On this episode we get deeper insight on what it’s like to be a black actor, activist, photographer and all around nerd; thanks to our guest Julian Elijah Martinez. He is also a fitness instructor but you may recognize him from his various shows on broadway and his role as “Divine” on the WU-Tang series on Hulu. Join us as we talk all thing nerd on here on 2B Continued.

Julian Elijah Martinez is an actor working and dreaming in Brooklyn, New York.

“I started acting in high school when Mrs. Sally Livingston, a profoundly gifted educator, cast me as a village member in my high school’s production of Inherent the Wind. At the time I was not a strong student. I was floundering academically, and desperately seeking a sense of belonging. Though I auditioned, I didn’t show up for a rehearsal until the day before tech. The principal had to call me into her office, because I was supposed to have been rehearsing for the last month. In tears I slumped down to the theater room to apologized to Mrs. Livingston and bow out (pun intended) gracefully. Mrs. Livingston had a code of commitment from her students, and she refused to let me blow the play off. So quite shocked I joined the cast a day before tech, lost and confused since I’ve never been in a play before. Little did I know that gesture of kindness would profoundly change my life. I found my tribe during that production. Mrs. Livingston become my mentor and advocate, introducing me to craft of theater and capturing my imagination. I would then go on to study acting and theater design at Elon University before later moving back to Washington D.C. to work as a teaching artist. After three wonderful years teaching in the D.C. I was accepted into the Yale School of Drama. At the time I never thought I would go to an Ivy league school; yet there I was, studying under teachers such as Ron Van Lieu and Evan Yionulius, all because of Mrs. Livingston’s kindness.”

www.julianelijahmartinez.com

Guest Staring on FOX’s Prodigal Son on October 14th at 9:00 pm!