When asked about his acting, Alex Montaldo compares himself to "a man who fell to earth," suggesting both his love of classic rock and the chameleon-like quality of an actor. He was drawn to acting through his love of make believe and his fascination with invented personas like Bowie's, and he has tried to take on very varied roles in order to explore these. The challenge of immersing himself in the character of another is at the core of his work as an actor. His formal studies began in 2008, when he was offered a full scholarship in acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute, Conservatory Program in New York City. He has acted in numerous theater productions, including "Zero Hour" (directed by Tea Alagic), "Guns, Shackles, Winter Coats," and "La Revolution" at Symphony Space and Mint Theater, NYC. In addition, he has done several film projects, including "Portraits in Dramatic Time," produced by the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts (2011), with William H. Macy, Lili Taylor and Liev Shreiber, the Norwegian/American Thriller "The Will" (theatrical release, 2014, directed by Alexander Chapan) and "Ease of Access" (Jeff Musillo, 2014).
Among his most recent work is the starring role in "Split/Screen," (written by Monique Witt), a one-act play staged at The Helen Mills Theater, NYC. The lead in this production was very challenging, because it required Alex to be on stage almost continuously in a wheelchair, playing off a series of actors in brief dialogues that were meant to convey the profound spiritual change the character had undergone as a result of an accident. The role was written expressly for Alex, and required him to convey a complex range of emotion while essentially being heavily restricted in his movement. Preparation for this role required Alex to master moving in a wheelchair, something his natural athleticism helped in.
Alex has been following his passions for literature, music and sports since he was eleven years old. He is an avid swimmer, kayaker and kick boxer as well as a regular fixture on the beach volleyball courts. A few years ago, he fell in love with traditional boxing, and is certified as a stage fighter in several forms. He is also a staunch supporter of animal rights and animal welfare, has participated in drama therapy programs for psychiatric patients, and most recently co-founded Rock Steady Boxing NY/LA, a bi-coastal non-profit organization that provides physical and emotional support for people with Parkinson's disease. His work with Rock Steady has allowed him to be an advocate for the importance of exercise in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, and his organization collaborates with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and National Parkinson's Foundation in both New York and Los Angeles.
Among his most recent work is the starring role in "Split/Screen," (written by Monique Witt), a one-act play staged at The Helen Mills Theater, NYC. The lead in this production was very challenging, because it required Alex to be on stage almost continuously in a wheelchair, playing off a series of actors in brief dialogues that were meant to convey the profound spiritual change the character had undergone as a result of an accident. The role was written expressly for Alex, and required him to convey a complex range of emotion while essentially being heavily restricted in his movement. Preparation for this role required Alex to master moving in a wheelchair, something his natural athleticism helped in.
Alex has been following his passions for literature, music and sports since he was eleven years old. He is an avid swimmer, kayaker and kick boxer as well as a regular fixture on the beach volleyball courts. A few years ago, he fell in love with traditional boxing, and is certified as a stage fighter in several forms. He is also a staunch supporter of animal rights and animal welfare, has participated in drama therapy programs for psychiatric patients, and most recently co-founded Rock Steady Boxing NY/LA, a bi-coastal non-profit organization that provides physical and emotional support for people with Parkinson's disease. His work with Rock Steady has allowed him to be an advocate for the importance of exercise in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, and his organization collaborates with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and National Parkinson's Foundation in both New York and Los Angeles.
