Photo credit David Easterling /Darene Hope Studios
Who are you, where you are from, and how did you start in this field?
My name is Aaron Calafato. I was born Berea, Ohio and am from the Cleveland area. My freshman year in college I was originally going to be a music major. During my audition I played an original piece on my guitar and was scolded by the instructor. Later that year, as an undecided major, I auditioned for a play that Bowling Green State University was producing called “The Authors Voice” by Richard Greenberg. I got the part and was hooked.
I spent a number of years working and training in NYC as part of HB Studio and the Michael Howard Studio. I was mentored by Actors Joe Grifasi and Karl Bury. In the last few years I have focused creating Solo-Theatre for social change. It’s sort of become my niche and seems to be the right fit for my temperament and connects me to real things happening in this world.
Tell us something you know that we may not know, about yourself or the world.
That I love the the game of soccer. Playing it, watching it, everything soccer. The word is a better place because of futbol.
What inspires you and keeps you motivated?
I”m inspired by the sort of elegance and pure optimism my wife embodies when she works as a social worker in downtown 
Cleveland. I’m moved by the everyday struggle and grace of people working and trying to make a better life for themselves and their children. I’m motivated to keep telling their stories and unifying them with my own.
Share with us something funny that has happened to you recently.
Recently went to a monthly movie screening of “The Room” it was one the funniest experiences I’ve ever had. It’s become an interactive cult movie. I think it’s so funny when a piece of art or media borders being bad and genius.
How do you bridge the financial gap between what this profession pays and making a living?
Wearing different hats as a teaching artist, educator, organizer, activist, writer, and marketing coordinator. All things flow into one and serve as a launching pad for my solo-work. I wake up everyday and work as hard as I can in carving out a career as a performin
g artist. Being relentless, fearless, and taking a leap of faith.
What’s the best advice for the creative person that someone has given you?
It’s okay to take your space, you’re enough. – Karl Bury (Karl Bury Studios NYC)
What projects are in the pipeline for you? Do you have a ‘dream’ project?
Right now I’m completely focused on my solo-play FOR PROFIT and it’s tour. I continue to shape it and make it the best work I can. I will be actively performing the play throughout 2013 and maybe beyond. I do have other solo-story ideas brewing. One about the connection of people who live in/around “rust belt” cities and how it shapes their self-image. My “Dream” project would be to simulcast my play For Profit as a televised event to all students, parents, and administrators at Universities across the country!
Would you like to share your contact information? How can readers find out more about you?
Find me on
Feel free to tweet or drop me a message! You can find information about FOR PROFIT, links to press, my current work, and upcoming dates & performances.
Cleveland. I’m moved by the everyday struggle and grace of people working and trying to make a better life for themselves and their children. I’m motivated to keep telling their stories and unifying them with my own. 
g artist. Being relentless, fearless, and taking a leap of faith.