“When I watch TV, film, or play a video game, I rarely see anyone who looks like me, sounds like me, has had the same journey as me,” said Toronto-based Filipino actor Edgar Allan Dela Cruz.
For him, representation goes beyond appearance and language—it’s about portraying life experiences that rarely reach the screen. He started acting because he wanted to impact the representation of unfamiliar faces and stories “in my own way, shape, and form.”
Dela Cruz currently stars in the web series “Little Manila” about the real struggles and experiences of Filipino immigrants in Canada. His credits also include roles in numerous films, TV shows, video games, theater productions, and ad spots for brands like Tim Hortons, FreshCo, Staples, H&R Block, Reese’s, and McDonald’s—many for which he was cast through Backstage.
Getting started, getting ahead
For Dela Cruz, having even a rudimentary financial plan is part of his foundation for being able to pursue acting successfully.
Dela Cruz noted that investing in skills training and tools like Backstage has been crucial in getting his career off the ground. “Training is what will matter more than bookings when you’re starting out,” he emphasized. “So train, train, train.”
Dela Cruz shared that the instant notifications of new casting calls through his Backstage membership give him a leg up on landing auditions. As soon as he’s notified of an opportunity that matches his criteria, he is able to submit for the role directly and immediately.
“It’s a crucial selling point,” he said, adding that he’s grateful to have the tools he needs to be ready to take advantage of every possible opportunity that will continue to advance his career.
Stand out, don’t stand aside
For Dela Cruz, audition prep is about creating a memorable experience. And it starts with methodically understanding and making the material his own.
“I read it. Then I understand it,” he shared, adding that once he fully understands the scene he is then able “to make adjustments to make my audition stand out.”
Dela Cruz acknowledged that casting directors sometimes see him as a “wildcard” because he often doesn’t fit the model of who is auditioning most often. But this uncertainty only inspires him to really make his mark.
When he gets a callback, he “will always guarantee” that, whether he books the job or not, he will challenge preconceptions and leave a lasting impression.
Building connections with heart
In every project, Dela Cruz values the community of creatives he meets along the way. “I support my fellow actors,” he said. “We are a community.”
When he’s working on a set, he works to see and understand things from a director’s point of view. “Everything becomes a collaborative effort when we aim to understand rather than be understood,” he explained.
He’s careful to follow instructions, show gratitude, and treat everyone on set as integral to the story they’re creating. For him, these connections are not just professional—they’re a way to build a respectful, supportive community.
Lessons in decision-making
The entertainment industry, as Dela Cruz sees it, is about making meaningful choices.
“You can either decide to take control of your career and be accountable or keep complaining about the work you don’t get,” he said.
Each audition, regardless of outcome, is an opportunity to make an impression that will stay with casting directors and open doors down the line. Developing new skills and refining existing ones build on the foundation he’s crafted, reflecting his commitment to growth and his focus on valuing the journey over the destination.
From big brand commercials to starring in Little Manila, Edgar Allan Dela Cruz’s journey is proof that diverse stories matter and that persistence and preparation pay off. Through his work, he’s changing what representation looks like—one project at a time.
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