NYFA Musical Theatre alum Ilda Mason stars in Spilberg's West Side Story

NYFA Musical Theatre alum, actress, singer and dancer Ilda Mason is part of the cast in the highly anticipated Steven Spielberg remake of West Side Story. Mason plays the role of Luz, one of the ‘Sharks’ members.

The film was directed by Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg, whose work has been named some of the most influential films in movie history (Jaws, Schindler's List, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park). The screenplay adaptation was written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning writer Tony Kushner. Based on the book and stage play by Arthur Laurents, the 2021 film features the original West Side Story (1961 film) star and actress, Rita Moreno.

In the film Ilda showcases her professional dance and acting skills. 

Mason has previous experience in the West Side Story production, having performed in Ivo van Hove’s adaption of West Side Story on Broadway in New York City. She also performed in West Side Story productions at both Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, and the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. As a professional dancer, Mason also performed in the Gloria Estefan Broadway musical On Your Feet and production of Legally Blonde in China, along with a national tour of Cinderella as an ensemble member. In Latin America, Mason is known for her stellar performances and dancing for two seasons of Panama’s Dancing with the Stars.

Mason studied with NYFA in 2015 in our 2-Year Conservatory in Musical Theatre. Her extraordinary talent in dance was indicative as a young student. “Ilda was an engaged, focused student and an integral member of the NYFA Musical Theatre community,” says Kristy Cates, NYFA’s Chair of Musical Theatre. “We are all so proud of her many successes and look forward to watching her star continue to rise.”