Introducing Victoria Meade, a talented, passionate and disciplined entertainer within the industry
In this highlight we turn our attention to Victoria Meade, an exceptional entertainer forging her own path simultaneously within the film industry and the theatre community. I asked Victoria a series of questions, here is what we discussed:
Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended, etc.
I grew up in Denville, NJ. I started dancing at the age of 4, singing at the age of 11, and acting kind of just found its way in there somewhere along the way. I went to Morris Knolls High School and also did two years of the Paper Mill Playhouse Conservatory. I got my BFA in musical theatre at Montclair State University. A few fun things that happened in that span of time were getting to perform in Paper Mill’s mainstage production of High School Musical while I was a sophomore in high school, (what I consider my first professional job), and booking a role in Hong Kong Disneyland, which allowed me to take a year off from college and pick it up again the following year. Since graduation, I’ve done several shows and films to try and build up my resume and reel. A few include the role of Vivienne in Legally Blonde the musical on Norwegian Cruise Line, and a spot on the 5th episode of HBO’s Vinyl. Still trucking along to this day!
What inspired you to be an artist? Early experiences worth sharing?
I had so many inspirations to perform as a kid, but one that always comes to mind is seeing Sutton Foster in Thoroughly Modern Millie — literally changed my life. At the time, all I wanted to do was sing and dance on stage, just like Sutton; as an adult, however, I want to do not only that, but act in films and television shows and commercials and whatever else the universe hands me! (Also, Sutton’s experience ranges from stage to the screen so my theory is if she can do it all, I can do it all).
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
The one time that I can really remember being faced with conflict was onboard Norwegian where my job was to sing Vivienne’s track for Legally Blonde, as well as the lead vocals for a ballroom dance show called Burn the Floor. It was a lot of singing. I didn’t quite expect it to be so hard on my voice, but it turned out, it really was. I spent most of my free time in my cabin in order to rest, which isn’t so fun when you’re basically living on a playground in the middle of the ocean. I wanted to allow myself to enjoy it, but the thought of six whole months of constant singing dampened those views. I suppose one could say I triumphed based on the fact that I finished my contract without having to leave prematurely. Moral of the story: if I were asked to do a cruise again, I would have to REALLY examine my responsibilities before signing on.
What do you believe sets you apart from other artists?
This is a difficult question to answer because I honestly don’t know. I will preface this next phrase by saying that it is incredibly cliche and cringeworthy; I feel that I work extremely hard to get to the place I want to be as an actor. I’d like to think that my hard work shows in projects i’ve done and will hopefully continue to do. I am still working on trusting myself to get out of my own way while playing a character, but who isn’t? I also can do splits.
Do you have other interests or hobbies?
I love to watch movies, go hiking, and write poetry.
Any projects you have out or or currently working on?
I did several projects within the past year that are all still in post production. Features include The Aerialist, Misty Button, The Day After Halloween, Festivals of Patience, and Construction. Shorts include You America, Walls, Lizzy on Leroy Street, Beachcomber, and Engaged.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I would love to be a working actor. No waiting tables, no meaningless side jobs. Just being able to perform, whether it be on the stage or on the screen, for my primary income. I would also love to get out of my comfort zone and start writing some scripts.
What advice can you give to aspiring artists/entertainers?
I would say try to never take anything personally. I understand it’s hard not to when our physical being and human emotions are always on the line and constantly being judged, but nine times out of ten it’s never about you. Most of the time, we don’t get the part because of something silly like height, or a preconceived idea of the character that the director just can’t part with, or “Does this person visually fit with the other person we already cast for this project?” I try to take comfort in the fact that we have absolutely no control over what happens after the audition. All we need to worry about is giving the best possible read we can and letting the rest fall into place.
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
Website: www.victoriameade.com
Instagram: @vmeade325
