very proud to have performed at two storied regional theaters, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Arena Stage, in one year. During the run of the production, I was very excited of what was next for me because of the momentum that I had. At the end of the run, I found myself lost in my journey. I wasn’t getting booked after my callbacks, I was feeling major imposter syndrome, and I felt that getting booked right out of grad school was a fluke. I think it’s safe to say that a lot of us put pressure on ourselves to have work constantly–which is great and ideal–but I think a lot of us need to give ourselves grace when we don’t have work lined up. I learned that after doing something great, like being in a major production, I deserve to give myself time to pat myself on the back and reflect on the lessons I learned while working with new creatives and cherish the work we created together.

I learned that when I’m not acting, I could be doing something else creatively so I don’t lose my momentum. I recently wrote a short play in mostly Spanish, “Translation, Translacion, Traducción, or Whatever You Call It” that premiered at TEATRX in Houston. It’s about a son and father trying to find a way to communicate their love for one another. I hesitated to submit my short play because the fear of rejection, but I asked myself, “What if it gets selected?” And it did. If I had succumbed to my fear of rejection, then my story wouldn’t have gotten told. So, I’m very proud of challenging myself creatively and having built confidence in a different aspect of my artistry. It makes me excited of what other stories I get to tell in the future either through my acting or writing…or directing? We’ll see!

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 were coming to visit L.A. I would want to take them to the Getty Museum and spend all day there going through all of the exhibits. I’d take them to the Griffith Observatory so they can experience the awesome view of the city. I wouldn’t let them to leave without taking them to my favorite coffee shop, Paradocs, on Fairfax and have them try their store baked matcha croissants that are to die for. We’d have to get there super early because their pastries get sold out quickly. I’d take them to see a show at the Latino Theater Company in DTLA. They always have exciting productions going on and tickets are $10 on Thursdays. After the show, we could cross the street and go to The Wolves and have a drink and share one of their flatbreads that they offer. I’m a big seafood guy so I’d also take my friend to the Redondo Beach Pier where they have great views of the Pacific. We’d have a meal and cold beers from the seafood market. I’d show them around Little Tokyo and visit all the shops that sell cute tchotchkes. We’d then have a meal at me and my partner’s favorite restaurant in Little Tokyo, Marugame Monzo, and have them try their takoyaki (the crispiest ones I’ve ever had in my life) and order the carbonara udon. If there’s space for dessert we’d go to Somi Somi.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ll give a shoutout to my family who have given me their unconditional support throughout my whole journey of becoming a professional actor and still continue to support me as I’m beginning a new chapter in my life living here in L.A. Their support means everything to me and I wouldn’t be where I’m at without them. I’m extremely grateful for their enthusiasm and curiosity in new projects that I’m involved with. They’re always eager to know what and when my next project/gig will be and that makes me very happy to know that they’re also invested in my journey. Their belief in me and my pursuit of my dreams is a big part of my engine. I’d also like to give a shoutout to my partner of 7 years, Miguel, who has been my rock. The amount of gratitude I have for him for keeping me focused and grounded is immeasurable. I’m extremely lucky to have him in my life and in my corner.
Another shoutout I’d like to dedicate to are my academic advisors and acting teachers that never gave up on me. They helped me build my creative foundation and gave me chances to show the world who I am.

Instagram: hernanc.a

Image Credits
Andy Antezana
Lana Cosic
Scot Goodman
Kevin Burne