JAMES MANUEL MENESES

Hi, I'm James Manuel Meneses.

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I'm a NYC-based actor, writer and producer. Storytelling has always been part of my life, shaped in many ways by my family. My mother grew up in China during the Cultural Revolution and eventually left to pursue her passion for art in NYC, while my father introduced me to classic films that influenced how I see the world and inspired me to tell my own stories. Growing up, my world was a mix of my mother's Asian cooking and my Chilean family's traditions, from my grandfather's olive oil hair routine to his Monday afternoon ritual of lighting candles beside photographs of family members who had passed.

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I discovered my love of creating while pursuing a degree in Architectural Technology. I trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts' NYC Conservatory and studied with acclaimed teacher and theatre director Austin Pendleton at HB Studio. For 10 years, I worked part-time in MEP engineering while also acting, writing, or producing. Now, I'm excited to focus on acting and see where this next chapter takes me.

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When I'm not acting or writing, I'm probably listening to '90s hip-hop, watching the Dallas Cowboys, or going for long walks with my dog, Archie.