Nestled in the north of Portugal is the quaint city of Guimarães, often revered as the birthplace of the nation itself. For Bruna Sampaio, this city was more than just a historical gem; it was home.
Growing up surrounded by Guimarães’ iconic castle, monumental history, and divine gastronomy, Bruna found herself immersed in a world of magic. This city’s safety, warmth, and rich culture not only provided her a unique childhood but also instilled in her a deep love for performing arts. A passion that began at the tender age of four when she discovered ballet.
With the guidance and assessment from the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance, Bruna soared through her ballet classes, receiving accolades for her dedication and excellence. This commitment to her art opened up an avenue of interactions with professionals from London, feeding her curiosity about the city and its theatre offerings.
But Bruna’s artistic journey didn’t stop at ballet. By age 12, she had already discovered theatre, and by 17, she was brave enough to leave Guimarães to study Theatre Arts in London. Her inspirations stemmed from childhood memories, where she crafted plays during Christmas, allowing her imagination to run wild. With the encouragement of her drama teacher, who firmly believed she was destined for the stage, Bruna continued to chase her passion.
Bruna credits a substantial portion of her success to her support system. Her parents, who always placed happiness and dreams before traditional career paths, and her elder brother, an aeronautical engineer, have been her pillars of strength. Equally instrumental in her journey were her dance, English, and drama teachers who believed in her potential and guided her through.
Making her mark in London, Bruna recounts her fascinating experience of performing in the play “Arturo Ui,” where she portrayed a 1930s mobster. Though initially daunted by the challenge of playing a male character, she soon embraced the role wholeheartedly, marking it as her most cherished portrayal to date.
Bruna’s theatre journey is filled with both accomplishments and hilarious missteps. One such amusing anecdote revolves around her obsession with perfecting an American accent, believing it to be the only way to succeed in the industry. Time and experience have taught her to celebrate her unique accent and identity.
Recently, Bruna took on dual roles in science fiction plays, “Endings” and “Coordinates.” She also embarked on her first film project, exploring the world behind the camera.
For aspiring artists, Bruna has some pearls of wisdom. She believes in embracing rejection as a chance to grow, in celebrating auditions as victories in themselves, and the importance of understanding one’s craft deeply. She emphasizes the value of training, meditation, movement, having a professional portfolio, and cherishing teamwork.
Reflecting on her journey, Bruna firmly upholds the lesson: “Never stop learning!” She stresses that broadening one’s knowledge in the industry can open unexpected doors and create pivotal moments in one’s career.
As someone who believes in the power of kindness, Bruna wishes to inspire a movement that underscores treating everyone with compassion and understanding. As her star continues to rise, she hopes for an opportunity to meet her inspiration, Selena Gomez, and discuss the beauty of kind-hearted success.
For those interested in following Bruna’s journey, her adventures are documented on her website and Instagram, celebrating the trajectory of a young woman from the heart of Portugal to the grand stages of London.
To follow Bruna Sampaio’s endeavors, visit her website at www.brunalisasampaio.com or check out her Instagram @brunalisasampaio.
