Sometimes it feels like if you don’t follow in the footsteps of a child prodigy, you’ll never get a crack at Hollywood. With the tsunami of young adult novels-turned-films, it seems the stars keep coming younger and younger. But just because you didn’t tap dance your way out of the womb doesn’t mean you can’t start an exciting, fulfilling career in acting at any age. Our latest showcase winner, Jonathan Medina, bears the proof.
Though Jonathan came to showbiz later in his career, he says he’s always wanted to act. “Since I was about five, when my grandfather took me to see a double feature of Casablanca and Key Largo. That was the beginning for me.” But acting is an expensive and time-consuming pursuit, and Jonathan was busy with work starting at thirteen. Making a living wage was first priority.
Then in 2011, while living in Arizona, Jonathan finally deemed himself stable enough to give acting a shot. He submitted for a short film and booked the lead role, thus getting the ball rolling and beginning to build his creative career.
As far as training, Jonathan has taken a practical approach. When asked to describe his acting education, he says, “Life. Learning to listen. Watching the world around me, as I’ve gone through my experiences. Failing, a whole lot.” He further cites written works on such greats as Meisner, Chekhov and Strasberg. He continues to consume biographies and notable works of celebrated actors and artists, gathering inspiration as he goes.
“Raul Julia, being Puerto Rican, stood out. Loved him. Especially in the way he transcended his nationality to simply be considered a great actor.” Jonathan went on to name other such icons as Spencer Tracy, Julie Andrews, Allison Janney and Aaron Sorkin among his other role models.
These days, his work ethic continues to drive him. Between gigs, Jonathan spends his days working in technology, and continues to fine tune his training by churning through workshops in L.A. Although he dipped his toe into a few different schools, Jonathan says nothing stuck until he discovered Billy O’Leary’s classes in Burbank, where he still studies.
It was an inquisitive mind and the vast reach of the internet that first led Jonathan to discover Cast It Talent (and subsequently, the showcase). Of the service, he says: “Cast It is a wonderful addition to my outreach, networking, and promotion. As far as the showcase, my experience has been lovely. Both, the contact with its representatives, and the idea that I won. Historically, I have not won a whole lot.” He enthuses over the comprehensive nature of the service: “Connecting with members, classes, discounts, blogs full of information on our profession, and with updates on the latest news. And of course, the job listings.”
Admittedly, Jonathan came to acting late in the game, but he hasn’t let that slow him down. “I apply the same attitude [to acting] I had when I was a kid. Hit the streets, albeit digital now, everyday. Be honest, sincere, generous, kind, and tenacious.” He advises others who share his ambition to apply the same work ethic that has carried him this far. “Study, train, make mistakes. Create everyday, or week, if you can. As much as possible…Real learning is doing something again and again till it becomes a part of you. Do that. Make it a part of you.”
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