Accomplished actors Carlos Gomez, Shannon Carbonell, and Nestor Carbonell recently offered invaluable insights gleaned from their extensive careers spanning the stage, television, and film to students at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences.
During an April 4 visit to a “Performance Laboratory” class taught by Kevin Kennison, an associate professor of professional practice in the Department of Theatre Arts, these seasoned professionals shared practical advice and inspiration, guiding students on navigating the entertainment industry while nurturing their enduring passion for their craft. The students also had the opportunity to ask questions.
The event, held in the Black Box Theatre in the new Theatre Arts Building, provided students with a unique opportunity to learn directly from working actors and gain insights into topics ranging from handling setbacks to mastering the intricacies of acting techniques.
Carlos Gomez: Embracing rejection and focusing on the human condition
Carlos Gomez, whose more than 25-year career includes starring roles in film, television, and on Broadway, emphasized resilience. Known for his roles in “The Glades,” “The Baker and the Beauty,” and the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “In the Heights,” Gomez urged actors to view setbacks as part of a larger journey.
“You need to fall in love with rejection,” he advised students. “Rejection is just an opportunity for the next step.”
Gomez also stressed the importance of maintaining perspective by having a good attitude, being humble, and feeling grateful for opportunities. “It’s a small world. You never know who will be your colleague one day, and your boss the next,” he cautioned with a laugh before sharing the story of a co-worker who later became his director.
Gomez’s core message focused on the power of storytelling. “If you want longevity, recognize we are all a part of a tiny story that will affect somebody when they watch,” he shared. He concluded with encouragement, urging students to “have faith,” to recognize that a successful career is possible, and to “enjoy the journey.”
Nestor Carbonell: Discipline, learning, and honesty in craft
Nestor Carbonell, most familiar to audiences from his roles in “Lost,” “The Morning Show,” and “Bates Motel,” emphasized discipline and continuous learning. He traced his own journey back to a college course on the Meisner acting technique and stressed the importance of lifelong learning. “Never stop learning, no matter how accomplished you are,” he said. “Go into anything as an opportunity to learn.”
Carbonell also focused on the actor’s mindset and techniques for managing pressure. He suggested practices such as meditation, relaxation, mindfulness, yoga, and breathing exercises. He also encouraged actors to be proactive in their careers.
“Actors are waiting for the cavalry to save them. You are the cavalry. Don’t wait,” he said, advocating for taking screenwriting classes and creating one’s own opportunities through independent projects and student films. This is advice Carbonell has followed in his own career, in which he has broadened his work beyond acting to direct TV episodes.
When discussing the craft of acting, Carbonell emphasized simplicity and honesty. He advised actors to focus on the natural flow of speech in order to discover the full thoughts and ideas a character is trying to express.
Shannon Carbonell: Practicality, perseverance, and self-awareness
Shannon Carbonell, known professionally as Shannon Kenny, has been a series regular on many TV shows, including “Muscle,” “The Invisible Man,” and “Seventh Heaven,” and has also voiced characters in cartoons. She emphasized the importance of a balanced life and cautioned students against sacrificing personal relationships for their careers.
Equally impactful was Carbonell’s encouragement to never miss an opportunity to act. She advised students to “Always do acting classes,” highlighting them not only as a means of honing their skills but also as valuable networking opportunities. She underscored the importance of continuous training and learning from various teachers to “create your own technique.”
Carbonell also shared insights on self-awareness and managing self-criticism, drawing from her own experiences of learning not to be overly critical of others or of herself. She encouraged students to focus on “the joy of the work” and shared practical tips on auditioning.
The collective wisdom shared by Carlos Gomez, Nestor Carbonell, and Shannon Carbonell provided theatre students with a well-rounded and deeply insightful view of the acting profession. By combining artistic inspiration with pragmatic career advice, these actors empowered the next generation to pursue their passion with both a grounded perspective and a resilient spirit.
