Edward Michael Escamilla
Edward Michael Escamilla is making quite a name for himself in DFW theater this year. His smooth moves and charisma as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever made everyone forget about John Travolta and his dramatic role as the troubled Melchior Gabor in Spring Awakening proved that he is a performer with a great range. Ed is an amazing actor/singer/dancer who gives his all on stage. He’s got the talent and personal magnetism to take him as far as he desires in the performing arts. Off stage Ed is a charming, unassuming, and kind young man. Take a few moments to read Ed’s thoughtful answers about his background and future goals.
When was your first time on stage?
I first took the stage in 7th grade; I played Johnny Lasso, the suave Texas Ranger, in my middle school melodrama Shakespeare Goes to Gravel Gulch. I don’t think I knew what I was doing at the time, but I was a tall guy in theatre who could remember his lines pretty well and that was good enough for my director at the time!
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
I knew after middle school I wanted to keep acting, but my junior year of high school was when I started to seriously consider what I wanted to do with my future. I knew acting was the furthest thing from a secure job and I for sure knew it wasn’t always going to pay the bills every month. What I did know was that I wanted to be happy with my “job” and that trumped any doubts I had about following my passion.
Who is your greatest mentor?
Before I get specific, I need to say that every single instructor I’ve had the opportunity to learn from has made an impact on me as a performer and a person. The person who has inspired me the most and pushed me beyond my boundaries every day is my former college mentor and now good friend, J. Austin Eyer. I know he’ll be directing and choreographing all over DFW soon, and I would strongly advise anyone, beginner, or veteran, to work under his expertise. He has made me a much more confident performer and even after 3 years of learning from him, he still teaches me something new every single time I chat with him; whether it’s about theatre or just life in general. I also want to thank my parents for consistently supporting what I do. They encourage me with their words and with their presence, making a near 8-hour drive from South Texas just to see me perform!
What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?
If we’re just talking about pure, straight-up fun? Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever at The Firehouse Theatre was by far some of the most fun I’ve had on-stage. Getting to dance with such an amazing group of fun people at the 2001 Odyssey was an experience I’m going to remember for a LONG time! Recently though, I’ve really enjoyed the process and work I’ve been able to do playing Melchior in Spring Awakening at The Watering Hole Collective Theatre. Mac Welch and Claire Greenberg have been phenomenal directors and provided some amazing guidance.
Do you have a dream role?
Oh boy. I have a few, but I’ll list off my top three. Definitely want to play Usnavi in In The Heights, Jack Kelly in Newsies and lastly Hamilton in Hamilton, but I would love to be just about anybody in that show, especially in the ensemble!
What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?
I would love to one day share the stage with my brothers Caleb De La Torre, Reggie Dunlap and Tanner Mobley. They’re phenomenally talented actors who are starting to make their way into the professional scene and I would be lucky to be on stage with any one of them!
What performances have you seen that impressed you?
Speaking of Reggie Dunlap, he was AMAZING in Superior Donuts at Theatre Arlington.
What are your career goals?
I would love to perform in the DFW area for a bit longer before I try my hand at New York. I would love to do touring shows, cruise ships, or even Broadway. I eventually would like to really invest some time towards becoming a TV/Film actor. After all of that, I want to teach and pass down everything I’ve been able to learn over the years. I would love to found a performing arts training studio back in my hometown of Edinburg, Texas and help develop the arts in a place that currently lacks the support and funding it needs.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
My roommates and I love to just create art. We have our own little “living room” band called “The Mooks!” where we cover songs and even write our own to play for each other. We also have our own film production company called “Fluidity Films “where we write and star in our own short films. Even if what we create goes nowhere else besides ourselves and our friends, we love to do it for the fun of it.
