FC Alum Showcases Authenticity Both On and Off-Screen
Fernando Carsa, Fullerton College alum, stars in the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Acapulco.
Fullerton College is miles away from Colima, Mexico but ultimately, that is where Fernando Carsa would end up attending college. Carsa and his family moved to the United States so that he could have an opportunity to fulfill his dreams.
When it came time to choose a college, Carsa knew that attending a four-year university was not an option then. He needed to go somewhere affordable and close to home. Fullerton College fit the bill. Plus, he heard great things about the musical theater program and knew it would be an excellent stepping stone for him.
His experience at Fullerton College truly exceeded his expectations. The Theatre Arts Department did a great job teaching students about every area under the theatre arts umbrella, not just the art form they were studying. Students were required to take technical classes like costuming and makeup and helped build sets. Carsa credits this as important to his training because it taught him that every component was necessary for a successful production.
The Theatre Arts Department also stayed up to date with how the industry was changing. Carsa took an entire course that taught him how to market himself, including how to audition, write a proper resume, and have a great headshot. Fullerton College provided Carsa with acting training and the tools to start presenting himself as a professional.
It didn’t take long before those tools and training paid off. Carsa booked his first professional musical theatre job starring in The Little Mermaid at the Candlelight Pavilion. Plus, he starred in roles in Fullerton College productions such as Okay Better Best.
Even though he was already enjoying so much success at Fullerton College, some insecurities started to surface. He was concerned about not having an American accent or being able to portray an American accent and how that might keep him away from opportunities.
Fullerton College theatre arts Professor Michael Mueller, helped Carsa change his perspective. Mueller told him that he needed to present himself for who he was. He didn’t need to change because he was already unique. Mueller told him that the industry was changing and that there would be a place for him. From that conversation forward, Carsa learned that what makes him different is what makes him special, and he learned to embrace that.
“Fernando worked tirelessly as a student here,” Mueller said. “His work ethic, passion, and talent showed in everything he did. Fernando cares deeply about the people he works and interacts with, and his infectious joy continues to create positive impacts around him. He champions collaboration and artistic support, and the performing arts need more people like Fernando to create a better world.”
After earning his associate degree in Theatre Arts from Fullerton College, Carsa became the first transfer student in six years accepted into the University of California, Los Angeles’ Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program and was the only person of color in his cohort.
Fast forward two years, Carsa felt like his career was over before it started. He graduated from UCLA in 2020 during a pandemic that severely impacted the entertainment industry, and it seemed like opportunities were becoming slim.
Fortunately, UCLA showcased the graduating class of 2020, and Carsa’s ability to market himself came in handy. Shortly after, Carsa was represented by a management company and discovered that Apple TV+ would be creating a bilingual comedy show loosely based on the movie, How To Be a Latin Lover.
Carsa read over the script and immediately fell in love with it. He was shocked by how similar the character was to him. At that moment, Carsa did not care if he booked the role or not. He was excited that a character like him existed because it meant opportunities for people like him were opening up.
He sent in his self-tape and hoped for the best. The self-tape turned into a callback that turned into a chemistry test that turned into a call from management telling him to pack his bags for Mexico–he had landed the role of Memo.
Suddenly, reality set in. Carsa did not have any TV or film experience. He had a lot of theatre experience but wasn’t sure if that was enough. Plus, he had just graduated from UCLA six months earlier. But then he remembered what makes him different, makes him special. Those doubts and insecurities started to fade away and were replaced with genuine excitement. He was starring in one of the first bilingual comedy series for Apple TV+, Acapulco, and had the opportunity to represent his Latinx community.
Acapulco follows Maximo, a young Mexican man whose dream comes true when he gets the job of a lifetime at the hottest resort in Acapulco, along with his best friend, Memo. Maximo and Memo are trying to move ahead while still providing for their family, a story that may ring true for several Fullerton College students.
For many, Fullerton College is an opportunity to earn an education that enables them to provide for themselves and their families. There are several parallels between the stories and characters of Acapulco to the stories and characteristics of Fullerton College students, one being that they are all big dreamers.
Carsa is grateful that a show like Acapulco exists. The show does a great job of representing the Latinx community. Plus, he gets to portray a character like Memo, who provides comedic relief and authenticity. Even in Latinx representation, there are times were certain bodies or skin colors are not represented. Carsa felt fortunate that he was able to portray a plus-size person who is not the butt of the joke, who is not being made fun of because of his relationship with food, who is not insecure about his body and who doesn’t need to change the way he is to fit in.
“I hope my performance not only entertains people,” said Carsa. “But it’s proof and hope that everyone can make their dreams come true. This industry is changing and they’re creating a space for us.”
Now in the second season, audiences will be treated to more confidence, self-love and genuine bravery from Memo. Plus, they can rely on Memo’s comedic timing to provide laughter and feel-good vibes after every episode.
“I feel very grateful and blessed to have him in my life,” said Carsa. “And honestly, he’s taught me more about myself. He gave me worth, he gave me value, he gave me self-love and he was the approval that I needed that I could have a place in this industry.”
Season 2 of Acapulco premiered on Oct. 21 on Apple TV+. Weekly episodes will premiere on Fridays. Acapulco has a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is only one of two Apple TV+ series to have accomplished that rating.
Photo credits: Bonnie Nichoalds
