Joel Ochoa

I am so excited to be apart of this year’s NxtUp Film Festival again in the categories of “Best Grad Actor in a Comedy” for Abbot Elementary and “Best Grad Actor in a Drama” for The Savages after being nominated for “Best Actor in a Comedy” last year! Also, shoutout to my co-stars Kenderly and Cassiel on their nominations as well – you both are brilliant and I am the
luckiest to have worked with you. Originally from Iowa, I moved to the Bay Area in August of 2022 to pursue my MFA in Acting here at the Academy! I currently hold my BA in Theatre with a minor in Communications from Millikin University located in Decatur, Illinois. Along with my screen work, I have worked extensively on stage with some recent Bay Area professional credits including Macbeth and Julius Caesar Twisted (Marin Shakespeare Company), A Chorus Line (SF Playhouse), Mame and Bright Star (42nd Street Moon), and upcoming project The Tempest (SF Shakespeare Festival). Since moving to the Bay, I have also been involved in commercials for Exo
Inc., Empathable, and Pegasus Solar as well the short film Take Me There which was an official selection at Frameline Film Festival last year and the upcoming features Under the Lights and The Scenic Route.
When I’m not performing, I love reading, hiking, playing piano, and drinking iced vanilla lattes with oat milk (even though I probably don’t need the caffeine!). You also may have seen me on the Academy’s social media page making a fool of myself - I am so grateful to be a social media associate for the school and getting to work with an incredible team of people! I also have an extensive background in working with kids of all ages and I’m currently a teaching artist at Marin Shakespeare Company and New Conservatory Theatre Center – I love investing in the next generation because young people are so brilliant! My thanks to all the people in my life
that push me to be a better artist and a better human – this night is for you! IG: @joelocho

Graduate Comedy Actor, Winner