We had the good fortune of connecting with Cosette Montemayor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cosette, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic career because it feeds my soul in so many different ways. I hate to be that person- but there’s a quote in Sex and the City where Carrie Bradshaw says “When I first moved to New York and I was totally broke, sometimes I would buy Vogue instead of dinner. I felt it fed me more.” While that quote is both totally ridiculous and completely fabulous– I feel all artists can relate. I love the way performing arts has molded my life into something so rewarding. There is a lot of hard work that goes into pursuing an artistic career. Normally, that involves working many hours in odd jobs and auditioning more than you actually secure projects. Especially now, when live performance art is tricky to accomplish in a safe manner. Even so, something about the entire process is so magical… and that’s why I always come back.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a performer in the Dallas area, and I’ve definitely come a long way since first deciding to pursue this career– with a long way still to go. I have had the most atrocious, embarrassing auditions (I definitely still get nervous) while having some awesome, successful ones to balance it all out. I’ve completed one national tour, as well as two seasons at Six Flags Over Texas. Before this pandemic hit, I had just accepted a project in Washington, D.C. but , of course, COVID-19 has shaken the world and all we know. Through it all, I have learned that 1. Preparation is EVERYTHING (and it can help with those nerves) 2. Constantly forgiving your inability to meet perfection is essential. You are only human, after all. 3. What is meant to be yours, will happen for you. I am still learning and growing in my art, but I feel so blessed to be on this track in the first place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When someone comes to Dallas- at a time where there is no COVID-19- my go-to spot is Opening Bell Coffee. It is so spacious and cozy, with the yummiest drinks- both coffee and wine, alike. Normally, they have live music, which really sets the vibe. They have board games, couches, really everything that sets up an awesome night with friends. Additionally, The Wild Detectives in the Bishop Arts District is another amazing Dallas coffee shop. It is part bar, part coffee shop, and part bookstore! Plus, you get to walk around Bishop Arts (a series of local restaurants and shops) while you make your way there. If someone has never visited Dallas, I make sure they end the night with the view on the Reunion Tower observation deck. A day pass gets you one entry during the day, and one at night- so you can see the Dallas skyline in both the sunlight and at night (which is my favorite). Dallas has many treasures: The Historic West End, Deep Ellum, and Cedar Springs. Go explore them all.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shoutout a Dallas local, and Latina FORCE: Marla Acevedo. She is a fellow actress as well as a hair and makeup artist. I met Marla while on tour for Dallas Children’s Theater in 2018. There, she started up her Youtube channel, which she has kept up with every week since then. Marla is the type of friend who will motivate you and support any of your interests. She loves to inspire and be inspired, and it is so infectious. Anytime I gain interest in pursuing something, she immediately cheers me on and supports me. And of course, we are always connected by the theatre arts. Stop by her Insta & Youtube @MarlaAcevedo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosettemontemayor/?hl=en

Image Credits
SFOT photos by: Cassie Gonzales

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