“A Day in the Life” with: Vancouver Performer Michelle Avila Navarro

Michelle Avila Navarro is a multi-passionate artist. With a love of dance, music and acting, Michelle made a choice early on to hone in on her acting ability. She first fell in love with the performing arts from a very young age. Her earliest memory starts at five years old while living in Seattle Washington and witnessing the annual Christmas performance of the Nutcracker in Washington Square. She was completely mesmerized, her eyes wide and her jaw dropped. I’ll never forget it. I knew at that moment she fell in love.

Michelle has always had this unforgettable light about her. Filled with passion, charm and charisma, Michelle leaves a lasting legacy in any room she steps into. Her bright aura and vibrant smile leave those in her presence feeling uplifted by her joyful spirit. This has been a constant in Michelle’s life since she was a young girl and now a young woman.

Michelle creates art because she loves humanity and expressing that which is felt but not seen. Michelle gravitates towards acting as a way to empathize with others and bringing stories to life from all corners of the world that may otherwise never be seen or told.

In addition to her wondrous nature, Michelle is a very ambitious and driven young woman. After falling in love with the art form of acting at the age of five years old, she began her journey starring in her town’s local productions. In her later years, Michelle joined her high school drama club which only solidified her love of the craft. It was then that Michelle made the decision to pursue her passion for post-secondary education. And made her solo move to Vancouver B.C where she is currently a student at one of Canada’s prestigious theatre programs Studio 58. Soon to graduate in December 2024.

-Written by a close family friend

Michelle Avila Navarro
In a cafe. Grabbing an early breakfast. Reviewing my schedule and getting some work done before rehearsal. I always love to start off my day in a cafe with a solid breakfast and matcha to kick off my morning, it helps me stay focused and I have always loved the environment of cafes.
Michelle Avila Navarro
Backstage prepping before a run of our show “Baggage”. Going over my track and finessing details.
I love to dance. Music has always been a huge part of my artistic process. I think music is so healing for my soul and allowing myself to move freely to music and create a story though my body is one of the ways I reconnect with myself and my artistry.
A snapshot of the last scene of the play “Baggage” with scene partner Filip Fufezan. Snapped by Evan Sterns.
This is a photo of my immediate family. Taken a summer ago while visiting Lake Louise in Banff. They currently live in Alberta. I always make a conscious effort to go visit them whenever I have a break from school or productions. They support me in all of my ambitions. Anytime I have a moment to call or Facetime them they lift my spirits tremendously. They are my rock and fuel so much of my artistry.
Me with some freshly picked bananas from our house in Mexico. I love connecting with nature. It is one of the ways I stayed inspired as an artist. My family keeps me grounded and staying connected with my aunts and cousins in Mexico brings me great joy. My parents and I always make an effort to plan a family trip over there during the summer months.
Michelle Avila Navarro
Behind the scenes picture, taken outside my trailer. Back in August while filming Husband Father Killer. Playing the role of “Young Alyssa”.
Michelle Avila Navarro
Me and my Godparents meeting up for dinner. When I first moved into Vancouver they were the ones who showed me the ropes of this city and made my transition much smoother. I always lean on them for support and they have been an integral part of my journey into this city.

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Which neighbourhood are you in?

I live in the South Vancouver area on Main Street.

What do you do?

I am currently a film and TV actress and a full-time student in the Studio 58 Acting program.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I just wrapped a lifetime movie titled Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story on Lifetime TV, directed by Elizabeth Rohm and produced by HFK Productions Inc. and Rohm Feifer Entertainment. This Story is a chilling one based on a true story. I had the wonderful opportunity of bringing the younger version of Alyssa to life.

And am now currently working on opening the play Baggage. The story focuses on Jill, a woman haunted by the heartbreak of her past failed relationships and we follow her journey as she stays on her pursuit of finding true love while navigating the turmoil of her past emotional baggage. Directed by Jessie Liang.

Where can we find your work?

You can find my work at the Studio 58 theatre and grab tickets here.

“Husband Father Killer” Will be airing on the Lifetime network. Read more about the story here.

My Instagram, stay up to date on all my future projects!

 

About Emilea Semancik 220 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: