Meet Frank Marrero — Rising artist and performer

Frank Marrero. Photo Credit: Anthony DiNoto.

Rising artist and performer Frank Marrero chatted about his latest endeavors, and being a part of the digital age.

Background on Frank Marrero

Frank Carl Marrero is an actor with a deep passion for the performing arts. Currently studying in the Acting BFA program at Marymount Manhattan College, he has had the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles.

Some of his notable credits include Sam Craig in Our Town (University of West Florida), Patrick Martin & Seymour U/S  in Little Shop of Horrors (Ossining High School), and, J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed Without Really Trying (Ossining High School), a role that earned him a nomination for Best Male Lead in a Musical at the Metropolitan High School Theatre Awards.

His passion and dedication to the craft fuels his dream of one day performing on Broadway.

What motivates you as an artist and performer each day?

There are quite a few factors that motivate me as an artist and performer each day. I absolutely love the storytelling and the work itself.

I have always loved theatre because I feel it is the only career where you can truly exist as a completely different person each day.

This can include an entirely different background, status, social life, mannerisms, physicality, and emotional landscape.

Each role offers me a unique perspective, allowing me to explore different personalities in a way that feels transformative and deeply fulfilling. 

The people are also a huge motivator, that makes this work worthwhile. Theatre is a collaborative effort, and without “the people,” there would be no theatre.

This includes my theatre professors at Marymount Manhattan College, who have offered me intense and valuable training. It includes my peers both in college and in the theatre, who support and collaborate with me on the work.

It includes the people both on stage and off stage, who help make the production run.

Finally, of course, it includes the audience member – one of the most vital parts, to make sure the word is both seen and appreciated.

This level of collaboration, especially in a world that can sometimes seem deeply divided, is one that truly keeps me motivated. 

My love for being a performer is enough to keep me going in my own right. I love being on stage and telling stories for people to enjoy.

There is a thrill of magic you feel right before the curtain opens each night, and that feeling – even just seconds of it, is enough to keep me going, alone. 

How does it feel to be an artist and performer in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)

Being a performer in the digital age is actually rather cool. Streaming services like Netflix, Paramount Plus, and HBO, all often come out with their own branded series and shows, which only means more opportunity out there for us performers.

Social Media has also made it easier than ever to connect and be inspired by our favorite performers. 

Also, it helps to close distance. For instance, when applying for college, many of my self-taped auditions were sent in video format, rather than in person.

Though I do prefer auditioning in person, I think it is cool that you can really send in a self-tape from anywhere to anywhere. 

What do your plans for the future include?

In the near future, I am going to finish my acting degree at Marymount Manhattan College, soon to become Northeastern NYC.

During this time and after, I hope to stay somewhere in New York City and start auditioning for everything and anything I can get my hands on.

Auditions can only help you get your name out there, network, and hopefully be seen by someone who thinks you’re a good fit for their vision. A major goal of mine is to end up on Broadway, and also to dabble in film.

I would love to play a recurring character on a Netflix drama series. I also often say how I will be pouring my heart out in my audition – if (and hopefully when) Sunset Blvd gets its next Broadway revival.

Stage or screen,  I do understand the extent of time, dedication, and training, that it will take to get me to achieve these plans – and I am ready for it.

Who were your biggest influences in the arts growing up?

My biggest influence in the arts growing up was my high school drama teacher and director, Jessica Beattie.

I had Beattie three out of the four years of high school, and she truly helped me become the performer I am today. She challenged me to embrace roles that demanded vulnerability and confidence.

Her passion for theatre and the many shows she put on is infectious. She is the main reason I have chosen to go to college for acting. 

Beattie’s belief in me, and all of her students, gave me the confidence to perform, and her guidance helped to shape my approach to character work, technique, storytelling, and professionalism within the theatre.

She always was a reminder of why I love what I do, and without her mentorship, I wouldn’t be the performer I am today, and carry the lessons she taught me in every role I take on.

Were there any moments in your life or career that have helped define you?

Indeed, there was. During my senior year of high school at Ossining High School, I played the role of J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Not only was Finch so much fun to play and explore, but this role has made a lasting impact on me.

