Stage-Bound and Self-Made: The Relentless Ascent of Savanna La Selva

Written by Tom White

In the entertainment industry, professional connections often dictate success. Most actors get their start in early childhood. However, Savanna La Selva built her acting career by going against the grain. She didn’t step into the performance arena until age 16. Even then, the actress didn’t have formal training. But La Selva didn’t let that sentiment derail her dreams.       

A Risk That Changed Everything

La Selva possesses a force of will that compels her to beat the odds. Her dedication and hardworking nature stems from her background as a student at a high-pressure academic high school that prioritized academics over everything. Against the advice of all but one of her teachers, La Selva left her comfort zone; however, she took her focus and diligence with her. This leap would define her ethos of choosing instinct over expectation.

The High Cost of Ambition

La Selva's pursuit of her dream was a high-stakes emotional gamble. She left everything behind. The Toronto native struggles with homesickness, cultural dissonance, and a longing for family. Nevertheless, these aspects of her journey also serve as sources of motivation. She often says her chosen path is largely in part of her parents, who believed in her even when others didn't.

Rejection as a Training Ground

Moving from a small town to a new country (New York City, no less), La Selva was forced to quickly adapt in order to succeed in a brand new world. However, any time La Selva was faced with a setback, she treated rejection as something much more than a roadblock. Each “no” became part of her training. Every closed door made her realize that her self-worth wasn’t dependent on casting calls and callbacks.    

This resilience sets her apart in a culture often consumed by comparison. But La Selva has learned to tune out the noise. The actress, singer, and dancer doesn’t chase approval from others. Instead, her focus is honing her voice, making space for her identity, and measuring success by growth.   

Proof That Grit Outshines Privilege

La Selva’s career began as a bumpy love affair with acting. Now, the cautious romance has blossomed into a steady, impressive climb toward success. She has gone on to portray brand new emotionally rich characters, such as Birdie in “The Eleventh Goodbye”, Venus in “SYZYGY: A New Musical”, and Jacqueline Roque in “Minotauromachy”. These productions garnered enthusiastic audiences and critical acclaim. Minotauromachy, which had a sold-out run at the New York City Fringe Festival, also won La Selva an Audience Choice Award.

However, these achievements weren’t flukes, and neither was her debut at the iconic 54 Below or her Off-Broadway arrival at The Flea Theater. Each milestone has boosted her presence in the New York performance scene. They also prove that persistence outpaces luck.   

An Actress Gains Ground on Her Terms

Savanna La Selva thrives in an industry that often sidelines late bloomers and outsiders. Nevertheless, she has made a name for herself through consistency, courage, and conviction. The Canadian actress chose her own path with the support of her family, tuning out any other negativity around her. The result? A remarkable, sustained career. 

Photo Credit: Savanna la Selva