Whether she’s commanding the stage in The Lion King or stealing scenes in television dramas, Martina Ortiz Luis is a powerhouse performer who’s just getting started. With roots in music and a passion for acting that began in early childhood, Martina has carved out a space for herself in multiple corners of the entertainment industry. The actress and singer sat down with us for a candid conversation about her artistic journey, the challenges of sustaining a full-time career in the arts, and the emotional growth it takes to keep showing up with heart, grace, and grit.
From Karaoke to Center Stage: A Life in Performance
“I’ve been singing basically my whole life,” Martina Ortiz Luis shares. Her journey began in Toronto, growing up in a Filipino family where music was always around. “Filipino parties usually have karaoke,” she recalls. At just two years old, she sang “Mamma Mia” in perfect pitch, prompting her parents to enroll her in voice lessons by age three.
Despite being told she was too young, her teacher gave her a chance. “I was so fascinated by everything she was saying,” she says. That early encouragement set the foundation for a lifelong career. From singing at local events to training in acting by age 11 and landing her first agent at 15, Martina’s path was clear. “Really, my whole life has kind of been performing. I just don’t know anything else.”
Supportive Parents and Defying Expectations
Martina credits much of her success to the unwavering support of her parents, something she knows is rare. “I’m so lucky that my parents were so supportive,” she says. “That’s not very common, especially in immigrant families. They’re usually looking for you to have financial stability,” she noted. “Whereas you hear your kid wants to become an actor or a singer, and you’re like, well, but can you buy a house by 30?”
Despite those challenges, Martina says, “They really believe in me… they’ve continued to support me my whole life.” That support proved vital as her career began to gain momentum during the pandemic, especially in film and television.
Lessons from Wynonna Earp, The Lion King, and Juliet & Romeo
Martina Ortiz Luis’ resume is packed with a wide range of experiences, each with its own lessons. “My first major TV gig was Wynonna Earp,” she says. At just 18, filming in -40°C Calgary, she was nervous. “They were so kind… what I learned from that set was that leading with love and kindness creates such a lovely work environment.”
Her current role in The Lion King in Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre calls for a different kind of intensity and discipline. “It’s a monster of a show,” she laughs. Performing eight shows a week as part of the singer ensemble, she sings almost every number, dances, operates puppets, and does quick changes. “It’s definitely helped me build my physical stamina and endurance.”
“It’s been a lesson in time management, finding rest, and saying no to things,” she admits. “But also keeping time open for loved ones.”
Her latest role in Juliet and Romeo, an indie movie musical filmed in Italy, brought new obstacles like night shoots and filming in an isolated location. “That was a test of endurance and learning to build a sense of camaraderie,” she says. “But I learned all sorts of lessons on that set.”
Always a Student: The Actor’s Journey
Martina Ortiz Luis revealed that despite all she’s experienced and learned, she knows there is more to come and considers herself a lifelong learner. “I feel like each job brings new experiences and lessons,” she explains. “Actors and artists in general… we’re constantly learning. I think most people should lead their lives like this.”
“It’s so important to keep curiosity alive,” she continued. “Gathering information and experiencing life helps open yourself up to the possibilities of waht a character can be.
She also emphasizes the importance of staying grounded: “It’s good to step away sometimes, to have that mental and emotional break.”
Letting Go and Trusting the Process
When asked what she wishes she knew earlier, Martina doesn’t hesitate. “You really have to learn how to let go,” she says. Early on, she chased perfection, something many young artists fall into. But on professional sets, she learned that things don’t always go as planned: your best takes may be edited out or entire scenes left on the cutting room floor.
“You can do your best work on the day… but you have no idea if they’re even gonna use that coverage,” she says. “You just have to learn to let that stuff go.”
Whether it’s an in-person audition, a self-tape, or an understudy role like Nala in The Lion King, she’s learned to trust in the work. “At the end of the day, you’ve done the work. You’ve done your best. You put your stuff out there. And then you just have to let it go.”
She adds, “There’s no such thing as perfect art. You just have to use your God-given talent, your blessings, the hard work you’ve put in, and trust that people will be receptive.”
You can see Martina Ortiz Luis in Juliet & Romeo in theatres now, and onstage in The Lion King at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, Canada.
