“If you risk nothing, then you risk everything. Art is all about taking these risks.”
-Marcos Luis

Raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Marcos got his start in the entertainment industry by appearing in stage plays, including being a host of “Kidsburgh”, later graduating to television and film. Since his introduction as an actor he has added singer, musician, award-winning host, photographer, and producer to his resume credits.

As the Artistic Director & Founder of 3SB Theatre Co LLC Theatre and Entertainment Production Company, based in New York, Marcos Luis may be most recognizable for his national commercials, print campaigns, and appearances in popular prime time TV shows. Marcos is also the host and creator of the 11+ year-long running live artist showcase and open mic, OneMicNite, in New York City, which showcases premiere talent in comedy, poetry, & music of every genre. OneMicNite has become an NYC staple responsible for launching the careers of numerous Independent Artists.

Marcos is a proud and active member of SAG-AFTRA, AEA, Spotlight Talent UK, and is a OneBigMop artist. He received a BS in Theatre Arts from Northwestern University, where he studied with famed international instructor Ann Woodworth (also B.A.D.A). His studies also include comedy improv at the famed Comedy Sportz in Chicago, dance training at the world renowned Giordano Dance Center, and a Jeff Award winning show, Pecong at Victory Gardens. Currently he serves as an active screening judge for the Miami Indie Festival (Mindie Fest), the International Independent Film Festival, and the SAG-AFTRA Awards Film Nomination Committee 2018.

CURRENT PROJECTS
• The Darkness of The Moor (2018)UK
• Los Viejos/ The Oldies (2018) Documentary Cuba
*World Premiere IFFCG, Guadalajara, MX, World Premiere MIFF Miami, FL USA
• Dreaming of Peggy Lee
*Screened before the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Oscar nomination*
Distribution and sales: Network Ireland Television
• I’ll Be Home Soon
*Long-Listed For Oscar Nomination 2016*
Distribution and sales: Freak Agency

GO BANG! Magazine: Where did you grow up and spend your childhood?

Marcos Luis:  Aaahhh, that question! I was actually born in Nashville, TN. We then moved to the Pittsburgh are of PA and then went to boarding school, so I spent my childhood In those places.

GO BANG! Magazine: At what age did you realize that you wanted to be a professional actor involved in stage plays, film and television, and describe that moment to our readers.

Marcos Luis: I grew up singing, dancing, and acting from the time I was born. I think I was doing it in the womb! (You’ll have to ask my mother that one). I was in talent shows and the school plays, and hosting shows as a kid, so I guess I knew….but really didn’t know for sure then . It wasn’t until college that I decided for sure to be an actor. I remember meeting and talking to a then recent graduate of my alma mater , Northwestern University , named Harry Lennox (“Blacklist, The Five Heartbeats “) who returned to the University to encourage a group of students to pursue our dreams, and that it really clicked for me to do this as a career.

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe the opportunities for minorities in television and film?

Marcos Luis: Right now we are at a fantastic and pivotal point in the Film and Industry. Studios are listening to the call for Diversity and Inclusion for Black and Brown people in front of the cameras as well as behind and are making changes . We are creating content, producing, and allocating our funds to make, direct, and star in our own works . Our stories are being told and heard. Opportunities are increasing but we still have work to do on all fronts.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also a singer/musician with your own unique sound. How would you describe your voice, the Marcos Luis sound, and also what instrument(s) do you play?

Marcos Luis: The “Marcos Sound” is smooth and soulful. By I mean it comes from the soul and truth, just like my acting, and dance. “Issavibe” for sure. I started playing instruments when I was young. I started on woodwinds: the flute, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax… then on to upright bass, and electric bass. Lately I’ve been hitting on some percussion with bongos..

GO BANG! Magazine: A man of multiple talents, you’re also a producer. As a producer, what types of films are you interested in making?

Marcos Luis: I’m interested in making films with good, good stories. Every genre is fair game. Making films is a different learning experience each time, problem solving, staying on budget, schedules, locations, etc. The light at the end of the tunnel is the story you present, feeling good about the end product , and also how others perceive your work.

GO BANG! Magazine: For our readers that may not be familiar with the duties of a Producer, can you please explain what producers do and what you find most interesting about producing?

Marcos Luis: A film producer is a person who oversees film production. Either employed by a production company or working independently, producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting the script by the writing, directing , editing ; and arranging financing. There are different types such as Associate, Executive, and Line . Sometimes you wear multiple hats depending on how large and the budget of a project.

GO BANG! Magazine: There’s still more to you, being the Renaissance man that you are. You’re also an award-winning host and photographer. How did you get involved in photography and are you a professional or a hobbyist?

Marcos Luis: Hahaha, well, Photography to me is an extension of being an artist, how you view things, capturing it them in a truthful way, a beautiful way, or whatever the goal is. I started photography as a hobby, and then started shooting professional events, then was enlisted to shoot and document an Humanitarian expedition to Colombia, South America with www. Healing the Children.org , where I received an Award and had the honor of singing our country’s National Anthem live for thousands of people.

