Today we’d like to introduce you to Deion Galindo.
Hi Deion; we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Pineapple Theatre was established in 2018. We wanted to provide a creative and social outlet through theatrical performances and productions for students of all majors at The University of Central Florida. This student-run club was created to allow students to enhance and showcase their unique skills and talents. We have created a space for students to learn more about the entertainment industry and all that it has to offer. Our mission is to create, entertain, and inspire audiences through imaginative storytelling. Pineapple Theatre aspires to evolve into an organization that inspires individuals to dream big, take risks and do what they love. Our organization has accomplished many goals and has exponentially grown over the past 4 years. In the Fall of 2021, we sold out our murder mystery dinner show. The following spring, we produced our first musical production, which was a hit. These successes have motivated us to become a staple in the performing arts community of Orlando.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a student-run group, we have faced several obstacles, such as having the resources and finances to produce our shows. Producing musical consists of many elements, including a set for the stage, costumes, and wigs, technicians for light and sound, applying for the rights of a show, and having a stage built for theatrical productions. We have struggled with having all of these elements but are working towards getting past them as we continue to grow. We fundraise yearly to have enough money to fund our spring production. We also make it a point to attend as many events as possible to network and build connections with other creatives in our industry.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been professionally performing for about 10 years and currently work for the Walt Disney World company as a Singer, dancer, and actor. I decided to go back to school for a degree in entertainment management and came across Pineapple Theater Club in the spring of 2022 when someone told me about auditions they were having for their musical. After auditioning and being cast in their musical, I came to love the club and saw great potential. I also saw their struggles when trying to create their first musical, and I wanted to change that. I decided to run for president and got elected! That summer, I worked hard to rebrand the club and find ways to provide students with as many opportunities as possible. I am very proud of all that we have accomplished this semester. We have attended all of the school tabling events, rebranded our social media, got merchandise, had club outings, hosted several workshops with industry professionals, and, most importantly, Increased the number of members in our community. What sets us apart from others is that we will always find a way past the obstacles thrown in our direction. We have been turned down several times when asking for help, but it has never kept us from reaching our goals.
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
What matters to me most is a safe space for students to feel comfortable and free from outside negativity. It is a place for them to express themselves, learn, grow, and have fun. This is important because a space like this is not accessible to many students.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pineappletheatre.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pineappletheatre/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinappletheatreclub
Image Credits
Andrew Sickles Phoenix Dudren Noppajorn Hongsranont Tayah Savoy Ailsa Hoi Yan Ng Camille Blaydes Kathryn Royce Jared Bradshaw Lindsay Bradshaw Kendall Devecchis Daniela Gonzalez Brady Snyder Kendell St. Jean Pablo Gonzalez Samantha O’Donnell Aaliyah Amarante
