Today we’d like to introduce you to Diego Cintrón Rivera.
Hi Diego, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
First of all, let me thank you for the opportunity to share my experience with you. Since I was little, I have been enthralled with television and film. I would have and watch dozens upon dozens of films, from collections of DVD’s to television specials, to full-on movie theatre visits. Because of my love and allurement for movies and television, I would end up making and starring in my own films, my own shows, whether they were imaginary and in my head, or they were real and I’d recorded them with the help of my parents on the camera. In addition to this, I had also grown up in the church, with my grandmother as the leading pastor and my mother on the worship team. Having said this, I was always under the spotlight as well. I remember as a child, participating in all our church productions, singing, giving a few words, or acting. All of these things, unbeknownst to me, would provide a strong foundation for me in the future, as an aspiring actor.
As a child, I faced challenges that included moving from Puerto Rico to Orlando, Florida at nine years old. That meant adjusting to a new home, a new school, building new friendships, and developing new social dynamics. I recall having problems with behavior and organizational skills associated with a diagnosis of ADHD, all exacerbated by the changes I was undergoing. Fortunately for me, one of the many special teachers at that school had pulled me out of class and taken me to our school’s auditorium. The auditorium was where our school would put on productions, have theatrical classes, etcetera. I can’t remember why she had taken me there when she did, but it was almost like she knew what I needed to see, she knew where my future was taking me. In fact, in speaking with this teacher recently, I’d even say she helped show me the way to the stage. While at that time I was reluctant, later I gave myself the opportunity. I began working backstage, until one day I got to perform for our [at the time] theater teacher by chance. Since then, I’ve gotten the chance to play different characters in school plays, from ensemble parts to leading roles.
My passion kept growing along with me, and because of these opportunities I strived to become and grew into a better performer. Because of my newfound love for theater and my obsession with television and film I was able to pour myself into my work, which in turn, helped me to improve behavior in class. Theater helped me channel my energy, creativity, and passion in an awesomely positive way!
Over the summer of 2019, I attended a musical theater intensive summer camp at the Boston Conservatory. I had fallen further in love with the field, the campus we were being taught at, the curriculum, and even some of the staff members. Resultantly, I set that school up, in my mind, as my dream school. After required auditions, I was selected. Since starting college, I’ve been privileged enough to star in some school productions; share more stories, professionally, in and outside of school; film a pilot; find myself an incredible agent, among other amazing things I have been able to achieve and be part of. Each of these experiences have shaped me into who I am today. They have made me a stronger actor, a stronger human being, one who is in tune with his emotions and allows himself to feel more and love more. Though sometimes I may fail, I also think I try to stay grounded and grateful and kind. As much as I want to share my talent with the world, I would also like to continue growing as a human being and an artist and learning from life as I go forward.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, no. Along the way, I’ve come face to face with a couple of struggles. For example, when I was younger, I struggled with bullying; had to move to a different place, with no friends and little family around, while struggling with behaviors and challenges associated with ADHD; I had to mourn my grandmother, who had lost her battle with cancer, and who was, as she said, my number one fan. These events have also carved me into who I am today. Someone, who can be vulnerable but who keeps fighting to get what he wants and knowing where he wants to go and being determined to get there.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Well, currently, I am in my third year of college at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, pursuing my bachelor’s degree in musical theater. I am an actor. Just recently, I participated in a professional theatrical production of a new play called “OTP”, where I played a 17-year-old version of Barack Obama. As an actor, and just as a human being, I’m more known for my contagious high-energy, bubbly persona. Also, I’m proud of almost everything I’ve been able to participate in, but I think about three of the projects I’m most proud of are our school’s production of “Everybody,” directed by the brilliant Pascale Florestal; a pilot I was fortunately given the privilege to film, directed by the incredible Tiffany Jackman; and the professional production of “OTP” that I did. Each production was challenging in of themselves in the best ways. Not to mention I got to work with, learn from, and become friends with some incredible people and artists.
Now, I think what sets me apart from other people is the very fact that I am myself. I’ve got a lot of heart and a lot of passion! But above all that, I just have myself and my lived experiences. Because of this, I get to pour myself and my lived experiences into the people that I play, and into the stories we tell. Another thing that I think sets me apart is my receptiveness and openness to collaboration. I enjoy collaborating creatively with my friends or peers when I get the chance to do it. I also just enjoy what I do, and I try to find ways to grow and improve.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My confidence and my love. As human beings, we are almost hard-wired to look down on ourselves and just think that who we are and what we already do isn’t enough, but that isn’t the truth. I work hard, every day, to remind myself that I am enough as I am, that I am doing everything I can to be seen, valued, and acknowledged as a person who deserves everything he works towards in this world.
I think you just have to trust and believe in yourself and in the ways of the world, and the way of life. Everything sorts itself out in the end. Don’t just believe, do. Work for what you want. Work to convince yourself to believe. Love yourself; love what you do; try to love others even when it’s trying; have empathy. I try to do this.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cintrondiego
- Facebook: @cintrondiego
Image Credits
iPhotographIT – James McQuiggan
