Today we’d like to introduce you to John DiDonna.
Hi John, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Phew. Now THAT is a question. I am here in Florida by way of North Carolina, by way of Syracuse, New York, by way of upstate and Brooklyn. LOL. Theatre really took off for me in college at Syracuse, and I followed that up with some great educational opportunities in North Carolina, where I received my MFA. An offer to work on some of the TV series in Orlando brought me down here 32 years ago to work in special effects, and I have been doing theatre ever since.
About 13 years ago, Victorian Horror Troupe Phantasmagoria came about, and it is what occupies so much of my creative space and time with collaborators I love working with. I am also the Program Chair of theatre for Valencia College.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Always struggles. From struggles, from mistakes comes learning. All of us are susceptible to all of that. I always say that not getting that audition is going to make you a better actor; something falling apart for a moment is going to give you the chance to learn, navigate it, and build it back up. Is it always easy to do that? Not at all. But it is essential. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had and would never ever dismiss those. And more importantly, the people who help you through your struggles are the ones that are truly strong. Learn from them as well.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Phantasmagoria has occupied my mind and heart for the last 12 – 13 years or so. It started as a one-year project, and now – as we get ready to tour with our 13th Mainstage show Phantasmagoria XIII “Poe, Through the Tales Darkly” – I look back and realize how much it has influenced me, taught me, and built such great collaborations. Sharing the stories has truly become a joy of mine. It is a fusion of storytelling, dance, puppetry, projections, original music, movement, stage combat, and circus arts that truly is a joy to step into.
Any big plans?
Phew. More of the same? We enjoy leaping from show to show and event to event, and each one expands our repertoire of what storytelling can be. Watching the dancers, I learn about that sort of storytelling, building a narrative through movement, etc. It all works together in amazing ways, and each year we try new things. So, I look forward to that and more of the same, as well as some of the amazing collaborations we have coming up (already scheduling 2024).
Next year, I get to share what we do with one of my hometowns in New York, and THAT will be a treat.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PhantasmagoriaOrlando.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhantasmagoriaOrlando
- Twitter: @phantasorlando
- Other: Instagram @phantasorlando
Image Credits
Chris Bridges
