Valeria Baldeon is a member of Crane Creations Theatre Company’s 2022 Summer Ensemble. She was an actor in the program.
Valeria Baldeon is an actor and singer. She is currently studying Animal Biology and Mathematics at the University of Guelph but hopes to further her acting education once she is done.
Experience
Valeria Baldeon is an actor and singer. She is currently studying Animal Biology and Mathematics at the University of Guelph but hopes to further her acting education once she is done. She has appeared in Innovative Arts productions of “The Little Witch” and “Six the Musical” as Catherine of Aragon, as well as MAVIS Productions’ “Evil Dead the Musical” as Shelly. She is looking forward to working with Crane Creations Theatre and putting on shows for the community. Valeria is grateful for the hard work and dedication the Summer Ensemble of 2022 is putting throughout this work term.
Education
Valeria is currently studying at the University of Guelph, as an Animal Biology major and a Mathematics Minor. She also is currently taking lessons with Milne Acting Studio in Toronto, working on her film and television career. She has previously studied at Innovative Arts Studio in Oakville, where she was taught by Christina Fox, an NTS Alumni. She has two vocal teachers, Christina DiFranco and Jackie Rose Brown.
Acting Experience
Valeria was first introduced to theatre by playing “Big Witch” in Innovative Art’s Production of “Little Witch”. There she found her passion for acting and singing. She continued on to play Catherine of Aragon in Innovative Art’s “Six”. In August 2021, Valeria auditioned for MAVIS Production’s “Evil Dead the Musical” and was fortunate enough to get the role of Shelly. They went on to perform in Kitchener in October 2021, and later in London, Ontario in April 2022.
Summer Ensemble Member 2022
Valeria Baldeon is a member of Crane Creations Theatre Company’s 2022 Summer Ensemble. This was Crane Creations Fourth Annual Summer Ensemble.
What is Summer Ensemble?
The Summer Ensemble is an 8 week training program for theatre artists. In this paid working opportunity artists learn skills required to be a professional artist in Canada, and gain valuable insights into the theatre industry in Canada and abroad. To apply artists must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
What is an Actor?
Valeria is an actor in the Summer Ensemble. But what is an actor?
What is an actor?
An actor or actress is a person who portrays a character in a performance. The actor performs in the theatre, film, radio, television, or digital media. What does it mean to be an actor for Valeria?
I think an actor is someone who materializes a character for the purpose of entertaining an audience.
Valeria Baldeon
What does an actor do?
An actor’s doesn’t just memorize lines and look pretty. An actor has a fun but important role in creating a story. They are responsible for interpreting and embodying the character in a play, television series, or film. To do this well many actors rehearse and train their bodies and voices regularly. They study their script and consult with the director and scene partners about their interpretation of the character.
The main concern of an actor should always be understanding what a character wants or needs and then what they are is doing to achieve this action. A want or a need is also called an objective, or motivation. What an actor is doing is referred to an action or a tactic. An Actor Acts. A good actor makes many different and thoughtful choices about what the character is doing. A very good actor can make many creative choices, and is always ready to change their actions on the fly.
Actors sometimes require additional special skills. For example, an actor in a Broadway musical may also need to know how to sing and dance. An actor is a puppet show must know how to operate a puppet. Professional Improvisers need to know how to create a character and make up a story on the spot without any preparation. An actor in an action blockbuster film may also be trained in stage combat and martial arts.
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How does an actor prepare for a role?
Actors prepare for their roles in many different ways. Let’s ask Valeria how she prepares for a role.
Personally, first I read the script that I get and try and visualizes the scenes. I want to be able to see this character first and how they talk, act, react and hold themselves. I point out key points, or key words that are important and then see if there are any similarities or experiences that I can use from my own life and put it into this role. Then I want to get into the head of this character, I want to be able to think like them and be as natural as possible, to the point where I become them.
Valeria Baldeon
Who is Valeria Baldeon ? An Interview with Valeria
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Lima, Peru!
