More About Me…

Headshots by Shani Hadjian

Hi my name is Liliana Alva! I am a passionate actor, singer and creative from Northern California. My journey into the world of theatre began at a young age, thanks to my grandma, who took me to a high school production of Grease. Where we both ended up happy crying. From there, I spent my childhood performing Bette Midler’s Mambo Italiano for anyone who would listen and playing with Barbies, with High School Musical and Barbara Streisand blasting in the background. I think this is where the directing bug bit! I have taken directing courses at The Hartt School and even directed my first production right in my basement. Theatre, to me, should be accessible to everyone, and I take pride in creating opportunities for others to share in the magic of performance. Directing is something I’m eager to explore more, but acting is where my heart truly lies.

As a trained and versatile actor, I consider myself a chameleon, able to move seamlessly between classical styles and contemporary work, both on stage and on screen. My performances are driven by a strong presence paired with an earnest vulnerability. I love to play, bringing ease and fun to my craft. Above all, acting gives me the chance to give dignity to characters and beings who look like me, which is incredibly important as a woman of color. My father is Peruvian and immigrated to California when he was seventeen. Representing people like myself on stage and screen is not only empowering but a responsibility I hold dear. I will be forever proud of my ancestors and will never forget the history they hold.

When I’m not performing, you can usually find me hanging out with friends, enjoying live music, visiting rocky beaches (the colder, the better), or teaching. I’ve had the privilege of teaching animal safety to children at a nonprofit animal shelter for the past few summers. I believe that being a well-rounded person is essential to becoming a great actor. I’m passionate about constantly learning and expanding my perspectives, knowing that these experiences help me create more complex, relatable characters. As I continue to pursue my career in acting, I’m excited to bring my unique life experiences to the stage and screen, connecting with audiences in meaningful ways.

Me and my family!