Rodrigo Calderón is a Peruvian actor, singer, dancer, content creator, and community builder whose path has taken him from Peru to Spain to New York — and now onto the stage of Aguardiente: The Musical at GALA Hispanic Theatre.
From Peru to Spain: Early Training
Calderón's artistic journey began in Peru, where he first connected with music and theatre. He later moved to Spain to train at the Real Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático, taking on roles such as Juan in Las Cosas del Querer and Evan in Querido Evan Hansen — experiences that deeply shaped his growth as a performer.
A Scholarship to New York
After graduating, Calderón was selected to continue his training in New York at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy on a full scholarship, marking the start of his professional career in the United States. Performers weighing a similar move can find practical grounding in this self-tape audition guide and this guide to finding acting auditions.
Aguardiente and Building Community
Calderón is currently part of the cast of Aguardiente: The Musical at GALA Hispanic Theatre, where he has had the opportunity to collaborate creatively with artists connected to the Broadway scene. Alongside his stage work, he creates content centered on Latin culture and has built communities like Chaski Run Club, blending identity, movement, and cultural connection. His journey has been about crossing borders to build an artistic career with purpose, while always staying connected to his roots.
Earning a full scholarship to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York is an incredible validation of your talent. How did that transition to the U.S. challenge or change your perspective on musical theatre?
"Moving to New York and training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy completely shifted my perspective. It made me realize how much this industry is about training and being in the best possible condition to perform.
"I started to see performers as athletes. It’s not just talent — it’s discipline, consistency, and taking care of your body and craft every single day. There’s also a strong sense of urgency and competitiveness in the U.S., which pushed me to take myself more seriously, not just as a student, but as someone building a long-term career."
You are currently in the cast of Aguardiente: The Musical at GALA Hispanic Theatre. What has it been like collaborating with artists connected to the Broadway scene, and how does this production resonate with your own Latin heritage?
"Being part of Aguardiente at GALA Hispanic Theatre has been an incredibly meaningful experience for me. Working under the direction of Luis Salgado, the creator of the show, has been a huge source of inspiration.
"At the same time, collaborating with artists connected to the Broadway scene, like my dance captain Ralphie Rivera, has been an incredible learning experience. I try to absorb as much as I can from their discipline, work ethic, and love for the craft.
"What makes it even more meaningful is seeing them create work that represents our culture and our voices. Being part of that process as a Latino artist feels deeply personal — something I carry with a great deal of pride."
