We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aliya Victoriya. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aliya below.

Aliya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful acting experiences I’ve had was touring the U.S. in the original cast of the 25th-anniversary production of Les Misérables as Young Cosette when I was just 10 years old. It was an incredible 11-month journey across 28 states, where I performed in over 300 shows. Being on stage night after night, experiencing new cities, and immersing myself in professional theater at such a young age shaped my entire career path. It was during that tour that I knew, without a doubt, I wanted to spend the rest of my life as an actor.

The role held even more personal significance for me because of the song ‘Castle on a Cloud,’ which I sang as Young Cosette. Several years before being cast my dad had cancer and he taught me that song. I used to sing it to him before his treatments, so getting to perform it in front of audiences across the country felt incredibly special.

What made the experience even more magical was having my mom by my side traveling with me. My dad and brother would visit us whenever they could, and we shared so many unforgettable adventures as a family. It was more than just a role, it was a life-changing experience that I will forever be grateful for.

Aliya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My passion for acting ignited at age 7, when I began traveling back and forth weekly from Massachusetts to New York City for auditions. Those early experiences cemented my love for performing and gave me a deep sense of belonging in the world of storytelling. After the incredible experience of touring as Young Cosette in the 25th-anniversary production of Les Misérables and earning my Equity card at age 10, my family relocated to Hell’s Kitchen in NYC so my brother and I could attend the Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS). There, I honed my craft as a Musical Theater major from 6th through 12th grade. The unwavering support from my family during this time was pivotal in shaping me as an artist, and I’m incredibly grateful for the sacrifices they made to help me along my journey.

After continuing my education at AMDA, where I graduated with a BFA in Performing Arts, I now split my time between New York and Los Angeles, actively working and auditioning for a variety of projects in both cities.

This year, I co-founded VH Studios with Zackery Hutchins. Our production company focuses on creating high-quality reel scenes for up-and-coming actors, giving them the platform they need to showcase their talents professionally. In addition, we produce short films that spotlight new voices and innovative stories. With VH Studios, my goal is to cultivate opportunities for emerging talent and collaborate on projects that push creative boundaries.

I remain dedicated to acting, singing, modeling, and dancing. Continuously working to refine my craft. My singing styles include both rock and musical theater. I’m also a songwriter and currently recording my first single, working alongside my brother Alec Druth, an incredible music composer and sound engineer. My wish is for my music to reflect my journey through mental health, love, loss, and, above all, healing.

At the core of my ambition is my family’s unwavering support and I carry their love and determination with me in every project. Whether it’s performing on stage, acting in front of the camera, or writing music, I’m driven by a desire to tell stories that inspire positive change and resonate on a deeply human level.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This year, I faced one of the most challenging moments of my life when my father passed away from a 6 month battle with lung cancer. My dad has always been one of my biggest supporters, and his love for music and musical theater shaped so much of who I am. From a very young age, we had a special bond through music. He would take me to daddy-daughter music classes when I was just two years old, and we continued to share that love throughout my life. His positivity was unwavering, and I always carry it with me, both on and off the stage.

Going back to working on set while processing my grief was incredibly difficult. I kept thinking about how much he believed in me and how proud he was of everything I’d accomplished. In those moments of deep sorrow, I leaned on the strength of his love and the many memories we shared. His passing was a reminder to me of how important it is to continue moving forward, even in the face of loss.

While he was passing I sang songs from Les Mis, which held so much meaning for us as he is the one that taught me to sing Castle on a Cloud over 17 years ago. The experience of losing him while continuing to work in the career he always supported has taught me to carry his spirit with me in every role, every song, and every project. His memory fuels my drive, and his love gives me the strength to keep pushing forward.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an actor is the opportunity to tell stories that resonate on an emotional and meaningful level. I’ve always been drawn to roles that explore the darker, grittier sides of humanity. The complexities, struggles, and raw emotions that many of us face but often don’t talk about.

For me, portraying characters who are grappling with difficult circumstances, whether it’s mental health struggles, loss, or moral dilemmas, creates opportunities to spark conversations that lead to positive change. Through those stories, I hope to help audiences confront their own emotions, empathize with others, and hopefully come away with a greater understanding of what it means to overcome adversity.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the work we do as actors can not only entertain but also provoke thought, inspire empathy, and help people feel seen in their battles. That’s the impact I want to continue making through my work. Telling stories that are raw, real, and transformative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aliyavictoriya.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliyavictoriya?igsh=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/aliya.victoriya.3?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliyavictoriya?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@aliyavictoriyasings?si=NicbZU3SZII6g4h_