About Gabriela GarzA

Hey Y’all!

I was born and raised in Harlingen, Texas. Otherwise known as The Valley, the 956, or for the natives puro956. I am a senior at Point Park and can’t wait to graduate this coming spring!

I knew I was destined for the stage from the age of 5 when I sang my  very own rendition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”  atop the tables at Olive Garden. I found my  voice through song. I joined choir in the 4th grade and continued with it until I graduated.  Choir gave me the chance  to perform at Carnegie Hall with the Honors Series. I was first exposed to Broadway while I was on this trip. I remember watching my first Broadway show and thinking thats something I could do for the rest of my life.

I continued to cultivate my vocals until joining Speech and Debate/Theatre when I was 16. This was when I fell completely in love with acting, singing, and dancing. I competed on the weekends with Speech and Debate and traveled nationally performing pieces and winning trophies. By my senior year I had done 4 musicals and knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life so I started the audition process. It wasn‘t until I began auditioning that I realized how expensive it can be. Because of this, I was only able to audition for 7 schools total. After getting a callback for all of them, my school gave me a scholarship so I could go to UNIFIEDS. I had all of my auditions there and ended up choosing Point Park University.

During lockdown I had an opportunity to work on myself both on the inside and on the outside. I managed to lose 60 pounds and worked hard to incorporate a healthy lifestyle that is long lasting! I was so excited to enter my college years feeling fit and full of life. 

Since then, I have focused on developing my craft. The past 3 years have allowed me to push myself more than I ever have. While it hasn’t been easy, the payoff is the true reward. This coming April, I plan to earn a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree (B.F.A) in Musical Theatre. During my time at this school my university credits have been Sondheim On Sondheim, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Curtains, and many more. 

I would consider myself an ambitious person because of my accomplishments. From getting out of the valley, to losing weight these are huge parts of me that make me who I am. Growing up near the border has taught me not to take anything for granted and it has shown me that anything is possible with the right mindset. Not many people leave the area let alone do a career such as the one I’ve chosen. Because of that, I think it has made me more determined to get to my goals. My upbringing has only made my story and journey all the more exciting. 

In my free time, I am usually lifting weights at the gym. This has helped me to stay disciplined and allows me to find the calm amidst my busy schedule. Another thing i love to do is paint my nails.  Because even thought i lift those weights I have to make sure my nails are right when doing so. If I look good, I often times feel good!

I am caring and passionate and very family oriented. Having real connections are very important to me because I grew up in a small town. Surrounding myself with people who see me for me allows me to flourish and be the best performer I can be. My goal in life is to continue creating connections and making beautiful art in the process.

-Gabby