Meet Bryan A. Martinez (Ensemble)
Meet Bryan A. Martinez (Ensemble)If you won $96,000 from the lottery, what would you do with it?
I would pay off the rest of my student loan, plan two vacations: New York & Spain, invest 10%, and then save the rest.
Who’s someone in your life that’s not blood related, but who you consider to be family?
My friends from my childhood in the desert. I have known them since middle school. I love them so much.
What was your neighborhood like when you were growing up? What’s that neighborhood like now?
I grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, CA for the first 10 years of my life. Then my family moved to Victorville, CA. We did everything: ride our Razor scooters, have ice cream from the local truck, get wet on the newest Slip n’ Slide, or lay in the grass and stare out into the clouds/stars. Currently, my family is in the Redlands Area and I’m Los Angeles based. It’s certainly a dramatic shift when going back and forth from city noise to quiet Redlands.
What’s your favorite photo from your childhood? What’s your family’s favorite photo?
My favorite photo is any family photograph of us smiling. I guess my family would say their favorites are silly faces or a random photo of me at 5, staring at a McDonald’s hamburger at a park.
Tell me about someone in your life that made sacrifices for you to succeed.
I come from a hardworking family. My father has inspired me to strive and be the best. He came to this country in the 70s and met the love of his life here in California. He was always working and had three jobs at one point to support our family. I love him so much and I would not be doing what I love if it wasn’t for my dad. I am so blessed to have my dad’s support.
Do you have a favorite moment in the play?
I have two favorite moments. “Breathe” reminds me of my past: the times I didn’t make it, and what was I going to tell my parents. Another favorite moment is when Nina looks back at an album, filled with memories and the past of family and friends.
What do you connect to in this story?
The people of Washington Heights remind me of similar stories/people in my life: A story of people with hope, taking it day by day, striving towards the American dream. You grow up with your parent’s traditions and you attend high school/college with different traditions and you try to find yourself within the edges. What did it mean to be Salvadorian and not living in El Salvador? By being in this production, I hope to tell that story of hope and live through the legacy of my parents. This story reaffirms my faith in live theatre. I feel like I am at the right place. I am home.
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