Abingdon Theatre Company (Chad Austin, Artistic Director) is delighted to announce that current Artist in Residence, Ilda Mason will be making her film debut as Luz in the upcoming Steven Spielberg adaptation of West Side Story. Ilda moved to New York from Panama in 2013 to pursue her dream of a life in musical theatre and her career has gone from strength to strength ever since. She joined Abingdon Theatre Company’s Artist in Residence program in 2021 for their 29th Season.
“Being chosen to be an Artist in Residence at the Abingdon Theatre Company is a HUGE honor”, shared Mason, “I admire this company’s team, led by Artistic Director Chad Austin, and everything it stands for. I have been lucky enough to attend several of Abingdon Theatre’s events as a guest, a performer and an audience member and I cannot emphasize enough just how wonderful, inclusive, and inspiring my experience has been throughout the years, so to be able to work on this level with them as an Artist in Residence, is an opportunity I treasure like the invaluable gift it is. I’ve already worked on three of ATC’s 29th season’s projects and have gained such specific knowledge and experience that I can only be excited for what we can accomplish together next. I believe this experience is exactly what growing as an artist is about and I’m forever grateful to Chad Austin and the Abingdon Theatre Company for this opportunity.”
Artistic Director Chad Austin shared, ‘Ilda stepped into my classroom in 2013 with passion, drive, talent, and a heart as big as her smile. It has been one of the many joys of my life to watch her soar as she follows her dream. Having her as a part of The Carolyn Halpert Artist in Residence program is a full-circle moment that reconfirms my commitment to supporting deserving artists and emerging voices.’
West Side Story has been a huge part of Ilda’s journey in the US having starred in three productions in addition to the movie including Ivo Van Hove’s revival in 2020 which allowed her to make her Broadway debut.
Ilda shared, “Unlike most people, I didn’t know West Side Story while growing up in Panamá, so I feel incredibly fortunate that this masterpiece has literally changed my life. I moved to the US eight years ago pursuing the dream of being in movies and on Broadway and West Side Story did just that for me. It was my first professional show in this country and since then I’ve had the privilege to be in three more productions of it including my Broadway debut in Ivo Van Hove’s most recent revival and my feature film debut on Steven Spielberg’s adaptation. It has all been the most unimaginable dream: I’ve literally dreamt of working with Steven Spielberg since Jurassic Park and this is all so surreal. STILL. Furthermore, I’ve felt so proud of being a Latina, of my country and the shared culture we have with other countries of Latin America. I’ve felt at home all along because I’ve been able to share this with other Latinx people and it is so empowering because every single day we are one step closer to having a bigger Latinx representation on stage, film and tv.”
Ilda Mason was born and raised in Panamá where she began her acting career with productions such as Peter Pan (Peter Pan), The Beauty and the Beast, A Chorus Line (Bebe) and Hello Dolly (Minnie) among others. She was a professional dancer on Panamá’s Dancing with the Stars (Season 2 Champion). Her favorite credits in the U.S include the 2020 Broadway revival of West Side Story, On Your Feet! (National tour), West Side Story (Paper Mill Playhouse, Signature Theatre), Cinderella (National tour), and Legally Blonde (International tour). She can be seen as Luz in the upcoming Steven Spielberg remake of West Side Story coming to theatres this December 10th.