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Each month, Penny & Pound Theatre Productions is proud to shine a light on past and present alumni who are making a difference in the KW and surrounding arts communities.
In May, we introduce P&P performer Victoria Santos Geldart (she/her) who made her P&P debut as Joannie Casino in our 2022 production of GREASE! Since then, Vic has appeared as Anne in MISS SCROOGE, and will be performing in our upcoming fundraising concert, PLAY ON! Vic is the owner and operator of 'More Than a Dream Princess Parties,' which brings magical and immersive experiences to the GTA. WHO ARE YOU?
Hello! I am Victoria Santos-Geldart. I am 23 years old living in Toronto, ON. I am an actor, singer, early childhood educator and business owner. I have owned and operated More than a Dream Princess Parties ever since I was 17 years old. I am very excited to be back into community theatre and exploring more areas of Musical Theatre performance.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH MORE THAN A DREAM?
The answer to this is never simple but I had a very inspiring performing arts teacher who gave me the opportunity to be apart of a musical theatre class and ever since then I have been hooked on performing. I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur but you basically work 24/7. I did not want to give up performing so I asked myself, why can't I have both? Then came my company, I got to share my love for fairytales, working with children, being and entrepreneur and performing all in one. The honest reason for my companies launch is that I started my company because I wanted to bring quality entertainment to children at a reasonable rate. Not every family can afford to take thier children to the most magical place on earth so why not create one for them in thier very own homes!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM PRINCESSING?
My favourite memory is definitely at my most recent annual Princess Ball. I got to take a step back and watch my entire team make hundreds of children's dreams come true. They performed a song I choreographed called "the glow" mixed with the beautiful lyrics, harmonies and how much every single one of my girls loves this job. I knew I wasn't only making children's dreams come true but thier performance dreams a reality as well. I am very privileged to have a second family who loves performing and making memories just as much as I do!
HOW HAS YOUR TIME WITH PENNY & POUND INFLUENCED YOU?
I joined the cast of GREASE during a very difficult time in my life. This company made me fall back in love with theatre and truly inspired me to continue to chase my own performing dreams. The first company where I have felt accepted to be who I am no matter what that may be!
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER EMERGING ARTISTS?
The truth is never give up. Auditions suck, plain and simple. You will never know how capable you are if you never try! Keep working on your craft, take lessons, explore new opportunities, and never forget that your value is not determined by what other people think of you.
HOW DO YOU THINK WATERLOO REGION CAN BETTER SUPPORT YOUNG ARTISTS?
I think that although that there are many opportunities within the region not all opportunities are inclusive to all. We have to be open minded and take out the typical stereotypes. Theatre should be a safe space and you never learn if you never have the opportunity to! I also think that KW could use more local performing arts programs advocating for youth. Performing arts is just as valuable as a sport/extra curricular! WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
As my company continues to grow, so do I! I am planning our most popular event our Mother's Day Tea Party. I have decided to continue focusing on my own business writing and directing my own shows as we expand but still continuing to audition for local community theatre.
Victoria Santos Geldart (middle right) as Joannie Casino with Bianca Soskic, Nathan W. Farmer and Elaina Zachariah in GREASE (2022.) | Photo: Alyssa Palmer
WANT TO STAY CONNECTED WITH VIC?
INSTAGRAM: @morethanadreamparties FACEBOOK: @MoreThanADreamPrincessParties WEBSITE: morethanadream.ca