GO BANG! Magazine: Not surprisingly, you’re also an entrepreneur as founder of 3SB Theatre Co LLC Theatre and Entertainment Production Company. Please inform our reader about your company, its mission, and some of the projects you’ve done.

Marcos Luis: The mission is to create art with a purpose to shine a positive light on the Community. 3SB Theatre Company has not only sponsored International Artists for work here in the USA , but has created a few web series, sold out stage productions, and of course, the OneMicNite™️ Show.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being a creative person, as well as a businessman myself, I can relate to you creating your own live artist showcase and open mic event, called “OneMicNite” in New York City. For our readers that may not be familiar with it, please explain what the show is, how long it has been in existence and what its mission is.

Marcos Luis: OneMicNite™️ Is “NYC’s Best & Favorite Artist Showcase”. It’s been around for 14 years plus with its #LiveSeries performance shows. It’s been the start and home of many amateur artists, Indie Bands, as well as Grammy Award winning Artists. Starting in NYC’ Greenwich Village, with me as the Host and creator , it’s mission was to provide a space for a home to connect, perform, and network in all areas of the arts. We have held fundraisers for many other charitable organizations through performances of our artists such as Breast Cancer Walk, Women’s Prison Association, and AIDS Walk NYC. You can find out more at http://www.OneMicNite.com

GO BANG! Magazine: You studied comedy improve at Chicago’s own famed Comedy Sportz and dance training at the world-renowned Giordano Dance Center. Have you pursued a professional career in dancing and comedy? If so, please tell us about that and if not, why not?

Marcos Luis: For me knowing all areas of the Arts are important for balance, marketability, and to be well rounded. I’ve been on Comedy Improve Troupes and certainly have done Dance Shows in my career. My first professional Show which I did while still in college was called Pecong , a Caribbean version of the Greek Classic Madea , choreographed by T.C. Carson (Living Single Tv Show), I was a dancer and the Show won several Chicago Jeff Award. The Show was at Victory Gardens Theatre.

GO BANG! Magazine: Over the years, you’ve had national commercials, print campaigns, and appearances in popular prime time TV shows. Are there any broadcasts in particular that you can recall that may refresh our reader’s memory, so that they can connect that with you?

Marcos Luis: Mmmm Chicagoans may know me as The “Illinois Vehicle” commercial guy, which ran for many many years there. Three -four years ago you may have seen the “Madam President” editorial print campaign for designer Elie Tahari clothing line which was in every major publication, ad, billboard which I did along with supermodel Shlomit Malke. And of course.. the infamous “Sex and the City” Episode…

GO BANG! Magazine: What is your ultimate goal in the entertainment industry?

Marcos Luis: My ultimate goal is to continue to enlighten, inspire, tell stories through any art medium I can.

GO BANG! Magazine: Who inspires or motivates you?

Marcos Luis: So may people inspire me in so many ways. People who have had hard journeys and are resilient. People who do the same thing as I do. People who do different things than I do so I can learn from that . It all motivates me to be better, enjoy the experiences of life, and be thankful along the way. There is no competition, there is room for everyone on this journey. That motivates me.

GO BANG! Magazine: Are you currently working on anything or would you like to mention anything that you’d like our readers to check out?

Marcos Luis: Coming up next, I’ll be in an Off Broadway Show called ‘Edin’ written by a brilliant writer/artist named Marcus Harmon. Look out for me in two animated film projects as a voice actor , and definitely check out my Podcast: OneMicNite Podcast with Marcos Luis which is available on Apple podcasts wherever you download podcasts. Season 2 starts after the New Year tackling Social issues that affect Our Community and personal inspiring interviews of Artists’ journeys. www.OneMicNite.Podbean.com

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Marcos Luis: Yes, this pandemic took everyone by surprise. The key for me was to 1) Be Safe and 2) Be Flexible and 3) Create 4) Gratitude Safety first, for sure, then be flexible with your Life in the day to day actions . Next, create new ways of thinking, to enhance your situation finance by learning as much as possible. Lastly, be thankful for everyone and the things you have. Simplicity is the key. www.MarcosLuis.com


YOU CAN FOLLOW MARCOS:

Official: http://www.iMDb.me/MarcosLuis

New: ‘Los Viejos/ The Oldies (2018) Cuba Documentario https://vimeo.com/246902579

‘The Moor’ (2018)UK Oscar Qualified

Trailer:https://vimeo.com/226166126

Muted the movie https://m.imdb.com/title/tt3279922/ HBO

Dreaming of Peggy Lee

*Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Oscar nomination* BAFTA Qualified

*Distribution & Sales: Network Ireland Television

I’ll Be Home Soon

*Long-Listed For Oscar Nomination 2016*

*Distribution & Sales: Freak Agency

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.