Name: Mariel Matero
Hometown: Hampton, New Hampshire
Current Location: New York, New York (Queens to be exact)
TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Matero: My senior year of high school I was flunking Algebra 2. Most colleges I was applying to only required three years of high school math but I had to get approval from the head of the math department to ditch the class. I had recently been cast as Mame in the spring musical. I went to the head of the department to plead my case. She took out a pen and wrote, “Mame doesn’t need math” on the form and signed it. That’s when I thought, maybe I could make this whole acting thing work… it got me out of Algebra 2. I’m not saying kids shouldn’t take math, take math. But if you’re miserable and excelling in other areas, maybe talk to someone about it.
Should I not be condoning this?
TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Matero: My mom and I used to watch “I Love Lucy” and laugh and laugh. Lucille Ball’s comedic timing was just genius.
TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Matero: I’m still approaching it. For me, the plan is about being ready for the opportunity when it comes, creating relationships and creating your own work.
TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Matero: After graduating from University of New Hampshire, I spent a year working as a receptionist at a spa. I kept getting this feeling that I needed to get to NYC, enroll in an acting class and just TRY. I had spent four years getting my degree in English, minoring in Theatre and it was nagging at me that I hadn’t truly gone for it. After talking to my college professor, who recommended a studio to check out in New York, my dad drove me down one weekend to go to an informational meeting at T. Schreiber Studio on West 26th Street. I knew in my heart it was meant to be the minute we left. In less than a month I had quit my job, packed up the car and my dad and I were driving to my aunt and uncle’s house in Westchester. I stayed with them for six months (will never be able to thank them enough), got a job waiting tables and each week hopped on the Metro North train into the city for scene study class with Peter Jensen at T. Schreiber. He’s still there… go take class with him! The year was 2004. I was 22. Now I’m 24. I’m bad at math, remember?
TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Matero: For the most part it was easier than I’d anticipated. I was living with family and quickly met people in my acting class and at the restaurant where I worked. One of my best friends from home was getting his Masters at NYU that fall so we supported each other as we navigated through the city those first couple of years.
TrunkSpace: What has been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Matero: People are still talking about that one time I played a talking, smoking, potted-plant.
TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Matero: I love comedy. Something about the pace of it all. Making people laugh is a drug like no other, but I’m not going to try stand-up. Will leave that to my husband and professionals.
TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Matero: A tough skin. An open heart. A disturbing amount of resilience and energy.
TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Matero: I don’t have an ultimate, “this is where I want to be x years from now” because the future is fluid and I don’t know what’s down the road. I would love to be able to work with my friends on a show like “Seinfeld” or “Broad City.” I can say that’s a dream… to be a part of something, whether it be a show or web-series or movie, with like-minded individuals and friends and laugh a lot. You gotta laugh. Oh, and it’d be nice to make a few bucks doing it so eventually we can get a place with a washer/dryer. Dream BIG.
TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Matero: Listen to the voice inside your heart. Don’t do it for fame. Don’t do it for fortune. Do it because it’s calling you. Do it because there is only one of you on this earth and you have a story to tell. Do it because… why not?
TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Matero: www.marielmatero.com is my hub.
