Meet Palenque Doddington | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Palenque Doddington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Palenque, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Growing up in New Zealand, I was immersed in cultural influences that subtly shaped the way I perceive and interpret the world, and will of course influence my art. While English is spoken widely, the nuances of expression, storytelling, and character portrayal can vary significantly across different cultural contexts.
Being exposed to diverse forms of theater, literature, and film from a young age, I have developed a unique lens through which I view and engage with the craft of acting. In particular, the dry wit of British humor passed down through my British parents has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the intricacies of performance art.
Moving to New York, which is a melting pot of cultures and identities, has taught me the privilege of encountering a myriad of voices, stories, and experiences, each contributing to my understanding of the human condition.
I am so thankful for New Zealand. Although we have a long way to go, I feel proud to come from a country that is both inspiring and progressing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey in art has been a winding road, but one I’ve navigated with curiosity. I’ve always had a knack for seeking out what truly resonates with me and refusing to settle for anything less. It’s led me through many universities and even a community college, each of which were a building block towards where I am today.
Picture me, traversing the bustling streets of Los Angeles, commuting many hours just to attend those crucial Statistics and English courses to be able to transfer colleges. It wasn’t the easiest route, but it was mine. Just after the height of the pandemic, I uprooted myself from my homeland of New Zealand to chase my dreams in the heart of New York City. The uncertainty was palpable, leaving behind loved ones without a clear path back. But for me, there was no other option. No looking back, only forward.
Curiosity has guided me throughout this journey. Whether it’s delving into the depths of human connection or exploring the nuances of my craft, I’ve always been fueled by an insatiable thirst to understand and create. And yes, it’s been daunting. I’ve also found it challenging. But through it all, I’ve embraced the unknown, trusting that each obstacle was simply a stepping stone toward growth.
Today, I stand proud of the path I’ve forged, not just for myself but for the stories I’m yet to tell through my art. My brand isn’t just about the pieces I create; it’s about the journey, the resilience, and the unyielding passion that drives me forward.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have actually curated a google doc with all of my favorite places for this reason ! So when I have someone close to me stay for an extended period of time, I love to integrate them into my life. They get to spend time with my friends, and things we would do on a daily basis. I live in the East Village, so an ideal day would be waking up, grabbing a coffee from Cafe Christie’s and a bagel from Tompkins Square Bagels, then sitting in the park or on our rooftop. You have to see the Museums, and I would take them to some plays, right now I would recommend ‘Mother Play’. Some of my favorite spots around me for a drink are Lovers of Today, Studio 151, Bar with the Red Door (I don’t actually know the name, this is just what the apt calls it). Then some places to eat would be Thirteen Water, Fiaschetteria Pistoia, or Bungalow! But truly the real and best parts of New York are just exploring parts of the city with your friends ! I want to give my friends visiting a real New York experience, and I’ve learned that the best way to do that is through exploring the neighborhoods with your friends!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Midori Nakamura was my Voice Teacher and she has allowed me to bring forth parts of myself that I didn’t even know I had buried. She has met me without judgment, and with pure curiosity. In times throughout my acting training whether I knew I needed it or not, she has never given up on me and provided support and tough love. For her I will always be thankful.

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