Actor relishes roles and lessons found in productions

Actor Jay Romero, holding the soccer ball, performs in the play "The Roses in June." • Photo by Mark Gavin

By Tom Victoria

Jay Romero can express himself in art through the dulcet tones of his singing or in complete silence. The versatile actor has sung in classics and performed as a mute character.

Jay Romero • Photo by RJ Lewis

“’The Medium’ by Gian Carlo Menotti was one of my favorite productions that I have performed in,” Jay said. “Toby was the character I played. He was the only mute character in the opera. It was by far a big challenge to create a character without dialogue. The challenge to analyze the music lyrics to find who this character is was a treasure. I also got to work with great artists and one of my mentors, W. Terry Beck.”

He cited “The Roses in June,” a tale of refugees set in the 1960s, and “The Magic School Bus,” a musical based on the book series, as other favorites. Jay was in the national tour for the latter production.

The 27-year-old New Yorker described the importance of works such as the masterpiece telling the dual story of Don Quixote and Miguel de Cervantes.

“’Man of La Mancha’ is a classic,” Jay said. “A beautiful message of living life with integrity. There is beautiful music. There is representation of Spanish culture. It’s a show with so many layers, comedy and drama. Shows like it are where one can learn about life and the world around us. I emphasize that theater can be used to entertain, but it can be a place where you can learn and be inspired.” 

He also fondly recalls the places he has shown his craft.

“’The Roses in June’ was performed in Philadelphia at Plays and Players Theatre,” Jay said. “It is one of the oldest professional theater venues in the United States. Another space I have enjoyed performing is the Metropolitan Playhouse in New York City. The company prides itself in producing shows from past American literature. It is a space where I got to explore older plays.”

He explained the value of performing.

Jay, right, acts in the play "Indians." • Photo by Victoria Engblom

“Acting is a mirror of life,” Jay said. “There are so many lessons that I have learned through watching and performing in theater and film. Those lessons have and continue to shape me as an individual. Acting and performing have allowed me to express myself artistically but also put myself in someone else’s shoes. I found something very special in it and it continues to draw me in.”

He finds value in live and recorded performance.

“I love stage,” Jay said. “It’s more active and there’s more of a community feeling. You have an audience which is there with you. With film, you’re a little bit more contained. But this also allows work to be more intimate. You also get to view the work after and have a copy of what you created.”

But live performance holds a special place in his heart.

Jay acts in the musical "Man of La Mancha." • Photo by Bailey Costa

“I do like performing in front of a live audience,” Jay said. “It’s a thrilling, fun and shared experience. I still get a little nervous. Performing in front of live audiences is how theater and acting all started, so it’s a connection to a long history of actors, dancers, musicians, writers.”

He emphasized the importance of incorporating music into a show.

“Music is another form of expression,” Jay said. “It can emphasize an emotion that simple words may not be able to convey. It can also allow the performer to further express themselves. It also helps create a different moment in the performance which gives the show more color and depth.”

He said one action is more difficult to convey than others.

 ”Forgiveness is the hardest thing,” Jay said. “It takes a lot of strength. There’s no resentment. We’re moving forward. That’s a challenge.”

Jay's character is shot during "The Medium." • Photo by Darci Paul

As many actors have done over the years, he holds down a restaurant job to cover any gaps in performing. Jay will work four days a week while auditioning the other three. He explained this is where an agent comes into play, screening opportunities for the actor to save time.

“You don’t have to do anything by yourself,” Jay said.

It’s a never-ending balancing act to have a steady job and find new roles. Sometimes, Jay has to sacrifice an acting opportunity or a work shift. 

He recalled the moment that acting became his aspiration.

“I believe it was in middle school,” Jay said. “I was part of the school’s choir and I enjoyed singing. They were hosting auditions for the school musical and I decided to audition. I played a townsperson in the production of ‘Cinderella.’ During this production, I discovered how much I enjoyed creating and performing with like-minded artists. It was fun, I was surrounded by a supportive community that was creating art and it opened the door to learning about acting and pursuing it as a career.”

Jay also performed in the short film "I Followed Darby."

His passion was a surprise to his parents, immigrants from El Salvador.

“My parents probably still have so many doubts and don’t understand an acting career,” Jay said. “It was not something that they believed was possible. Knowing their story, they worked in farms back in El Salvador. They are very supportive, however, and want me to continue reaching for my dreams.”

He appreciates his heritage.

“Being a child of immigrants, I carry with me everyday, a different culture, language and a different perspective that I can share and contribute to the environment or the community around me,” Jay said. “My parents came to this country for a better life and I grew up learning about their dreams and their journey of settling in a country they are not from. I take their journey as a motivation to go for my dreams. It makes me proud to be a first generation El Salvadoran.”

Jay works out for fitness and motivation.

He also is proud to represent another segment of the population.

“The LGBTQ+ community has many incredible and kind people,” Jay said. “Each individual no matter the age, race, background has had to or is still coming to learn to accept a major aspect of who they are despite adversity. Opening up and accepting this part of one’s identity takes courage and resilience and as many older LGBTQ+ folks have said before me, it gets better. Coming to terms with who one is opens up a new door. You get to meet people like you, even different than you, but everyone with the same objective: to live authentically as oneself.”

The thespian has a great physique. He works out for an hour five times a week.

“It keeps me active,” Jay said. 

“Keep at it ... Remind yourself why you love the craft and continue to do great art.”

He explained being fit aids him when doing physically demanding roles while providing other benefits.

“Fitness keeps me motivated,” Jay said. “When I go to the gym, I feel more active and stronger. It also helps clear my mind. Taking time out of the day to take care of yourself is very important and I have found this while working out. It calms down my mind and allows me to focus on my goals and what I want to achieve. Family and friends also keep me motivated. Their support allows me to continue working on myself and my career.”

He offered encouragement to aspiring actors.

“Keep at it,” Jay said. “Everyone has their own path. You will hear tons of nos, but the yeses are special and those were the projects that were meant for you. Continue taking classes. Remind yourself why you love the craft and continue to do great art.” 

The link to Jay’s Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/jayfromero/