Andres Ortiz was born in Pomona, CA and raised in San Antonio, TX. He started performing in talent shows and school plays at the age of 10. Andres attended high school at a magnet school in San Antonio called the North East School of the Arts where he majored in musical theater. Also during high school, Andres received additional acting training at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center on the Westside of San Antonio.

He attended college at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX where he graduated with a BFA in Acting in 2010. During his time in Texas, Andres performed with many different professional companies such as the Dallas Theater Center, Kitchen Dog Theater, Dallas Children’s Theater, and Amphibian Stage Productions. After graduation, Andres began teaching and working with inner-city youth as a means of supporting his acting career. He has also worked as a substitute teacher, basketball coach, and an after-school arts and activities instructor.

Since moving back to California in 2012, Andres has worked with Luis Valdez and El Teatro Campesino on their recent production of “Valley of the Heart,” where he played the role of Benjamin.