'Be the Water’

From left, Tom Schuch, Cynthia Williams, Mel MacKaron, Dan Navarro and Cliff Gravel

By Tom Schuch
New Mexico Local President

On April 23 and 24, the New Mexico Local was privileged to host SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Recording Artists Dan Navarro both at the annual Albuquerque Film & Music Experience festival and our spring general membership meeting. Over the course of the weekend, these events gave the film, television, voiceover and music communities an opportunity to hear and absorb Dan’s enthusiasm and experience in two intimate settings. Many times in the past, we have booked actors, casting directors and agents to either sit on panels or appear individually at these events. All valuable of course, but to hear from a successful voiceover performer, musician, composer and dedicated SAG-AFTRA member gave the community and our members a great opportunity to learn about facets of our industry that are essential but not often addressed.

Dan’s enthusiasm was contagious and inspiring over the two days. I could see in people’s eyes that he had invigorated many into pursuing work and opportunities in the world of voiceover and music. He talked about the ease with which voiceover work can be produced through the use of the latest, inexpensive technology, no matter where you are in the world. As often happens at these events, people want to know how the guest got started and how they created a career. He was very open about the difficulty in the infancy of his career and how he tried everything he could in order to create an artistic world for himself. 

His early success as a singer/songwriter with his late songwriting and performing partner Eric Lowen and his persistence and tenacity in the world of voiceover has given him that life. But, the best advice Dan shared when asked, “How do you create and maintain a career in this business?” was to “be the water.” In other words, be fluid and open. Keep your eyes and ears open to every possible opportunity around you and be flexible and ready to try new things. Dan has done so and created for himself a consistent and lucrative entertainment career. The SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for Dan’s generosity of spirit and knowledge.