Victoria Eggleston

I recently had the pleasure of meeting the very talented Victoria Eggleston after her performance as Crystal., one of the three urchins, in Little Shop of Horrors at RCT. Victoria wowed me with her lovely voice and all the precise choreography she had to execute in the role of Crystal. Victoria has poise, presence, and, most of all, that undefinable quality that sets her apart on stage. She has already played several featured and leading roles and has the determination, dedication, and all the necessary skills to be a star. Take a few moments to read about Victoria and then join me in watching her star rise!

When was your first time on stage?

My first time on stage was when I was about five years old. I started singing and dancing at a very young age. I grew up in church singing in the choir, and that was where I discovered my love for music. The first time I set foot on stage was at the age of five years old, for a dance recital. I am originally from Los Angeles, California and I used to take dance lessons at Lula Washington Dance Theatre. I completely lit up the stage doing tricks and choreography, that was not necessarily assigned to me. My family knew, even then, that I was a performer.

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

I knew I wanted to be an actor at the age of thirteen. One summer, before my last year in middle school, I decided to participate in a performing arts camp. I was intrigued to participate in workshops and learn more within my talent of singing and dancing. One of my music mentors, Mrs. Lester, suggested that I do something different within the camp. I insisted that I wanted to focus on singing and dancing, but she persisted. I soon gave in, and decided to sign up for the actors workshop. I came into the room apprehensively; my mind focusing on what I would be missing out in the dance workshop. Then we began the class, by performing a monologue. The teacher volunteered for me to go up first, & I read it aloud. Everything about acting became so natural to me. As the words were leaving my mouth, I connected with the monologue more and more. I felt the emotion of the character, and I couldn’t believe how empathic I felt towards her. It was like I knew her; I understood her. After performing the monologue and completing the workshop, I completely fell in love with acting. As I continued to perform in stage plays and musicals, I knew that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The ability to convey emotions that we all feel as humans, is so powerful to me. To be a source of entertainment, but also a source of perspective. The ability to put a smile on one’s face, or a laugh in their heart, is truly beautiful. I am so blessed that I have the ability to bring joy to others. Even when someone is moved to tears, I feel as though I have accomplished the true essence and vulnerability of a human. Not just a character, but a person. That is when I knew I wanted to be an actor.

Who is your greatest mentor?

My greatest mentor is my mother, Sybil Eggleston. She has been my biggest supporter, for my whole life. She motivates me to reach beyond heights, I could never imagine. She gives constructive criticism whenever I perform my monologues or sides for her. She will be honest with me, even in the moments I don’t want her to. But it’s always exactly what I need to hear. She is my greatest mentor and inspiration in life. I believe her tenacity and perseverance inspires me in everything I do. It is a blessing to see her smiling face in the audience, as I perform. I don’t know if she’ll ever know how much just her smile motivates me more on stage. I am forever grateful for her unwavering support and dedication to my career. I love you mommy!

What role have you enjoyed most in your career so far?

The role I enjoyed the most would have to be Shug Avery in Color Purple: The Musical, and Delores Van Cartier in Sister Act: The Musical. It is truly hard for me to decide! I performed as Shug Avery, my junior year of college in Monroe, Louisiana. It was an honor to portray this character and perform at the theatre, The Arts With Passion. Shug Avery had so much depth within her, and she was just so much fun! I could dance on stage and do some crazy things! My costume for the juke joint scene, was my absolute favorite. My dress had bright red sequins, with red feathers on the bottom. Then I had a red bedazzled hat with matching red furs. Lastly, I had a green peacock feathered fan, to go with the whole outfit. It was amazing and I felt so free! Despite all of the eccentricities of Shug, she was a lonely person scrutinized by society, for her authenticity. It was a privilege to express those complexed emotions. I will hold Shug Avery deep in my heart forever. It was an amazing show. Lastly, I recently played Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act: The Musical, at the Upright Theatre Company in Euless, Texas. This was a special show because I dedicated my performance to my deceased grandmother, Delores McMillan. Sister Act was not only our favorite movie, but my grandmother’s name was Delores too! The story is absolutely beautiful, and it was a blessing to convey the true meaning of sisterhood. I had so much fun as Deloris Van Cartier, and enjoyed making it my own. I was jumping, dancing and leaping off the stage. I gave it my all, and had the most fun doing it. I also made sisters, brothers, and friends for life. It was truly a blessing, and I am very grateful.

Do you have a dream role?

My dream role would be Fanny Brice, in Funny Girl. That is one of my all time favorite movies and a story I would love to tell. The music in Funny Girl is absolutely amazing. In certain respects, I understand personally with Fanny. The story of Fanny Brice is bittersweet, but it shows that behind a smile/jokes, can be pain as well. Making jokes was a defense mechanism for Fanny, something I too do myself. My favorite part is the end, when Nick Arnstein says something along the lines, “When you’re on the stage Fanny, nothings gets to you”. Then it cuts to Fanny onstage performing a tearful finale, “My Man.” The juxtaposition of the movie is gut wrenchingly beautiful. I absolutely love the film, and it is truly my dream role. I believe that I will play the role of Fanny Brice, one day. Broadway, look out!

Who would you most like to be on stage with?

I would love to on stage with Audra McDonald or Barbra Streisand. I would most likely cry the whole time, but I would find a way to keep it together. They are two of my biggest inspirations in regard to vocal performance. Their ability to control their voice with such emotional intensity, is absolutely amazing. I would love to perform with them, and just study them. It would be a dream come true.

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

The performances I have seen that have impressed me would be East Texas Hot Links at Jubilee Theatre. The acting and set design was superb! I loved how intimate and intriguing the show was. There was a plot twist that was very unexpected. This was the first show I saw in the DFW area, after graduating from Grambling State University. Additionally, the recent performance of Bonnie and Clyde at the Grand Prairie Arts Council was absolutely amazing. The light design, acting, directing, choreography, and everything in between was incredible. That was one of my favorite shows of the year. I absolutely loved it!

What are your career goals?

One of my career goals are to perform on Broadway. New York has always called my name, even as a child. To become a reoccurring actor on the Broadway stage is a dream, and a goal I will achieve. I am honing in on my craft, and doing everything within my power to gain the abilities necessary for the Broadway stage. Another career goal of mine, is to be in film. I have always wanted to be in a film, and become a filmmaker. I enjoy writing and I hope to have my own staged play and film in the future. I believe my future is bright, and I will reach every one of my goals. New York, here I come!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I believe that people would be surprised to know I love watching behind the scenes footage. I will sit and watch bloopers, makeup transformations, and more for hours. I love knowing little fun facts of the “magic” behind films or the theatre. It excites me to see the tips/tricks production has in order to get the finished product. I also love how they make certain aspects seamless to the audience. I am truly a geek when it comes to anything within acting. What can I say, I love it! Acting is truly my passion, and I am blessed to have it as my career.