DOROTHEA Gloria’s inclination for public performance had been evident since her tender years. At the age of 7, she attended her first acting workshop at Repertory Philippines, marking the start of her story in the world of theater. Since then, opportunities consistently presented themselves to the young Gloria.
Gloria got more into acting upon receiving a scholarship in college, paving the way for her to eventually pursue acting professionally.
![Dorothea Gloria is a New York-based Filipino actor, who continues to make waves in the city’s theater scene also as a writer, producer, educator and juggler. PHOTO FROM DOROTHEA GLORIA’S WEBSITE](https://www.manilatimes.net/manilatimes/uploads/images/2024/03/27/321400.jpg)
Dorothea Gloria is a New York-based Filipino actor, who continues to make waves in the city’s theater scene also as a writer, producer, educator and juggler. PHOTO FROM DOROTHEA GLORIA’S WEBSITE
In high school, Gloria crossed paths with her acting mentor, Ana Valdes-Lim, whose tutelage had shaped her acting skills for over a decade. Valdes-Lim’s mentorship was instrumental in Gloria’s growth as a stage actress and greatly influenced her decision to explore the opportunities awaiting her in New York City later in life.
From singing songs in taxi cabs to gracing professional theater stages, Gloria showcased her talent in performing arts across a multitude of roles and genres in both local and international theater communities.
In the Philippines, she performed in esteemed institutions such as Repertory Philippines and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Her involvement in the Youth Arm of the Philippine Educational Theater Association also exposed her to thought-provoking plays, tackling critical themes such as voting, sex education and women’s rights.
Gloria pursued acting across various platforms such as film, new media and commercials. In addition to her acting pursuits, she has seamlessly worn many hats, including that of a skilled juggler.
Based in New York City (NYC) since 2016, Gloria has taken to the global stage and has since performed shows for award-winning Off-Broadway companies such as Rattlestick Theater, La MaMa, The Flea Theater, Spellbound Theater, Hedgepig Ensemble and more.
Using her platform for social awareness and advocacy, Gloria co-founded an NYC theater company called RiffRaffNYC, which amplified the voices of immigrant artists and shared their stories onstage.
RiffRaffNYC had been raising funds to produce “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to showcase the talent of 50 immigrant artists. The company also aimed to provide a platform for immigrant writers to present their original work and share stories of immigrants living in NYC.
Gloria has been gearing up for her next project, titled “Lullaby Land,” a production by Spellbound Theater, which would feature lullabies from different parts of the world.
Additionally, she was set to take on the lead role in a series, titled “CJ’s Grill,” which had been recognized as a quarter finalist at the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards.