Vikki De Meo
Who are you and what significant contributions have you made to the organization?
"My name is Victoria DeMeo and I served on the CPTG Eboard as Vice President for the 06-07 and 07-08 season and President in 08-09. I was also a member of Alpha Psi Omega. I missed maybe two shows in my four years and I was predominantly a stage and production manager and producer. Being in front of an audience wasn’t for me; I was much more interested in getting the mechanics of a production off the ground. I tried my hand in every department but most often found myself making props in my down time. I had one speaking walk on role to qualify for APO and I think it was “You’re a jerk Mike,” which was great method acting because I wasn’t happy about walking out on stage. The Little Theatre was gutted and renovated during my tenure, something we helped coordinate with contractors and public safety, and my EBoard brought back the position of historian and did a big overhaul of the inner workings of the group. We assembled new contracts for outside vendors, revamped position duties and the CPTG constitution, amassed a small theatre library, and regreened the green room (although that didn’t last long if you’ve ever been inside it)."
"My name is Victoria DeMeo and I served on the CPTG Eboard as Vice President for the 06-07 and 07-08 season and President in 08-09. I was also a member of Alpha Psi Omega. I missed maybe two shows in my four years and I was predominantly a stage and production manager and producer. Being in front of an audience wasn’t for me; I was much more interested in getting the mechanics of a production off the ground. I tried my hand in every department but most often found myself making props in my down time. I had one speaking walk on role to qualify for APO and I think it was “You’re a jerk Mike,” which was great method acting because I wasn’t happy about walking out on stage. The Little Theatre was gutted and renovated during my tenure, something we helped coordinate with contractors and public safety, and my EBoard brought back the position of historian and did a big overhaul of the inner workings of the group. We assembled new contracts for outside vendors, revamped position duties and the CPTG constitution, amassed a small theatre library, and regreened the green room (although that didn’t last long if you’ve ever been inside it)."
How was the transition from college to the real world? How was life after graduation?
"I don’t think anyone is ever prepared for the real world. I knew going in to my major at St. John’s (journalism and a minor in communications) that it wasn’t what I wanted to do in life. I spent more time managing in the theatre to feel busy and useful because I knew that life wasn’t on book just yet. I flailed for a year after graduation trying to find ME out of the “cosmic checklist of adulting.” I don’t think I’ve ticked off all the boxes on that list or that I ever will but I’ve learned to stop trying to run to the next goal post and just enjoy being myself."
"I don’t think anyone is ever prepared for the real world. I knew going in to my major at St. John’s (journalism and a minor in communications) that it wasn’t what I wanted to do in life. I spent more time managing in the theatre to feel busy and useful because I knew that life wasn’t on book just yet. I flailed for a year after graduation trying to find ME out of the “cosmic checklist of adulting.” I don’t think I’ve ticked off all the boxes on that list or that I ever will but I’ve learned to stop trying to run to the next goal post and just enjoy being myself."
Did being involved in the Chappell Players prepare you for life after college? How so?
"Oddly, given my current career, yes. I spent a majority of my time patching up kids that ran into set pieces or burned themselves on lights. I would joke that we weren’t running a show we were operating a zoo. Four years later I was working at the Bronx Zoo as a veterinary nurse. It seemed like a logical leap because it hit all the major points I learned in the theatre: triage, improvising, and working with animals. I was surprised when I got into veterinary technician school how many theatre veterans there were. I think we’re a special lot; very passionate and able to jump from task to task and really have empathy for the characters we see. Animal lovers can be just as neurotic too! I use my stage manager savvy dealing with a “crew” of animal husbandry technicians and other departments. I’m disgustingly organized and I’ve learned how to MacGyver splints and rig up IVs without the proper equipment. Theatre taught me to stay on my toes. It also helped me learn how to teach and I do that now at LaGuardia Community College, formerly with the English department and now with the Vet Tech department. Wildlife rehabilitation is also a side gig and offers more opportunities to teach."
"Oddly, given my current career, yes. I spent a majority of my time patching up kids that ran into set pieces or burned themselves on lights. I would joke that we weren’t running a show we were operating a zoo. Four years later I was working at the Bronx Zoo as a veterinary nurse. It seemed like a logical leap because it hit all the major points I learned in the theatre: triage, improvising, and working with animals. I was surprised when I got into veterinary technician school how many theatre veterans there were. I think we’re a special lot; very passionate and able to jump from task to task and really have empathy for the characters we see. Animal lovers can be just as neurotic too! I use my stage manager savvy dealing with a “crew” of animal husbandry technicians and other departments. I’m disgustingly organized and I’ve learned how to MacGyver splints and rig up IVs without the proper equipment. Theatre taught me to stay on my toes. It also helped me learn how to teach and I do that now at LaGuardia Community College, formerly with the English department and now with the Vet Tech department. Wildlife rehabilitation is also a side gig and offers more opportunities to teach."
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What is your favorite CPTG memory or performance?
"I always love a sitzprobe. There’s something magical about setting up the orchestra and finally hearing your actors become their characters. It’s a break for me because I can put my script down and just enjoy being in the moment. On the other hand the overture was always my headspace music. I could have checked every light on the board and reviewed my cue book a dozen times but it wasn’t “go” time until that music started."
Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?
"After college I did a few Fringe shows, worked with Australian Made Entertainment and Personal Space Theatrics, and landed an assistant stage manager gig at the Theatre World Awards. My old team gets together every so often for a show (check out BIG Theatre Company). Mostly I’m working on my new career although there is room for theatre and performance in animal welfare. I’m waitlisted for a position with American Humane (the “no animals were harmed” people) and I’d love to explore working with opera companies and other shows that have animal actors. Theatre for me now is seeing a show I don’t have to work in!"
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have recently graduated?
"That cosmic checklist I mentioned earlier? Ignore it. Don’t worry about getting the partner or the house or the 2.5 kids. Do what makes you feel alive. Do something that scares you, just be smart about it. I put off getting my master’s for years because I thought a bachelors, an associates, and two professional licenses were enough. In two weeks I start classes in veterinary forensics. Money will find its way back to you. Time won’t. So just do the thing."
"I always love a sitzprobe. There’s something magical about setting up the orchestra and finally hearing your actors become their characters. It’s a break for me because I can put my script down and just enjoy being in the moment. On the other hand the overture was always my headspace music. I could have checked every light on the board and reviewed my cue book a dozen times but it wasn’t “go” time until that music started."
Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?
"After college I did a few Fringe shows, worked with Australian Made Entertainment and Personal Space Theatrics, and landed an assistant stage manager gig at the Theatre World Awards. My old team gets together every so often for a show (check out BIG Theatre Company). Mostly I’m working on my new career although there is room for theatre and performance in animal welfare. I’m waitlisted for a position with American Humane (the “no animals were harmed” people) and I’d love to explore working with opera companies and other shows that have animal actors. Theatre for me now is seeing a show I don’t have to work in!"
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have recently graduated?
"That cosmic checklist I mentioned earlier? Ignore it. Don’t worry about getting the partner or the house or the 2.5 kids. Do what makes you feel alive. Do something that scares you, just be smart about it. I put off getting my master’s for years because I thought a bachelors, an associates, and two professional licenses were enough. In two weeks I start classes in veterinary forensics. Money will find its way back to you. Time won’t. So just do the thing."
