Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Bulka.
Hi Gabriela, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From ballet, to theatre, through law school, to graduate school in acting and finally back to the stage, my story is simple, but the road certainly wasn’t.
As an immigrant artist in the United States, I’m still reaching for my own version of the American Dream. There have been plenty of moments when the path felt uncertain, but I’ve been incredibly lucky to have an immense amount of support from my family. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. During the difficult times, they kept me going, as did my friends and the wonderful arts communities I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of.
That’s also why I believe so strongly in community. We need to support each other, especially in the arts, because if we don’t, who will?
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think that anything worthwhile requires some sacrifices. As I said, my story may seem simple, well, at least it does to me: a girl with a dream. But if only it were that easy.
I always wanted to be on stage. From ballet school, to children’s theatre, vocational classes and workshops, I kept finding my way back to performing. I auditioned for a musical theatre school in my home country, but it was an incredibly competitive process, and I didn’t get in. So, in the meantime, I ended up in law school.
Law was my plan B. The certainty of the career was enticing. I enjoyed the structure, I knew exactly what I had to study and what the next step was going to be. But eventually, I realized how unhappy I was. I missed creativity, movement and artistic expression. Law was simply too pragmatic for me.
So I took a leap of faith and flew to New York City for what was supposed to be a three-month acting workshop. Almost seven years later, I’m still here.
Being an immigrant adds another layer of challenges to an already unpredictable career as a performer. There have been plenty of moments of uncertainty and sacrifice, but I think those experiences have also made me more resilient, more resourceful and much more grateful for every opportunity I get.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What do I not do! Haha.
I’m a multi-hyphenate theatre artist. Alongside acting, I produce and develop new plays and short films, and drawing from my background in dance, I’ve also begun working as a Movement Director and Intimacy Coordinator.
At the heart of all of it, though, I’m a storyteller. I’m drawn to work that is both entertaining and challenging, work that asks big questions, sparks conversation, and makes you look at the world, or yourself, a little differently. I love stories that can be funny, moving, uncomfortable, or even absurd, but that ultimately leave you with something to think about.
What sets me apart is, I think, my empathy and sensitivity, as well as very high work ethic. I’m deeply curious about people and what makes them who they are, and that curiosity informs the way I approach both characters and collaborators. Whether I’m acting, directing movement, working with intimacy, or developing a project, I’m interested in creating work that feels human, specific and alive.
I’m especially proud of building a career that allows all of these different parts of me to coexist rather than having to choose just one.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Oh, the easiest way? Hire me, cast me! Haha. Let’s collaborate.
And if you’re in New York City this fall, come see my work! I recently served as the Movement Director for an experimental adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, titled Hamlet Split Apart, with RJ Theatre Company. I won’t give away too many details, you’ll have to come see it for yourself!
But honestly, the best way to support an artist is to show up for their work. Go see live theatre, whether I’m performing or not. Buy a ticket, bring a friend, tell someone about a show you loved. Theatre only exists because people choose to gather and experience it together. We need to keep supporting human-made art, now more than ever.
Hamlet Split Apart will be part of Circle Theatre Festival in New York City, running October 13–November 15.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gabrielabulka.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ga_bulka
