40 Under 40: Juan Pacheco ’02

I work weekly as a voice actor and find myself referring to the many lessons and skills acquired in the Acting program, including lessons from Janet Pilla who encouraged me to explore character through physicality, being mentored and led into the world of Shakespeare by David Bassuk, and then, there is Clista Townsend. Clista taught me to find joy in the work, to ask questions, to enter a space with a sense of wonder, and to discover something new with each moment. The mask class I did with Clista, would probably be at the top of my list; I lost myself in the work only to find new forms of expression. Cliché much? Well, ’tis true. 

My most cherished memories are from my time in the Act 101 program. It’s where I discovered my writing abilities, it’s where I was told and believed that I was cut out for college life, and it’s where I found the constant support of Dr. Doreen Loury and Dr. Angela McNeil. My professors always showed an interest and made me feel welcome. 

I packed a car full of my belongings and set sail to Los Angeles. Now, 17 years later, not only do I have a wonderful career but I also have an incredible wife and three beautiful boys that I get to come home to every day. Nothing tops that.