What projects am I involved with outside of R+D Fitness?
I’m always looking to grow as a human being, and when I’m not busy inspiring folks to move their bodies I’m out on the streets of LA trying to create a groove for myself creatively. I’m a fitness buff and theatre nerd. Theatre literally saved my life through my parents divorce, and I’m pursuing roles on stage and film daily with the hope to give back to an industry that has saved me.
And I’m excited to announce and celebrate that theatre is back! Prior to COVID I was in a show in North Hollywood that was set to open April 1st, 2020. Sadly that show died. RIP Screaming Muskrat Love. But alas! A year and a half later I made my musical theatre debut at the Rose Center Theatre in Anaheim.
The show is called “Waiting in the Wings” and it’s a musical theatre adaptation of the cult independent film “Waiting in the Wings.” The story is about a theatre geek who gets accidentally swapped with a stripper in a stripping competition. It’s tasteful and fun; I love this show. I play a stripper, and holy wow has it been a ride. Not only am I singing and dancing on a stage for the first time, but I’m also taking my clothes off in the process. I’m so grateful the theatre took a chance on me and I’m already looking forward to my next musical theatre experience.
As an actor I’ve been a predominantly a film & TV guy. Although I have a theatre minor from Georgetown, I never got in any musical theatre reps at school. My daily job as an actor is to work on myself and audition. It’s an extra treat when I book the role, but I’ve accepted that is totally out of my hands. I am in control of how I’m improving and what content I’m producing. Every week I meet up with a singing and acting coach. I also have a group of mentors who I’m constantly checking in on.
My most recent personal growth project has been tapping into freedom as an artist. I’ve chosen to work on my inner child and right now to ignite my inner child I’ve joined a soccer class and started playing video games again. It was super hard to start, but now I can’t imagine my life without play.
Outside of acting, I am also a short film producer looking to make my jump to TV production. I’m currently in development for a TV pilot with my childhood friend Andres Rovira. We have produced three short films together (Refugio, Noche Buena, and The Unveiled). Our most recent project “The Unveiled,” has caught the attention of my management company who is brokering a deal for the scripted tv series based on the same project. It’s a whole lot of uncertainty but it’s fun being in control of a creative project.
So when I’m not teaching, or posting for R+D Fitness I’m out here singing in the rain.
Onwards!
Ray