Finch starts as a lowly window washer but quickly climbs the corporate ladder by using his wit, charm, and strategic manipulation. He is the likeness of an anti-hero, where sometimes what he does is wrong, but he is too charming and witty to not be liked.

The sheer level of lines, songs, and intricate blocking & choreography demanded an intense level of dedication and stamina.

I had to calculate Finch’s charm, wit, and ambition in every scene. This role pushed me to new heights as a performer and truly helped develop my understanding of character work.

What made this experience truly defining was the confidence it gave me to lead a show, and how hungry it made me to continue doing this work. With each rehearsal and performance, I grew more certain in my abilities both as an actor and storyteller.

The hard work truly paid off, as I got nominated for “Best Male Lead in a Musical” at the Metropolitan High School Theatre Awards for my portrayal of Finch.

That moment was one of many that solidified my passion for theatre and was a major stepping stone toward the career I want to build. 

What is your advice for young and emerging artists?

My advice to young and emerging artists is to hone in on your craft and to make sure you are hungry for the work. A huge misconception is that acting is “easy” or doesn’t require much work.

My training at Marymount Manhattan College, as well as my time performing, has taught me otherwise. If you are pursuing a career or training in the performing arts, you have to have a passion for the work, not just the results.

This includes the countless hours you’ll spend in auditions, rehearsals, and running numbers again, and again, and again! It takes stamina unlike any other, which is why it’s important that you are passionate about all parts of the process of production.

Also, be charismatic. I cannot stress enough how much a simple “How are you?” or “Thank you” will get you.

Be someone who people want to be around and want to work with – it’ll only open doors and get people excited to work with you, which leads to opportunity.

Genuine kindness and enthusiasm go a long way in the industry, especially the arts, where connections are everything. 

What did you think of Mandy Gonzalez and Diego Andres Rodriguez taking over the roles of Norma and Joe Gillis in “Sunset Boulevard”?

Jamie Lloyd’s Sunset Blvd revival has become my all-time favorite piece ever to hit the Broadway stage. I love how innovative and minimalistic it is, forcing you to focus on a cast of extremely talented actors.

I have seen it multiple times, and absolutely adore Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis as our leading roles. Every now and then Diego Rodriguez takes over the role of Joe Gillis, and Mandy Gonzalez takes over the role of Norma Desmond. 

I absolutely love the magic that happens on Broadway when we see understudies and replacements take over a role for a few nights at a time.

Diego’s version of Joe is played brilliantly, charmingly, and complexly, truly capturing the essence of the struggle that Joe faces throughout the show.

I’ve seen Diego play Joe with both Nicole and Mandy and he is extremely talented at acting off of the energy that he is given. With Mandy, his performance is a bit more serious. With Nicole, he becomes a bit more comedic.

Joe Gillis is a role I’d love to eventually take on myself, and Diego does a phenomenal job portraying him.

Mandy’s version of Norma Desmond is vastly different then Nicole’s, yet still is just as powerful. Mandy’s vocals fill the room, and her version of Norma Desmond seems psychotic, intriguing, and all-powerful right off the bat.

With Mandy, Norma Desmond becomes a woman who is threatening, and isn’t joking around. All in all, Mandy keeps Norma Desmond fresh and delivers an outstanding performance each time she steps into the role. 

What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)

To me, success is about growth, impact, and learning. It is not just about achievement and recognition, although those moments can also be incredibly meaningful.

Success is feeling challenged by a role, pushing myself past my limits, and walking off stage knowing I gave my performance my all.

It’s all about connecting with the audience and making them feel something, knowing the story and my work has left an impression on them.

If you can make an audience feel and empathize with you, then that is the greatest success of all.

Though cliché, success really is also about the journey. I am incredibly fulfilled by the process – the long rehearsals, character work, and the camaraderie of fellow artists I meet along the way.

The thrill of performing, the magic of storytelling, and the relationships I build along the way are what truly define success for me.

If I can continue to do what I love, challenge myself, make audiences feel, and inspire others through my work – then I know I’m succeeding.

To learn more about Frank Marrero, follow him on Instagram.