Meet Monica Mauro | Actor and ESL instructor

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

Hi Monica, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
The end goal for me as an actress is to stay in the game until death do us part! No giving up allowed! I always say that I’ll make it or die trying. Keep it going because acting truly brings me intense joy whether I’m putting up a scene in a class or acting professionally on a show. Sometimes when I’m driving to a shoot, I thank God that I am spending a day on set. I once heard someone say, “A good day is a day spent on set.” Nothing could be more true.

Another more specific acting related goal that pops up in my head especially as of late is booking on The White Lotus– in any capacity! No role is too small!!!

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 journey in acting took me a some time. I wanted to act for as long as I can remember, but I knew it would be a very difficult road trip. When I was younger, I just was so afraid of making that commitment which in my mind at the time would involve moving to Los Angeles–by myself, and making a lot of sacrifices. Then I met my future husband and his career took us to Los Angeles. So, I began slowly taking classes. I started by taking some voice over classes in Burbank. Then took a scene class which motivated me to take Meisner classes that led to UCB comedy improv classes that led to audition classes, Method classes, and I’m still taking classes! Eventually, I got my first agent and I was well on the road.

I’m not sure what sets me apart from other actors, but I will say I’m incredibly disciplined. I’m an early riser and devote my mornings to the craft: reading plays, memorizing lines (everyday–for a part or no part), submitting for roles, researching, audition self-tapes. I also try and take very good care my instrument: getting sleep, eating healthy, and exercising. Acting can be physically challenging, so being on top of your health game is a plus.

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.
Okay, here we go.

day 1, Century City Mall to eat and shop at EATALY.

Day 2: Lunch at Sweet Lady Janes on Montana then walk it off by heading towards the beach, and of course hit Santa Monica Pier just because you have to. Could also hit the pier in Malibu if you are in the pier mood.

Day 3: Lunch at The Ivy on Robertson.

Day 4: Early dinner at the W and a show at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood.

Day 5: Head east of DTLA to Monterey Park for some amazing ramen. Hit LACMA downtown on the way home.

Day 6: Spend the day at The Broad and for cocktails and dinner, Otium.

Day 7: Hang out on my patio with our friends (they are pretty interesting), and have my husband bbq for us!

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?
A great shout out goes to my faith in God. I also give credit to my fellow acting friends, and my extremely supportive husband who encourages me to take risks and not take myself too seriously. Like many careers, acting is challenging. There is the creative end, and the business end–oh yeah, and a good daily dose of rejection and pressure, so having a strong and grounded support team in your corner is really important. I’m incredibly grateful!

Instagram: @supersonicmonic1

Twitter: @monicamauro8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monica.mauro.actor?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Other: https://imdb.me/monicamauro

Image Credits
Headshots by Michael Roud