Meet Javier Padilla: Playing Tom

Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?

I transferred to SDSU last year from Fresno City College. Deciding on a university was tough but after visiting SDSU I really knew this is where I wanted to be. So I got on the 99 highway, passed the grapevine survived the 5 through LA, Stopped at an In-n-out, headed east on the 8 and took the college avenue exit and Here I am.

Who are your acting heroes? Is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform?

As an actor, channeling others isn't really something I do while performing. Although, many actors' performances really excite me and motive to work on my craft. I currently have acting crushes on Oscar Isaac, Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy Christof waltz and so on haha.

Do you have a pet? If so, how did you get it and what do you like most about it? If not, what would your ideal pet be?

YES! Back at my parents home I have three dogs and a cat. Ujiro, Lucy, Sweetpea, and Katiya. All three dogs are rescue dogs and the cat seemed to just come out of no where!!! It's okay though, the cat is totally a dog!

How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?

I believe the playwright gives you everything you need to know about your character. It's all in the text. After studying the script and really doing work on the text, I start to develop little personal details that aren't in the script but are driven by the content of the script. The character also has a life outside of the script. Everyone has a backstory and although the audience may never see or know some of that information, it is still part of what they will see on stage or in film.

Do you have a favorite role from past shows? What would that character say about this show? Would they be friends with your character?

This is really a hard question hahaha, every character is really different. I had the pleasure of playing the role of Chad from the play Almost, Maine by John Cariani. Chad is an interesting guy. I don't know how he would feel about the show. The town of Almost doesn't really have a big theatre scene. Chad would definitely be friends with Tom, he is just a friendly guy, ask Randy.

If you could live in New York, what borough would you live in? 

I personally would like to try out Manhattan, but I think that would be too Mainstream for Tom.

What are some unique challenges of your character?

My relationship with my wife is kind of an interesting one. I love my wife with all my heart. I love my Dog with all my heart as well. I know Bowser loves her and I know she loves him, but I don't think she loves him as much as he loves her. I've been thinking about that. How can you not love something that's soul purpose in life is to love you???

What is Sylvia about, to you?

For me Sylvia is about embracing the unexpected, seeing what curve balls life throws at you and really allowing yourself to keep on keeping on. Things may just jump into your lap and its up to you to take it and run with it! Although life can get chewed up and muddy, its loving life that really gets you through everything. Sylvia is a reminder of how  new and wonderful the unexpected can be.