Latin Woman Adreana Gonzalez conjures up singing college students and Hispanic individuals all over the place

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Photo credit: HVS Conservatory

When I heard that it was going to be Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), I started thinking about all the hurdles I had to overcome in order to get to where I am now in my career. Not only am I a working actor and a fixture on the Hollywood scene, I also start HVS winter garden, a post-secondary school for aspiring professional singers. While it’s not the first company I’ve started, it’s definitely my biggest company and I’m more than excited to see where it takes me. Thinking about where I came from as a Latina in Hollywood, it felt like I was sharing my story [so many can relate to] could help the next generation of artists.

My story

I was born in Los Angeles and grew up in a very small town in Venezuela for part of my childhood. I’m very proud of my legacy, but it certainly hasn’t made my dreams come true in Hollywood. The entertainment industry is one of the toughest out there. It takes everything you need to make even the smallest impression as a performer – and at that be a Latin American woman and it can seem impossible. As an actor in my Hollywood era, not only did women have 1/3 of the roles that men had, but a Latin American woman had 1/15 of them. The only auditions I was called to were the maid or the policeman. Although I was a college-educated, well-read, articulate, and accent-free Latina, I couldn’t escape typing. I went to an audition by the name of Adreana Gonzalez and I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been asked, “Are you Mexican? You don’t look Mexican. ”What does a“ Mexican ”look like? My father is 100% Venezuelan and my mother is an Italian / Mexican American. Worst of all, however, was when a manager tried to change my last name to Arnez “because Gonzalez sounded like the gardener’s name”.

Photo credit: HVS Conservatory

Ultimately, I started writing scripts so I could personally help open doors for the next generation of Latin American actors. I wanted to give them roles worthy of them – without encountering covert (and sometimes overt) racism and constant micro-aggression. But looking back, despite the challenges I faced, I wouldn’t change anything in my professional career because I’m standing now. I am in a position where I can influence and inspire both my vocal students and Hispanics everywhere by sharing my story and my voice.

My advice

Today’s advice to younger Latinx performers trying to make it into the entertainment industry is:

• Find a mentor who is successful in the profession you are aiming for. Without mine, I wouldn’t have made it. I’ve been ridiculously lucky to have some of the biggest names in the business who taught me everything I know.

• Find network groups to join, take as many classes as you can, and always send a gift or postcard after each meeting. Treat everything and everyone you meet as a company because you are the CEO of the company.

Fortunately, things are getting a little better these days for ethnic entertainers. A lot more doors open as you try to fill your “diversity” panel … but it’s still a long way from where it should be. Accurate and rich representation is important – on and off screen. Now I hope to be able to use the knowledge and experience I have gained as both a performer and a teacher to inform and shape the future of the world’s best singing talents. Besides, if I can help even one person Hispanic heritage succeed, then I’ve done my part.

Photo credit: HVS Conservatory

Adreana Gonzalez // Los Angeles, California

Adreana Gonzalez is the founder of the HVS Conservatory, a secondary school for aspiring professional singers. She is a multi-talent who is successful in any area she pursues, such as acting, singing, writing, and teaching. She has been a fixture on the Hollywood scene for over two decades and counts numerous industry insiders among her friends and colleagues. This experience enables her to provide practical and actionable advice to her students that goes beyond the mere technique. She knows what it takes to be a successful working entertainment professional. She has worked with celebrities like Will Ferrell, Jessie Reyez, Graham Patrick Martin, Lexi Ainsworth and many more.

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