New York based actress Yadira Guevara Prip started her career performing in various underground NYC theaters. Today, her resumé includes roles in the series "Supernatural", "Star Trek Discovery" and other sci-fi projects. Off set, Yadira is passionate about education in the arts, often collaborating with local youth programs and non-profit organizations. The editors of L’Officiel Online talked to Yadira about her upcoming projects, her background in theatre and her dreams for the future of the film industry.
Vintage
How did your acquaintance with the film industry begin?
I grew up in a family of actors! We were always quoting lines from our favorite films. I love movies so much. When I was a kid I created a board game about horror movies and made all my friends play. I started my career working in theatre and then began auditioning for film and TV in my late teens. I love working on set and playing all these strange and interesting characters.
Suit - MUNTHE
What was the beginning of your acting career like? What difficulties did you face during the first steps?
I come from a family of actors and artists. I began my career doing off-Broadway theater in New York City. I had the incredible advantage of growing up in New York City, seeing incredible plays and musicals, and foreign films at boutique movie theaters. I was blessed to see my mother and my uncle on stage and my aunt on screen—thanks to them, I knew it was possible for me when I was very young.
The difficult thing about being an actress is the constant rejection. There are always exciting roles and projects to audition for, and 95% of the time there is no feedback or interest at all. Rejection is constant, but I’m grateful to have built the strength to withstand it.
Suit - MUNTHE
What do you consider your most successful acting work?
My roles as Bow Lion on SEE (Apple TV+) and Po on Star Trek (CBS) probably got me the most visibility. I loved working on those big productions. I do, however, always crave to return to the stage. I find a lot of fulfillment when I work in theater and nothing really compares to the feeling of having a live audience.
Tell us about the projects you are currently working on.
I recently wrapped on an untitled film directed by Kathryn Bigelow for Netflix. It has to do with the over-militarization of our governments and deals with the real-time protocols that would arise during a missile crisis. It is a topic that feels very prescient as I look at our global news. Most people do not understand the effects of war until they experience it themselves. Also, the 24-hour news cycle can make many feel desensitized and numb, not knowing what to do. I love cinematic storytelling because it allows the viewer to experience circumstances in a way that is deeply personal—circumstances that would otherwise feel hypothetical or distant. We are not able to take meaningful action towards the problems in our world without first seeing and understanding these problems on an intimate level.
Suit - MUNTHE
How do you prepare for your roles, and how do you recover after a day's work? Do you have any rituals?
I fear my preparation and rituals may be boring to the average person. My preparation depends on the project and the character, but it is always a somatic experience and therefore a bit difficult to put into language. Knowledge feels ephemeral until my body understands it, and I always feel most of my work comes from understanding my relationship to my body and the environment. I love nature and quiet moments, so at the end of my workdays I like to take a walk through a local park or listen to music at home with a cup of tea.
Suit - MUNTHE
What project would you like to work on? Are there any directors you would like to be on the same set with?
I would love to work with Taika Waititi. He’s one of my favorite creators because I always feel there is a deep respect and love for humankind in his work - even through the humor and whimsy, there is always a recognition of our innate kindness and examples of our beauty as a species.
Vintage
How do you think the film industry is changing today?
Many people in my industry are very anxious with all the changes taking place—from the use of AI to the decline of Hollywood productions post-pandemic, there is no shortage of reasons to feel worried. I do feel optimistic, though. It makes me happy to see the means of production become more accessible than ever before; nearly everyone has a camera and microphone in their pocket at all times. Artists don’t need to wait around for a distributor; we can self-publish.
Suit - Ralph Lauren
I think people are tired of seeing the same kinds of stories; audiences crave something new and interesting, and more than ever I believe our responsibility as artists is to create stories that provide a blueprint for living in harmony—with ourselves, with nature, and with each other.
Talent: Actor/Producer Yadira Guevara Prip @yerbnends
Casting and Photographer: Liubov Liubinovska @liubov.liubinovska @lessmilkmorecoffee
Stylist: Akua Murray-Adoboe @rukuku
Makeup artist & Hair stylist: Tetiana Paun @paun.makeup @paun.agency
Florist: Awesome Blossom @awesome_blossom_nyc www.awesomeblossomnyc.com
Nails: Khrystyna Voloshchuk @kristi_nailart