Fabi Aguirre is a Broadway actress making her big screen debut in the movie Snow Day now streaming on NIckelodeon. I recently had the opportunity to interview this amazing teen on her career so far and on her plans for 2023.
1. Tell us how you got started in the industry?
I first got started in the industry when I started taking classes with my vocal coach in Miami, who told me to contact my current agency in New York. After our appointment, I signed with her, and she immediately gave me a couple of auditions to submit, and a few months later, I auditioned for Les Mis and On Your Feet! on Broadway, then everything took off!
2. You were in the musical Les Misérables. What was it like the first time you acted on a Broadway stage?
The first time I acted on a Broadway stage was truly a dream come true. It felt magical, phenomenal, and it almost didn’t seem real, if I’m being honest. I blacked out the first couple of minutes, I was on stage, and had to remain myself to keep going, haha! I had dreamt of this moment my entire life, so when I had the opportunity to do it, and especially getting to be in such an iconic, and personally, one of my favorite shows, was surreal, and I am so grateful, and blessed for it.
3. You graced the Broadway stage a second time in the musical On Your Feet! What is your process for preparing for a role on Broadway?
I had one audition, and one callback for On Your Feet! and when I found out I had gotten the role, I was ecstatic and immediately got to work. I researched a lot about Gloria Estefan, and watched many interviews, and listened to all of her songs, even though I was very familiar being a Latina, and coming from Miami. When we started rehearsals, our assistant director worked with me to “Cuban-ize,” as he would say it, my Ecuadorian accent when I spoke Spanish. I worked with our amazing assistant choreographers to get every salsa step right, as well.
4. Tell us about your role in the movie Snow Day.
In the movie Snow Day, I play Lane! Lane is Hal’s best friend. She is a caring, sarcastic, intelligent, and fearless girl, who would ultimately, do anything to help her best friend, especially helping him build his courage, and swag, to impress the girl of his dreams. As her feelings towards Hal progressively change throughout the film, she decides to still help him win Claire Bonner, but later decides to be a go-getter herself, and expresses how she feels.
5. What was your favorite thing about playing Lane in Snow Day?
My favorite part about playing Lane in Snow Day has to be getting to play with her character development. She progresses so much, and we see her going through all these different emotions during this film, so being able to bring that to life, was incredible. I also loved having the liberty to bring my own flair, and personality to the character, but still being able to keep the heart and essence of Schuyler Fisk’s portrayal of Lane in the original Snow Day. I also LOVED getting to dance and sing in the snow, and meeting all of the amazing people in the cast and crew. They have all become my family now, and that makes me very happy.
6. You were born in Boston to Ecuadorian parents. How has that shaped who you are?
Yes, I am a first generation American, and I feel very grateful to still be able to learn, and connect to my Latin roots, and culture. My parents definitely helped keep my Ecuadorian culture alive in the house, and always made sure to speak to my younger brother and I in Spanish, since we would speak English all day long at school. Thanks to that, I became fluent.
7. Tell us about your work with the University of Miami Pediatric Gastroenterology Department.
Currently, I am working on trying to raise awareness with my gastroenterologist at UM, and the Miller School of Medicine. I would love to raise funds for research, and development of quicker treatment of chronic gastric illnesses. Due to the fact that I had suffered with gastric issues, myself, in the past, and have recovered thanks to my incredible team of doctors at UM, I feel like it’s important to give back, and help other kids, like me, out there.
8. What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
One thing people would be surprised to know about me is that I have never seen certain sagas such as Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or Lord of the Rings. I have watched Star Wars, though, and I love it, so you can’t be mad! Haha.
9. Do you have any upcoming projects you can share with us?
As of right now, I am planning to graduate high school a bit earlier, and after I am finished, I would love to work on, and release, some original music, and keep on auditioning!
10. Where can we follow you on social media?
You can follow me on Instagram and TikTok @fabiaguirreofficial !
