Zaramaría Fas: Being your most authentic self

Today, we're thrilled to feature Zaramaría Fas, a remarkable artist from Puerto Rico whose path into musical theater was as unexpected as it was inspiring. In this candid interview, she shares how seeing Hamilton changed her life, prompting an unplanned leap to New York City to chase a brand-new dream. Zaramaría opens up about the unique challenges of being an international artist—from navigating a new culture during a pandemic to learning to embrace her most authentic self. She reflects on her recent Off-Broadway debut and working with legendary teams, all while staying connected to her roots and fighting for the biggest dream on her horizon. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience and passion required to make it on the world's biggest stage.

CD: Tell us about your beginnings in NY and what brought you here.

Z: I came to New York to study Musical Theatre in a BFA program at Long Island University Post, but before that I didn’t really think I’d ever come to New York. After I finished my BFA I decided to stay to fully go for it and chase my dreams.

CD: So, it wasn't in your plans to come to New York?

Z: I didn’t really think I was going to study musical theatre at all! I made the decision less than a year before I graduated high school because I saw Hamilton in Puerto Rico when Lin brought it in 2019 and it changed my life. I saw that show and I was like “I have to do this for the rest of my life”. So, I immediately started researching “how do I study this?”, “where do I go?” and then my dad found Long Island University and was like “Hey! Why don’t you apply for this school?” and I was like “Okay”. Suddenly I had to learn how to sing and do monologues and I was like, “what is this? I don’t know what I’m doing”. But, then got in and I was so grateful. I think it was the perfect place for me to be in honestly.

CD: What were the biggest challenges moving from your home to New York and pursuing this career?

Z: First, I moved during Covid. So, it was very isolating because I didn’t know anyone in New York and it wasn’t easy to make friends because you had to distance and you had to be in a bubble. I felt very lonely because I could not connect with anyone back home or here. It’s still difficult sometimes because the culture is so different and people don’t have the same mannerisms that I have or the same values. The little things, like the music we share or the way we greet each other. It’s always a learning process for me, but organizations like Chasing Dreams and Revolución Latina have really helped me to find that home in New York, there I’ve been able to connect with people that sort of understand me more.

CD: What is the thing you miss the most from home?

Z: I have to say, obviously, my family and friends are what I miss the most. But, I also think I miss the beach and the warmth all year round, New York can be so cold. I miss having the beach fifteen minutes from my house. Hanging out with my friends and my family always.

CD: How was your experience once you graduated and you launched yourself as a professional artist in New York and you started auditioning?

Z: What I learned when I started auditioning was that you have to be your most authentic unique self in order to book or in order to make connections. You cannot try to fit a box because already so many people are trying to fit that box and what casting directors are looking for is people that are different and stand out. It took me a while to learn this, I just wanted to be able to book jobs and do theatre, but I didn’t realize that the reason why wasn’t doing it was because I was trying to show them what I thought I had to show them, what I thought they wanted to see, when in reality they want to see something new and something different. You have to bring that yourself, your authentic self. So hopefully you are the person that they are looking for. You want to make them want to learn more about you, to be interested in getting to know you more.

Especially for latin artists, I know there are a lot of stereotypes about us. So, just show who you truly are authentically and no matter what people say. Some people will criticize you, some people will stereotype you, it doesn’t matter. Always show who you are because that might give you an opportunity that you didn’t think you would get.

CD: What is the biggest lesson so far?

Z: You have to be stubborn, it can be a good thing. I’ve gotten more opportunities to perform and do what I love because I keep insisting, respectfully obviously, and in the right situation and with the right words. Don’t give up because of the initial “No”. Keep trying, keep insisting, keep being stubborn because maybe the second time or the third time that you try it they will say yes. I learnt that I am not going to get opportunities if I don’t fight for them.

*Zaramaría Fas performing in Chasing Dreams.*

CD: What do projects like Chasing Dreams, which aim to create visibility for latin and international performers mean to you?

Z: I think Chasing Dreams is a beautiful organization that allows us, latinx and international artists, to come together and build our network. I’ve made lots of beautiful friendships and connections in the industry because of Chasing Dreams. It is a great way to start your career in this city. Chasing Dreams was the first cabaret I ever did and it was the first time I ever performed in Manhattan. It gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try something new and start getting my name out there. I come from a majorly dance background, so singing has never come so easy. Chasing Dreams has provided me those opportunities to really embrace that I can also sing and show it to New York City.

CD: What current projects are you working on?

Z: I was working in Evita at Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston. We opened on July 11th and we had 8 shows. I had the honor of being the on stage swing and also assistant choreographer. I got to work with Rachel Bertone and I’ve been able to do some of the tango numbers on the show, so I am very honored to be a part of this project. We have a star cast.

Besides that, I made my off-broadway debut in April. I did a production with Revolucion Latina called Aguardiente In Process, which was a showcase of a new musical that is being created by Luis Salgado and Daniel Gutierrez and it is a musical in spanish. It’s going to have its actual premier at the GALA Theatre in Washington DC next year. I am grateful that I was able to be part of that as well.

CD: What dreams are you chasing next?

Z: One of my dreams is to be in Hamilton. That’s the next dream I am fighting for because it was the show that got me into musical theatre. Without seeing that show I would not be here. I would love to be in the ensemble, but I would also love to be a cover for Peggy/Maria or Eliza. That’s my main goal. There are so many shows that I would love to be a part of, but that one is the north star.

Zaramaría’s journey is a powerful testament to the fact that with enough heart and persistence, dreams can be realized—even if they take you down an unexpected path. We are so grateful to her for sharing her story, her wisdom, and her unwavering belief in the power of authenticity. We can’t wait to see her future successes and, hopefully, watch her live out her ultimate dream on the stage of Hamilton. Thank you, Zaramaría, for inspiring us all to keep chasing our dreams.