Photo courtesy of Britanico productions
By Mary Smith
You know that person who seemingly has endless energy? Enthusiastically and happily bouncing from task to task enjoying every minute of it? That person is Angela Parra, who transcends what it means to be a performer. She is a force of nature, with her boundless energy and infectious passion for her work, Parra has been captivating audiences since her youth, with her versatility and charm.
The Peruvian born actress began acting at a young age, with her natural affinity for lighting up a room transitioning perfectly to the stage. It wasn’t long before she booked roles such as Ursula in the Little Mermaid, where despite being one of the younger members of the cast, she shone the brightest. Transitioning to TV, Parra starred as the Green Fairy in Hadas, one of the most successful kids shows in Peru. She was quite simply irreplaceable with her spot on the show being held for the 2 years she attended an academy in Argentina. To continue her career growth, Parra turned her attention to the United States where she recently graduated from the esteemed American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA).
After completing her education, she has participated in several productions, including ‘Peregrination’, ‘Waiting for Lefty’, and ‘Lullaby Land’. She has worked with three different esteemed companies in a remarkably short period, such as SoHo Shakespeare, Dutch Kills Theater Company, and Spellbound Theater. This experience allowed her to explore three distinct styles of theater, including a non-speaking theater, a Proletarian drama, and a Musical Theater for children. Previously, she had not worked in some of these styles in Peru, where she starred in the major production of ‘La Gallina Pintadita’, a well-known brand across significant Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America and Spain, taking on the lead role of the singer. She has also been part of various musicals, such as ‘The Little Mermaid’, where her performance as ‘Ursula’ was unforgettable. Additionally, she led the musical ‘Anastasia’, which has had multiple tours, as well as ‘Hair’ and ‘Legally Blonde’, among others. Angela Parra’s talent is so renowned that she was specifically invited from Peru to undertake a special course in ‘El Cuerpo Escenico’, owing to her unique skills and undeniable talent and technique whenever she embodies a new character. Today, we had the privilege of sitting down with Angela Parra to discuss her journey and what the future holds.
“I’ve always considered my high energy projection to be a unique gift I was born with,” Parra explains. “It’s not better or worse than any other talent; it just requires some preparation for certain characters.” For Parra, this energy is a double-edged sword, a powerful tool that demands careful control. She describes it as “a thousand horses galloping in different directions,” which she must learn to guide and focus. Through years of practice and self-awareness, she has honed her ability to regulate her energy levels to perfectly suit each role.
This mastery has allowed her to seamlessly transition between roles that are incredibly different. “When I embody a young, hyperactive character, my energy allows me to perform all sorts of wild physical actions and reactions,” she says, emphasizing the importance of purpose behind every movement. Conversely, for her more mature and weathered characters she focuses on channeling her energy inward. She creates a real sense of presence, “I can convey a lot with just my gaze or the way I interact with my scene partner, even without much movement,” she notes. This ability to control and direct her energy is something she has worked hard on. It is a testament to her dedication that she can showcase her skill and talent, earning praise for each subsequent character she embodies.
One role that Parra particularly credits as transformative is her portrayal of the Green Fairy. She takes a moment to praise those who have embodied the character before, her paving the way so she could also shine. “I’m absolutely certain that each of their interpretations has breathed life into this amazing character,” she says. Building on their rich foundation, Parra felt empowered to add her own unique flavor. On set she was instantly at home “suddenly, all my most whimsical, silly, and childlike dreams have found a place to flourish.”
Stealing Scenes and Hearts: How Performer Angela Parra Lights Up Every Role
Willax
Her role as the Green Fairy gave her a chance to unleash a playful spirit, from a place of genuine vulnerability. Parra emphasizes the importance of taking a character’s struggles seriously, they are after all the characterization of someone else’s real struggle. This is doubly important for characters who bring humor to others, it is this very approach that fostered such a deep connection for her in this role. This connection gave rise to new ideas, opening the door for collaboration. “I will forever be thankful to my director for giving me the freedom to explore my imagination and share a piece of my enchanting world with everyone,” she says, highlighting the importance of creative freedom in allowing her to fully realize her vision.
Looking forward, Parra is excited to pursue any and every role. Her time spent in the fantasy and comedy realm perfectly aligns with her bubbly personality and enthusiasm, opening the door for her to pursue more roles in these two genres. “Absolutely! A hundred percent yes!” she exclaims with a level of excitement which suits her personality. She even mentions her past training in stage combat, a testament to her dedication to physical theater and her eagerness to embrace physically demanding roles. “Imagine a blend of Johnny Depp and Jim Carrey in their most whimsical roles. Bring on the challenge!”
While some might worry that her comedic flair could hinder her ability to be taken seriously, Parra has come to embrace her humor as a gift. “There was a time I worried that people might not take me seriously,” she admits. “However, after experiencing the world and witnessing the current lack of hope and joy, I now feel grateful when people laugh at my quirks and even my serious moments.” This perspective highlights her understanding of the power of laughter and her desire to bring light and joy to the world through her performances. She even dreamed of appearing on TV shows like “New Girl” or “How I Met Your Mother,” series which bring out the best in their quirky characters, while also providing them with enough context to be relatable.
Stealing Scenes and Hearts: How Performer Angela Parra Lights Up Every Role
Broadway Perú
When asked about her dream role, Parra envisions a character that evolves over time. A complex, if not eccentric individual, that gives her the freedom to develop a connection with viewers on a deeper level “I want viewers to feel a connection while also being captivated by the character’s uniqueness.” She also expresses a longing for fantasy, envisioning a “super magical yet delightfully goofy and funny” role. Alternatively, she is drawn to the world of cabaret and strong, jazzy characters, citing Velma from “Chicago” as a prime example.
Whether she’s embodying a mischievous fairy, a commanding villain, or a delightfully quirky protagonist, Angela Parra brings a unique spark to every role. Her ability to harness her energy, coupled with her unwavering dedication and infectious passion, promises a bright future for this rising star. One thing is certain: Angela Parra is an actress to watch, a performer who is sure to continue stealing scenes and hearts for years to come.
