Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Wiu.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Tracy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I moved to Boston in 1994 from Mexico. Although I am originally from the Philippines, I grew up just outside of Mexico City but always wanted to live in Boston. I went there in ’94 to study musical theatre at the Boston Conservatory. I quickly became a Red Sox fan, living so close to Fenway, and pursued my acting dreams. I started performing shortly after when I sang and danced on the Spirit of Boston. I eventually made my money bartending at Coogan’s and Jose McIntyre’s downtown.
In 2000, I got cast to open a show at Walt Disney World and moved to Orlando. Since then, I have worked extensively on stage at Disney on shows like Who Wants to be a Millionaire Play It, Playhouse Disney Live on Stage, and Finding Nemo the Musical. I’ve also continued my acting career in front of the camera working on shows like Homeland and most recently, I am Frankie on Nickelodeon.
My journey has always been driven by the passion to create. I am an artist and live and breathe acting. I grew up listening to everyone around me telling me to find a safe career, have a backup plan, but all I could imagine myself doing was performing. It’s been 18 years since I started working as a professional actress and I’m enjoying the success that seems to be getting better each year.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Being an actor is something insanely difficult. Most people don’t understand why you’re doing what you do, the support system is lacking, and the rejection is constant. Each day you’re being compared to someone who looks just like you. You are judged by your appearance, your smile, your weight, your hair color, and definitely not just your talent. There were times I couldn’t pay my bills and thought I should just get a “real” job. But when you finally realize that you can do this and make a living doing this, it all becomes worth it.
The advice I would give anyone, especially women, who want to get into the acting world is that they need to treat it like a business. Invest your time and money in your tool kit. Have the best headshots, get the best training, and constantly be learning. Be on time, be prepared, and always be ahead of the game. Just because you are talented, does not mean you will work. If you treat yourself like a business, the easier it will be and the more respect you will get from casting directors and agents. And if you can think of something else to do, then do it. It’s not an easy road and you need to 100% love it if you’re going to do this.
What should we know about your business? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Although I am an actor I also work as a project manager, event planner, and producer. I think what I am most proud of is how diversified I am. I am a firm believer in hard work. Dreams are always attainable and the fact that I can juggle multiple jobs and passions is something I am insanely proud of.
What sets me apart is my attitude. Although I am a workaholic, I still find time for traveling, for my friends, and for exploring the world. Work is fun but work also allows me the resources to have real fun.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
The most important piece of advice I have for anyone (especially females) who are just starting out is to just go for it. Perseverance is key. Although times get rough, doors can be slammed in your face, and people can tell you you’re never going to make it – guess what? That’s on you, not them. A film director once told me that the only reason people don’t make it in the industry is because they quit. I will always listen to that advice.
Contact Info:
- Email: tracy@tracywiu.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tracywiu
- Facebook: Facebook.com/tracywiuactor
- Twitter: twitter.com/tracywiu
Image Credit:
Kevin Abel photography
Shawn Rinehart photography
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