2024 PSD Visual and Performing Arts: Saul Conde
Saul always wanted to tell stories. ln high school, he found out exactly how he wanted to: through theatre.
He felt he was behind his peers, who appeared to have had voice and acting training already, but instead of feeling intimidated by their apparent head starts, he decided to redouble his efforts and work harder than everyone else. He had used this intrinsic motivation before in other situations – helping out his family’s small business when it struggled, aiding his grandparents during periods of poor health, and studying for tests in high school – and this determination continued to drive him during his time at Cypress.
Yearning to succeed onstage, Saul sought out a strong theatre program after his high school graduation, and he gravitated toward Cypress College. Here, he’s not only acted but been selected to become an assistant director and beyond, to further aid stagecraft on productions such as “Almost, Maine” and “Chavez Ravine.” After Cypress, he plans to pursue theatre as a career and, knowing what happens when he sets his mind to something, we can be sure he will achieve his dreams.
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
On paper, I don’t personally believe my story to be particularly remarkable.
I grew up in Downey, always had an affinity for film and television as I would mimic anything I saw on TV and wanted to be a movie star until I discovered theatre in middle school, but fell in love with it in high school.
The older I got, the more I gravitated to storytelling via different medias (stage, screen, books). I suppose what makes my story worth telling is how I learned to learn about theatre, how the real world affects and is affected by it, and how I never stop working to constantly improve. Because I didn’t start taking theatre seriously until high school, I realized I was behind everybody as far as performance ability goes because I hadn’t trained my voice or body for theatre and had to catch up if I wanted to really stand out. Even more so when I came to Cypress, my peers had gone to vocal and dance lessons for years by that point. But I wasn’t about to quit because I had a more significant learning curve, it just meant I had to work harder – and I was up for the task.
My determination and tenacity have always been my favorite traits because they’ve gotten me through a lot. When I didn’t sleep for days in high school to study for tests and make sure my lines were memorized, when my family’s small business was struggling and I had to take on more responsibility, when it came to helping with my grandparents’ health, my physical, mental and emotional endurance wavered but never broke. As I’ve gone through my Cypress journey and gotten more involved in theatre, I always had that strength to fall back on and support me.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
I’m most passionate about pushing the envelope when it comes to storytelling and aesthetic. In theatre, shows like “In the Heights,” “The Band’s Visit,” and “Hadestown”are just some examples of how theatre can be revolutionized in terms of how it can sound, how stories are told, what types of stories can be told, and how they then leave more room for people to ask: “What’s next?” It’s that “What’s next”” part that excites me and makes me want to contribute to theatre so more people can see it’s not simply boring Shakespeare and cheesy musicals.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
A friend of mine got cast in the Cypress College production of “In the Heights.” I saw their student preview show and immediately knew I had to enroll. I was a senior at the time and was told I would go to Cerritos because it was close, but had heard their theatre department at the time wasn’t very good;I was really anxious about going somewhere that wouldn’t train me the way I wanted. After seeing Cypress’s “In the Heights,” I got here and never looked back.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded?
I’ve been involved in the theatre program for three of my four years (the first one was all online due to the COVID-19 shutdown). I started as just an actor, but at one point got asked by faculty director Jennifer McMillin Brick to step up as Assistant Director during the production of “Almost, Maine.” From there, I asked to assist on “Mr. Burns”, and the currently running play “Chavez Ravine.” So, in essence, I went from only an actor to a director (of sorts).
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
Going on the New York spring break trip is one of my favorite experiences while at Cypress. It’s so inspiring to see professional theatre at the top level in the country.
Who are the faculty and staff (in your major, an academic or other support program, etc.) who have helped you get where you are today?
Truth be told, all of the theatre faculty have been very supportive, but Donny Jackson and Jennifer McMillin have been such rocks during my time at Cypress.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
Off the top of my head, I don’t have any specific answer other than the systems in place have made it so easy for me to organize my semesters in a way that is conducive to my academic track as well as my other outside obligations.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
Hard to say. Transferring has been the plan for this whole year until recently when I thought of taking a break to really focus on just working in professional theatre and pursuing opportunities not as a student. But I don’t completely know yet.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
I definitely want to go on to a masters program for directing in New York, and I would love to produce my own shows. And I would love to work in local theatre (Center Theater Group, Pantages, Pasadena Playhouse, etc.) either as an actor or director.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the awards I’ve won for my achievements in theatre at Cypress, and for how I’ve grown since I’ve started.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
No matter how busy you get, no matter how much you take on, always arrange your schedule with some kind of a break in mind. Whether it’s one day or one night a week, plan a break in your schedule because running on fumes will lead to burnout.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
I really want to thank my family for giving me space and time to pursue theatre. Especially with how chaotic things can get with work and family and life in general, I know that I’ve made it this far because of my parents and my brother, Andy, and their never ending love and support.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
One of my favorite quotes of all time is “Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming. Slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be. The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing.” I don’t think about is as often as I used to, but it still has the same impact when I remember.