Elena Rey

What was the first audiobook you performed?

The Monsters of Chavez Ravine by Debra Castaneda

What title or series are you best known for?

Oye by Melissa Mogollon

If a listener wanted to get to know your work, which of your audiobooks would you point them to?

The Lucha Series by Tehlor Mejia
Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher
Lucky Red by Claudia Cravens
Muñeca by Cynthia Gómez
Smash or Pass by Birdie Schae

What do you always have in the booth?

My trusty pink Hydroflask, homemade peppermint lip balm, a stone to fidget with, and a bright yellow sticky note I pretend is my listener.

How did you come to performing audiobooks?

I came to audiobooks pretty soon after graduating college with a degree in theater. I had intended to pursue stage performance but decided instead to “temporarily” follow the little voice inside me that was deeply curious about telling stories with a mic rather than onstage. Months later, in January 2022, I got started with the Penguin Random House Audio Narrator Mentorship program, fell in love with audiobooks and audiobook performance, and things blossomed from there. I feel so lucky to have found this work so early into my career as a performer – it’s simply the best.

Anything else you’d like a listener to know?

There’s nothing quite like mending the rip in your favorite jacket, a pair of big colorful earrings, and a visit to the aquarium.