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Discovering a passion for acting

Victor Almanzar, a 2012 graduate of CCNY’s Theatre and Speech Department, never expected to become an actor. As an immigrant who landed in high school in Long Island City, he was placed in a drama class that didn’t initially resonate with him. A perceptive teacher saw potential in him and secretly enrolled him in the CAT Youth Theater after-school program. Almanzar’s first performance sparked a love for applied arts and storytelling, enabling him to process his environment and emotions in new ways.

After years of serving in the military, Almanzar decided to pursue his undergraduate degree. Although acting wasn’t his initial goal, he stumbled upon City College’s Theatre and Speech program and couldn’t help but enroll in acting classes. “The faculty in the theater department at CCNY were warm and attentive,” he reflects. “They cared about my development, not just as an actor, but as a human being.” Encouraged by mentors, Almanzar pursued a master’s degree at the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University, a milestone he describes as one of the most important accomplishments of his career.

Seeing human dignity in every character

Almanzar’s life experiences—his immigrant background and military service—profoundly shape his approach to acting. Initially seeing his accent and foreign birth as potential obstacles, he soon realized they were assets that gave him a unique lens through which to view the world. “I approach my characters with this in mind and, no matter the role, I try to give it a deep sense of humanity,” he explains. His military experience also instilled a sense of discipline and a deeper understanding of the human condition, which he brings to his craft.

Almanzar’s career includes notable roles in television, film, and theater. His portrayal of Oswaldo in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Between Riverside and Crazy received acclaim on Broadway and in major regional theaters. On screen, his credits include leading the indie film 11:55 and recurring roles in Homeland, Power, and Empire.

After graduating from City College, Almanzar attended Labyrinth Theater Company’s Summer Intensive. There, he encountered Stephen Adly Guirgis’s work and found an artistic home in Guirgis’s plays, which focus on people often overlooked in American theater. When Guirgis offered Almanzar the role of Oswaldo in Between Riverside and Crazy, it bolstered Almanzar’s commitment to theater. “Through his work, I felt seen as a human being,” he shares. “He writes about people who aren’t typically represented.”

The real work of acting

For Almanzar, the biggest misconception about acting is that it’s just playing pretend. “Like every other job, you have to put in the work,” he says. “You have to delve into the human condition. Analyze your character, the world they live in, the stakes, the wants, the obstacles. You have to memorize lines, research, and place yourself in emotionally charged circumstances—and then perform as if no one is watching.”

Almanzar’s dedication to authenticity and his unique perspective as an immigrant, military veteran, and City College alumnus have made him a powerful storyteller. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of education, perseverance, and a commitment to portraying humanity in all its forms.

Victor Almanzar’s story reminds us of the richness of lived experience in shaping artistry. His journey from reluctant high school drama student to celebrated actor is not just a personal triumph but an inspiration for anyone seeking to turn unexpected opportunities into meaningful careers.
 

Stay tuned for future posts featuring more Townsend Harris awardees!