What Is Your Favourite Thing About Your Hometown?
My favorite thing about my home town would probably be the food. Peru has amazing food that is widely known around the world for its variety of flavors and spices. The first thing I always do when I go back to Peru is get together with family and have a big meal altogether.
We are a company that speaks many different languages. What Languages Do You Speak?
I speak Spanish, and some basic French.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If I could travel anywhere in the world I would love to go to Australia. I have a love and passion for animals, and would love to visit the Australia Zoo. I would like to see how Steve Irwin’s Legacy is being promoted and upheld.
Is there a new skill you want to learn?
I have always wanted to learn to dance ballet, jazz and tap. I think learning those styles of dance would be very beneficial for myself and for my career. I am hoping to be able to take lessons once my schedule opens up a bit more.
Do you have any hobbies?
I have various hobbies. I love playing instruments, so whenever I am bored I might play the piano, guitar or ukulele, and perhaps sing while doing so. I have been playing piano since I was 7 and love every part of it. I also love playing rugby and horseback riding. During the school year, I take horseback riding lessons which help me relax and once school is over, rugby season starts, and that is when I get to play with the Oakville Crusaders Team. All of these are things that I am very passionate about.
Do you Have A Favourite Food?
My favourite food to eat is steak!
And what’s your favourite food to make?
I am not much of a cook, but I do love making desserts, my favorite one being Tres Leches.
What is one fun fact about yourself?
One fun fact about myself is that I have three rats named Moony, Fred and George.
Why do you love theatre?
I love theatre because of the joy it brings to others and myself. The interaction between audience and performer is something that cannot be matched anywhere else, and it is something that I will never take for granted. Just knowing that I was able to put a smile on someone’s face makes my day!
How Does Your Theatre Journey Begin?
My journey in theatre began in high school when I joined my school’s drama club. I didn’t get any main or supporting role, I didn’t even get any lines but I loved being part of it and seeing how a play came together. I was inspired by my fellow actors and hoped to one day be able to perform and have a main role in a play. I remember taking the play and competing against other high schools in my city and surrounding cities, where we won an award. This sparked my interest and later was able to perform in “Little Witch” as Big Witch.
Is there a play or a role you are really proud of?
Performing with MAVIS Production is a project that I am very proud of and was a very rewarding experience for me. We first performed in Kitchener, right around Halloween time, and seeing the audience reaction to our show was unbelievable. I loved seeing some audience members be so excited that they would dress up as the main character, and then ask to take pictures with us. I remember even hearing certain kids mention something about wanting to get into performing, and put on shows as we did. Knowing that we have inspired others is a very fulfilling feeling.
Why is theatre important?
Theatre is important because it brings people together. It is beautiful to see people come together to watch a show that is of common interest to everyone in real time, where each person will have their own interpretation of what is going on and will each take a different message home. I think people should go see plays instead of movies because of the interaction between audience and performer, and the connection that can be made there.
You work as an actor. Why Did You Decide to Become an Actor?
I decided to become an actor because of all the possibilities it opens to become someone else, as weird as that sounds. The idea of portraying another person and for a while, being someone you are not is so fascinating to me. Also, I love performing and entertaining people, so why not be an actor!
Any advice for aspiring actors?
My biggest piece of advice would be have a goal and reach for it. Do not let anything stop you, if you truly want to do it. I have had a lot of road blocks in my way, and still do, yet I am not planning on giving up. Having a goal inspires and motivates me to do more and to work hard, but just know that there is always a way. I may not be studying theatre but that hasn’t stopped me from taking classes outside of my university, and from performing. I found a way because of my passion and because of my goal
What Has Been Your Favourite Part of Summer Ensemble So Far?
My favorite part so far has been the people I am working with. I love coming to work and seeing everyone every day, and hearing all of their amazing ideas and thoughts. Every one has such unique views on things, and we all have different strengths, where we can all learn from each other.
