A Conversation with Herbert Siguenza

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I attended a performance by Herbert Siguenza many years ago when I first moved to San Diego. I was so amazed at how talented he was. I have not seen very many Latino performers especially when you live in Ohio. As I was leaving the San Diego Rep I picked up a sheet that said he was teaching an Improv class. I immediately signed up for the class.

I had a really good time learning new things, participating in theatre sports games. It was hard to take notes because he was teaching so many things. It was interesting because I felt a connection like I've never felt before with any other instructors I had in college. But then perhaps it was just my imagination.

We have kept in contact here and there throughout the years. He travels so much and is either writing or performing or both. I don't get jealous of other actors. Rather, I learn from them and listen to them. They are living their lives like gypsies on the road.

Many times people tell me they want to be actors, too. They want to go to Hollywood and audition. They want to be onstage. They don't know about the rejection that we all go through. They don't want to work for free. They don't realize the long separations from your home life, your loved ones and the friends that love you.

So you must love it. You absolutely must to do this. Herbie has that kind of love for his art. I asked him how he can make each character his own. Because he does literally transform himself on stage. He is amazing to watch. And he told me he starts from his shoes. And I've never forgotten that.

I was fortunate to connect with him again after many years and we sat down over brunch for an interview for Latino LA. It was wonderful to see him again and catch up with him. I love it when I sit down with someone and just let them talk. Many times folks will tell me they want me to interview them and then they don't say anything. But Herbie and I talked and talked.

At one point, I was nervous and couldn't turn off the recorder. I finally got so frustrated that I pulled the batteries out. Crazy. I hope he didn't see that! He is very supportive of other Latino artists and I found that he has not changed all these years. He is still a very generous, kind soul. At the end of the interview, I reminded him that I was one of his students in his Improv class. He looked thoughtfully for a moment and then a smile came over his face as he did remember me.

As we parted ways, I thanked him again for the interview. I know that he will continue to shake things up with Culture Clash. And I know that he will live his life for his art. And for us, thank goodness. So I raise my glass to you, maestro!