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Stefania Bulbarella's reality intersected with her dreams of one day being recognized for her work in projection design. One moment, she admired artists in film, television, and theater; the next, she worked alongside them.
Stefania's career on Broadway began with theater studies. The Argentine native was determined to pursue a career as an actress. Still, gradually, she discovered that her talent for sound design was even greater and that she had a particular passion for it. She was not mistaken; her work led her to be nominated this year for a Tony in that category, thanks to the video design she did for the play "Jaja's African Hair Braiding."
As Stefania shared with La Nación, her work is a seamless blend of the stage and the digital realm. At 32, she understands the evolving demands of the audience, especially in a theater landscape that's embracing technological advancements. She adeptly uses these tools to craft experiences that linger in the minds of the audience long after the curtains fall.
The vision of creating an incredible environment for Broadway productions led her to become the fourth Argentine nominated for a Tony. Although her original career path had shifted, her grandmother always believed in her success. In an interview with the newspaper, she expressed her grandmother's pride in imagining that she would win an Oscar as an actress.
Although she is recognized for her work today and has famous friends and colleagues, Stefania arrived in New York like many Latinas, only with that dream of success in her heart. "I didn't have any contacts, and today I have been nominated for a Tony," she says happily, in addition to winning an Outstanding Achievement in Theatrical Design award for her work in Vámonos. Although it may seem like a dream come true, the truth is that it was all based on a lot of work, study, and effort.
"When I arrived in New York, I didn't know anyone. Now I have been nominated for a Tony. It's a dream come true."
When Bulbarella turned 21, she decided to move from Buenos Aires to Brooklyn. She enrolled in a course at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and later finished her studies at the Conservatory. Following this, she decided to specialize in direction and creative technologies, where she found a new and deeper passion that allowed her to fully develop her talent.
"I look back and think about the effort, the hours, the crying, the stress; I realize that I dedicated many hours and a lot of life to this."
The acting skills she possesses enable her to produce more well-rounded work. When directing a video, she approaches it from the protagonist's perspective and then as a creator. The pandemic-induced pause allowed her to showcase her creativity by transitioning virtual works, originally meant for theaters, into live performances. This has expanded her career opportunities and allowed her to continue pursuing ambitious goals.