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Víctor Manuel

@vmaponte

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I wasn’t able to get pics with everyone and that’s my bad ☹️

I love all the folks involved with production! Please know that, “the candle is in the window and the kettle always on.”

💜💜💜 by @vmaponte

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2 months ago

I approached this production with so much trepidation and insecurity because I wanted to be worthy of the experience. With such a moving story, talented actors, a powerhouse group of a designers, and an incredible production team, how could I not be?

No matter how much I prepared for rehearsals, the amount we pushed and pressed on left me riding the edge, much like a difficult yoga pose you’ve been working toward for weeks. Fortunately, I learned pretty early on that the environment curated by those in charge was safe, joyous, nonjudgmental, and “relentlessly decent.”

I will be eternally grateful to everyone involved, because this process has been the most transformative of my career to date. Beyond the physical exhaustion, mental challenges, and vocal fatigue, what I will hold closest to my heart is the joy, accomplishment, acceptance, and validation I found here.

My work has never felt stronger, and I have never felt more enveloped by kindness, joy, and affirmation.

Screech in, breathe out. 💜

#pittsburghtheater #comefromawaymusical #relentlessdecency

@frontporchtheatricals by @vmaponte

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2 months ago

In a time where producing theatre feels so strained, and being an artist in a market that sometimes seems to be imploding, I’m so grateful to have been included in such a transformative production with a company that is succeeding by prioritizing people.

I never would have allowed myself to wander so far into a fantasy where I could have played Hedwig. Though I never did it in front of an audience, the process of preparing to do so unlocked something powerful in me. I had to work through insecurities, imposter syndrome, and the fear of letting others down. I constantly had to remind myself to trust the process and trust that the creatives leading this production selected me for a reason. This was earned and not just a fluke.

What surprised me most was how much this experience affirmed what I am capable of. It pushed me in ways I didn’t expect and reminded me that sometimes growth happens when you say yes to something that scares you.

I’m so happy to report that the folks I worked with were incredibly kind, generous, and supportive. @wowitstreasure , @theoallyn , ben, @pjroduta , @asaptrippp , @_shanemclaughlin_ , and @partie_poizen thank you for exemplifying the collaborative and communal spirit at the heart of impactful theatre.

@robearamirez , @rickedingernyc , and @darobot3 , this opportunity was eye-opening and affirming in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Thank you for trusting me with it.

@patti.kelly.5817 , I don’t believe I could have pulled it off without you. Beyond the resources and advocacy, it was your validation and encouragement that really moved me. Your belief in me made a difference, especially on the days when I struggled to believe in myself.

I was also deeply affected by seeing the brilliant designers stretch their bandwidths and budgets to include me as fully as they did. @gloria_swansong , @maxiefactor , @fagnelly , @zacharybrown42 ,Andrew, Britton, and Jaime,thank you for your artistry, generosity, and care.

I hope my relationship with Hedwig will continue to grow and that one day in the future I can “put on some make-up, turn up the tape deck, and put the wig BACK on my head” again. taken in Greer Cabaret Theater by @vmaponte

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4 months ago

The kids are looking back to 2016…so I should too. I’m not a regular “single, gay, mid-thirty fella,” I’m a desperate one 😂

My initial reaction is, WOOF.

Upon more reflection, though there were some struggles, there was a lot of joy and wonderful experiences that helped shape me into the stunning mess I am now. 🙃 by @vmaponte

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9 months ago

🙃🙃🙃 by @vmaponte

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a year ago

Cabaret Cutie 🎭

#actor
#gay
#gayboy
#latinx
#thicc
#bald
#baldisbeautiful by @vmaponte

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2 years ago

I’ve missed these @byhamtheater dressing rooms!

#offtherecordpgh
#actor
#gay
#gayboy
#latinx taken in Byham Theater by @vmaponte

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2 years ago

¡Que noche bastante genial!

#hispanic
#latinx
#comedialatina
#relatable
#chistes taken in Pittsburgh Improv by @vmaponte

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2 years ago

“I didn’t think you’d understand me…” by @vmaponte

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2 years ago

How it started… how it ended…

Projects like “Himbos” come along oh so rarely and its up to you make the most of it. This crew made being present and absorbing all the joy so easy, organic, safe, and fabulous!

@popeupvideo wrote perhaps a dream role I didn’t know I had.

@knapp_sack and @ho.goblin gave me the opportunity and space to really leave it all out there

@tylerraykendrick @jose.perez.iv @dylan.m.meyers @iam_zachariah @xmaz73x Gayle Pazerski and Joanna Getting, were the incredibly supportive ensemble that a actor dreams of.

@thatdogmom_lauren thank you wrangling us all!

To all the designers, technicians, and artists involved… truly thank you so much!!!

@janus.young and the folks at @newhazlett are changing the landscape of theatre and it’s so important!!!

#actor
#theatre
#regionaltheatre
#pittsburghtheater
#newworksrule
#originalcomedy
#pureofheart
#broadofchest
#dumbofass
#himbos taken in New Hazlett Theater by @vmaponte

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3 years ago

Felt cute or whatever last night…

#beenawhile
#nightout
#actor
#gay
#gayboy
#latinx
#thicc
#bald
#baldisbeautiful by @vmaponte

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3 years ago

A gay ol time at the Opera!

@pittsburghopera

#actor
#gay
#gayboy
#latinx
#bald
#baldisbeautiful
#besties
#roomies
#nightattheopera
#supportthearts taken in Benedum Center for the Performing Arts by @vmaponte

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4 years ago