“It’s never too late to chase your dreams”

Cami Taleisnik

Cami Taleisnik, is a multidisciplinary artist from Argentina whose compelling path from a shy, observant child to a vibrant, full-time performer has taken her across countries and countless stages. In today's interview Cami's shared with us the intimate details of her evolution: from her pivotal decision to leave a career in architecture behind, to the life-changing leap to Mexico and then New York, the profound impact of shows like On Your Feet! and In the Heights, and the unique sense of community she found within Chasing Dreams. Her story is a powerful testament to the transformative magic of pursuing your true calling with unwavering passion and dedication.

From Architect to On Your Feet!

Did you always know you wanted to be an artist? What were you like as a kid?

No, I didn’t always know. As a child, I was very shy. I admired my sister a lot—she was super expressive, always singing, dancing, performing. I was her biggest fan, always in the front row. But I didn’t realize that I admired her because deep down, I wanted that for myself too. When I finished primary school and had to choose a high school, I picked one that offered choir, theatre, and dance because that’s all I really wanted to do. That’s where I took my first theatre and choir workshops—and the moment I started, I knew. I loved it.

You’re also a trained architect. How did you transition from architecture to becoming a full-time artist?

I actually always thought I’d be an architect. I grew up in a family of architects—my dad, my aunt, and my grandmother. I spent my childhood in my grandmas’ design studio. As a little girl, I drew houses, floor plans, furniture… I played with my dad’s models and would say, “I want to do this when I grow up.”

Right after high school I won a musical theatre scholarship and moved to Buenos Aires, but I had already been accepted into the architecture program in Córdoba. I put that on pause to “play,” taking what I thought would be a sabbatical year in Buenos Aires. But while I was there, immersed in musical theatre, I discovered my true passion. Still, I told myself: “I want this to stay something I love—I don’t want to start resenting it because I’m forced to take jobs I don’t enjoy just to make money.” So I chose to earn a living through architecture and only take on performance projects that truly inspired me… but that eventually changed. Before and throughout the pandemic I had been working as an architect for three years, while also rehearsing shows in the evenings and taking voice and acting classes. But something didn’t feel right. Sitting at a computer all day drained me—I needed to move, to use my body. That’s when everything shifted.

When did you feel the calling to become a full-time artist? And how did Mexico come into the picture?

During the pandemic, even though I was lucky enough to still have work as an architect and save some money, I made a decision: in 2021, I was done with architecture. I set the goal to earn my living as an artist. I started giving more singing lessons, taking more classes, doing whatever I could to build a sustainable artistic life. I told myself, “I’m not going back to that office.”

Around the same time, a friend had moved to Mexico and kept encouraging me to go. I had already been playing with the idea of doing art somewhere else. So I bought a one-way ticket and left within a month—on a mission to make a living through art.

How did New York come into your life—and what did On Your Feet! mean to you?

New York showed up in January 2022 when I traveled as a coordinator and co-producer for Livin’ Broadway. During that trip, I started connecting with people I admired—one of them being Luis Salgado. That eventually led to an open casting call for On Your Feet!, which he was directing. I auditioned without any expectations… and I got in!

That show changed everything. It was a dream come true and a major turning point. It proved to me that anything is possible, that any goal I set is within reach, and that I can be whoever I want to be—anywhere in the world. Mexico had already given me that confidence, but On Your Feet! reaffirmed it: dreams are meant to be lived. 

“Now in my 30’s, I can say—it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Theatre is something you can do for life. ”

Chasing Dreams

When did Chasing Dreams come into your life, and what was it like to be part of the show?

I happened to be in New York for a few days and saw the casting call. I sent in my materials, and the same day they told me I was in. I was so moved!

To me, Chasing Dreams is a space that opens doors for Latinx and international artists. It creates a community, a family, where we all understand each other. We may come from different places, but we all share the experience of leaving our homelands behind and arriving in New York full of hopes and dreams. It’s a balm for the soul. Delfina Perret and Camila Figueiras Meriggi (the Founders) make you feel like, “It’s all good, come in—we’ve got a show for you, a place where you can shine.” There’s a pianist, a beautiful venue to perform in, and an invitation to bring your friends and feel at home. It’s family. It’s magical. And to top it all off, you’re singing in a Broadway cabaret just steps from Times Square. It’s an unforgettable experience.

In The Heights: Another Dream Come True

Her most recent project marked the realization of a long-held dream: to be part of In the Heights, a show that tells the story of the Latinx community in Washington Heights—the very neighborhood Cami has called home for over two years. The highlight was making her debut as Carla, one of the vibrant salon ladies—a fun, bubbly character that brought joy to every scene.

What’s Next

What fuels you to choose this path every day?

There’s never been a moment of doubt—I’m completely sure about the decision I made. I love this profession so much, I simply can’t not do it. It’s what my body asks for. The joy of hearing applause night after night—it’s electric. Musical theatre and yoga are my two great passions. What I love most is that both allow me to connect with and help others. That’s what truly drives me.

What’s one lesson you've learned in your journey, and what advice would you give to those who have a passion but are afraid to pursue it? What would you say to frustrated artists out there?

First, I’d say: it is possible. But you also have to be prepared. Train every day—that’s my biggest piece of advice. That way, when the opportunity comes, you’ll be ready. I started dancing in my early 20’s—at a time when I thought it was too late. And now, I got to feel much more confident as a dancer, as well as a singer and actress. Be kind to yourself. The competition isn’t with others—it’s with your past self. Focus on growing a little more every day, and celebrate every milestone you reach.

What dream are you chasing next?

Over the past few years, I’ve realized that I’m already living my dream: to be a full-time artist. To be my truest self, sharing my art wherever the opportunities arise. And I’m ready for many more to come.