In a captivating interview with the Vision Cast crew, Xianna Rodriguez shares her inspiring journey as an aspiring actress and dedicated martial artist. Born in El Paso, Texas in 1997, Xianna moved with her family to San Francisco, California at a young age. It was there that she discovered her love for performing and began to nurture her talents.
Discovering a Passion for Acting
Xianna's interest in acting began in elementary school, where she participated in school plays. As she grew older, her passion for the craft only intensified. Upon graduating high school and entering college, she made the decision to pursue acting more seriously. "I have kind of always had an interest in performing ever since I was young," Xianna explains. "Once I started college, I have been taking it a little more seriously, have been taking more classes and getting into training and workshops."
While primarily focusing on theater, Xianna has also had the opportunity to work on film projects. She made her film debut as an extra in "Fight for Your Life," which has yet to be released. Xianna's dedication to her craft is evident in her continuous efforts to learn and grow as an actress. She has taken acting classes at City College of San Francisco and plans to enroll in their acting for camera course to expand her skillset.
Overcoming Challenges as a Visually Impaired Actress
As a visually impaired actress, Xianna has faced unique challenges in her pursuit of acting. However, her determination and adaptability have allowed her to overcome these obstacles. In theater productions, she has worked closely with the crew to ensure proper accommodations, such as using glow-in-the-dark tape on steps to mark her path. When it comes to scripts, Xianna utilizes an iPad to enlarge the text and makes a concerted effort to memorize her lines quickly.
Xianna's visual impairment has not hindered her ability to deliver compelling performances. She sees it as an opportunity to bring a unique perspective to her roles, stating, "I think it would be cool to see more roles for blind and low vision people. I also think it would be cool to see more blind and low vision people playing roles that aren't necessarily characters that are blind and low vision. Instead of it being written for them, they can bring it to the character and make the character more nuanced."
Pursuing Education and Keeping Options Open
While acting remains a significant part of Xianna's life, she has chosen to pursue a degree in communications. This decision stems from her desire to have a broad range of options and the ability to apply her skills to various fields. "I chose communications because I thought that was kind of a more broad pathway," Xianna explains. "I could still do theater and I could still act. But with communications, I can also apply it to other things, like if I ever wanted to work with people in some capacity."
Xianna acknowledges the competitive nature of the acting industry and the importance of having a well-rounded education. By studying communications, she aims to expand her knowledge and keep her career prospects open, while still pursuing her passion for acting.
Discovering the Art of Karate
In addition to her acting pursuits, Xianna has found another outlet for her talents in the world of martial arts. Since 2021, she has been practicing karate and has already earned her blue belt. Xianna's introduction to karate came through a special connection to the Blindness community. She attended the Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Napa, California, where a karate program was introduced 11 years ago.
Initially, Xianna participated in the karate program solely at the camp. However, as she became more involved as a counselor and support staff, she decided to continue her training outside of the camp setting. She now attends weekly lessons at a dojo and practices two to three times a week. The connection to the Blindness community makes her karate journey even more meaningful.
Traveling the World and Embracing New Experiences
Xianna's adventurous spirit has led her to explore various parts of the world. She has traveled to Mexico, Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Peru. These experiences have allowed her to immerse herself in different cultures, meet new people, and broaden her horizons. Xianna particularly enjoyed her trips to Sydney, Australia, and London, where she had the opportunity to stay with friends and family, experiencing the local way of life.
Reflecting on her travel experiences, Xianna expresses her love for seeing new places and learning about different lifestyles. She appreciates the opportunity to witness the unique climates, landmarks, and traditions of each destination. Looking to the future, Xianna dreams of visiting Japan and witnessing the breathtaking cherry blossoms in bloom.
Advocating for Accessibility in the Arts
As a visually impaired actress, Xianna recognizes the importance of accessibility in the arts. She advocates for the inclusion of accommodations such as large print playbills and audio description devices in theaters. While many theaters already offer these services, Xianna suggests that they should be available on more days rather than just a few performances during a production run.
Xianna also shares a humorous anecdote about her experience requesting a large print playbill. Despite the theater's efforts to provide the playbill on larger paper, the font size remained the same as the standard version. While the theater's intentions were admirable, it highlights the need for further education and understanding of accessibility needs within the arts community.
Looking to the Future
As Xianna looks to the future, she envisions herself completing her education and continuing to pursue her acting career. She hopes to have more opportunities to work on her craft, gain industry knowledge, and venture into television and film projects. Xianna's love for theater remains strong, and she intends to continue her stage performances alongside her other acting endeavors.
In the realm of martial arts, Xianna aims to progress through the ranks and eventually earn her black belt in karate. Her dedication and discipline in both acting and karate demonstrate her commitment to personal growth and the pursuit of her passions.
Xianna Rodriguez's journey as an actress and martial artist is one of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of her dreams. Through her experiences, she serves as an inspiration to others, proving that with hard work and perseverance, one can overcome challenges and achieve their goals. As she continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry and the world of martial arts, Xianna's story reminds us of the power of passion and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Listen to full interveiw with Xianna Rodriguez on StoryCraze Network YouTube channel.