We had the good fortune of connecting with Antonia Vivino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antonia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was always drawn to music as a child. I’d feel rhythms at a very young age and my parents being musicians themselves recognized my musicality. I started ballet dancing at the age of eight and then edged into more musical theatre when I was 11. What I’m thankful for is discovering these art forms myself. I was never pushed into anything. I was naturally brought into this industry and I think that’s when I finally said yes I need to make this my career. This is who I am and what I love doing. It’s always been a part of me. It’s not an easy career, but what’s beautiful is what you can create yourself. I constantly get to grow as a performer and when I am not currently “booked and blessed” as they say, I am choreographing a passion project or taking classes for example. I know I can pursue this career to my fullest because the possibilities are endless.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I graduated High School in 2017 at Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley, CA. From there I made a big decision in my gut to not attend any college. I was given the opportunity to sign with a theatrical agency right off the bat and I took that as a sign. What is meant for you will not pass you by. So shortly after I signed, I booked my first National Tour of a seasonal holiday production of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and went on the road. From there, I continued to book work through my agency and began making more and more connections. I worked with the Walt Disney Company in Frozen Live at the Hyperion as my full time job performing, all while continuing to build my resume with more shows. I had never felt so proud of myself to have gone with my gut in not attending college because all of these opportunities were truly meant for me. There of course where doubts, highs and lows, but I overcame these moments in reminding myself that I am doing exactly what I want to do. I’m already doing it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This question does vary in the sense that I lived in California for a long time and am now currently living in New York City. So if my best friend were to come to NYC for the week, I’d of course have to see a Broadway show with them! I love the museum of Broadway as well (can you tell I love theatre?). My favorite cafe is way uptown called “Dutch Baby” and they have the BEST croque madam. Fort Tryon park is right near the Met Cloisters museum which feels so enchanting and beautiful. I am obsessed with the underground mall on 59th as well as Little Island on Chelsea. I think this city really is a huge melting pot of personalities!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I had some of the most supportive and inspiring dance instructors growing up. My main training was with Pacific Festival Ballet (PFB) also known as California Dance Theatre (CDT). Although they were a dance school, they respected and supported my choices in becoming a musical theatre performer over a prima ballerina. I was lucky to experience instructors that came from all backgrounds: Broadway, Film, Television, etc. Those instructors are Kim Maselli, Jonathan Sharp, Laura Klein Wiener, Nadezhda Koscuik, Colleen O Callaghan, and Melissa Cassidy. They made me the dancer I am today.

Website: https://www.antonia-vivino.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoniavivino/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCN2jY_ZNnYHxYk_hStQk2Q

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@antonia.vivino

Image Credits
Ben Delmundo

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