Description:
Alexandra Lainfiesta is an acclaimed professional actor, singer and playwright. Originally from Guatemala, Alexandra performs both in English and Spanish.
Born and raised in Guatemala, Alexandra immigrated to Canada shortly after turning 19 to pursue professional training in the performing Arts. She came to this country completely on her own, with a basic grasp of the English language, not knowing who Shakespeare was, with very little knowledge of theatre history and no training whatsoever in singing or acting.
She pushed herself to learn in a second language and to excel in it by expressing herself with eloquence and hon
Alexandra Lainfiesta is an acclaimed professional actor, singer and playwright. Originally from Guatemala, Alexandra performs both in English and Spanish.
Born and raised in Guatemala, Alexandra immigrated to Canada shortly after turning 19 to pursue professional training in the performing Arts. She came to this country completely on her own, with a basic grasp of the English language, not knowing who Shakespeare was, with very little knowledge of theatre history and no training whatsoever in singing or acting.
She pushed herself to learn in a second language and to excel in it by expressing herself with eloquence and honesty. She overcame all limitations that come with being an immigrant and the constant uphill battle of obtaining visas, permits, and extension of permits, over and over again, never giving up, and always handling the several obstacles that have fallen into her path with unusual clear-headedness and a determination to reach her goals.
Along with the help of several communities coming together, Alexandra fundraised year after year in order to pay for her schooling and in 2010 she graduated from The Canadian College of Performing Arts and from Studio 58 in 2015.
Two years shortly after graduating, Alexandra was awarded her first Jessie Richardson Award for Best Lead Role. The only Latina to be given this award.
She was also invited to join The Stratford Festival of Canada’s acting company in 2018 playing her first major role in a Shakespeare Production and the role of Assunta in the highly acclaimed production of Napoli Milionaria!
In 2019 Alexandra was awarded what was deemed impossible to many: her Permanent Residency to Canada under the self-employed category solely as a theatre artist.
Alexandra’s trajectory since arriving in Canada is a clear demonstration of her passion and commitment to her industry and her craft. Alexandra never forgets where she comes from and in 2019 she co-hosted the event “Breaking Borders” where immigrants took the mic to perform and raise funds to cover legal expenses for BC immigrants who are artists and need financial support in order to immigrate to Canada.
Alexandra also started a bursary for immigrant students attending the Studio 58 acting program and in 2018 she helped co-produce The Killjoy Play Series which developed and produced three new works by women and non-binary writers.
In just twelve years, Alexandra has established herself as a leading artist in Canada and will soon be earning her MFA in writing from the University of Victoria. She has been invited as a guest speaker to CCPA, a mentor and a teaching artist working specifically with youth of colour for Bard on The Beach and and educator for Stratford Education.
Alexandra co-founded the Canadian Latinx Theatre Artist Coalition, serving its members since its inception in 2019. She co-produced the video series called “Trayectos” where Latinx voices are placed at the forefront of storytelling, directing one of the videos titled “We Are Here” which celebrates Latinx artists across Canada.
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