Kelsey (Maher) Cruz ’17 steps into the shoes of various characters through her job as a voice actor. She’s worked on prominent anime shows such as One Piece, SpyxFamily, and Attack on Titan. “The best part is getting to portray different types of characters and exploring my own personality in each one,” she said. As a graduate of Azusa Pacific University’s acting for the stage and screen program (BFA), she implements her passion and faith in all she does.
Originally from Seattle, Cruz was always interested in acting, but she was not sure if it was truly her calling. After high school, Cruz went to community college, then transferred to a leadership college to pursue a career as a children’s pastor. “While working in children’s ministry I got to act out skits and I realized that acting is truly my vocation.”
Cruz heard about APU years before applying. “I saw a clip of a musical in the BFA program and my mind was blown. I love that it’s a Christian university which gives students a space to create spectacular performances,” she said. In 2014, Cruz hopped on a plane to Los Angeles to audition for the program. She was accepted and began her studies at APU that fall.
Cruz fondly recalls being a part of the ensemble in Spitfire Grill, her first show in APU’s Warehouse Theater. “Because of the more intimate setting, the audience’s participation made everyone feel enveloped inside the story being told.” Singing and acting in such a well produced show offered Cruz an experience she will never forget, especially since growing up she had always yearned to be a part of such vibrant performances.
Another experience that shaped Cruz was building a show with her cohort called #AllOfUsInWonderland. She and her classmates performed the show at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival in Scotland. Cruz is grateful she got to fulfill the lighting designer role, teaching her core skills she now uses as a voice actor when using advanced equipment.
After graduating in 2017, Cruz remained in LA for three years. When doors kept closing in the film industry, she sought a new avenue. She began recording audiobooks, which was a tedious but enriching practice that led her where she is today. Taking classes at Real Voice LA, a sound studio, helped Cruz hone in her voice acting abilities.
During the pandemic, Cruz moved to Arizona to be with her family. At the time, she met her husband, Jordan, through an online voiceover community, and he encouraged her to audition for Crunchyroll, where he was working as a voice actor as well. The Dallas based studio specializes in recording English dubbing for Japanese animated shows.
In November 2023, Cruz got married, and moved to Texas, where the couple both live their dreams as voice actors at Crunchyroll and other animated games and films. Cruz has done English dubbing for more than 100 anime shows, stepping into the shoes of heroes, villains, and humorous sidekicks. Additionally, she has assumed the role of animated characters through freelance work at multiple studios. From talking elephants, to scientists, and magical creatures Cruz loves getting to discover new parts of her personality by portraying different characters.
When they’re not working, the couple spends time with their three cats (Nana, Sokka, and Momo). They also love traveling for anime conventions, where they get to meet fans and do signings, as well as discovering new restaurants to try.
While reflecting on her journey, Cruz hopes readers know how vital it is to share God’s gifts with the world by expressing your individuality. “Growing up I was extremely shy and quiet. I dreaded the thought of embarrassing myself, but I now realize that God wonderfully made me the unique person I am.” She has also learned that it’s okay to be quiet when you don’t have anything to say, adding that many are in need of a listening ear.
Cruz ultimately cultivates a love for God, others, and herself by pursuing her passion. “You’re doing the world a disservice when you hide God’s gift to you. He gave you this life, so live it expansively and as beautifully as you can.”