We were lucky to catch up with Deion Galindo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Deion, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The entertainment industry is all about taking risks. Prior to my relocation to Orlando, I resided in Houston, where I consistently performed in musicals. Additionally, I managed an entertainment company, which I thoroughly enjoyed. While on vacation in Orlando, I took a risk that completely changed my life. I auditioned for Walt Disney World and was quickly offered the position, with an immediate start date. I recognized that accepting this role would require leaving behind all that I had established in Houston and embarking on a new chapter in my life. Although it was a scary decision, I was ready for something new and exciting, so I accepted the role and relocated to Orlando for the position of a full-time performer for Walt Disney World.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started performing in high school, participating in show choir and theater. After graduating, I knew I wanted to pursue a lifelong career in the entertainment industry. I took voice lessons, dance classes, and consistently performed in musicals. I put in the work to ensure that I was always improving my skills and growing as a performer. A few years into living in Orlando as a full-time performer, I decided to go back to school to gain more knowledge about the business side of the entertainment industry. While pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Management at the University of Central Florida, I became the president of a theater club.

During that year, I rebranded the club and ran it as if it were an actual theater. I had a logo made, created a website, designed merchandise, and raised awareness about the program. My mission was not only to create a creative outlet for students but to establish a theater space where they could learn and grow. I implemented workshops and master classes taught by industry professionals covering audition techniques, dance, improv acting, singing, theater tech, costuming, and more. I also produced a full-stage musical where students worked alongside industry professionals and learned about everything involved in producing a musical. They gained experience in set design, set construction, lighting design, sound design, costume design, choreography, music, and all the essentials for getting a musical up and running. This was the biggest production ever staged in that theater space and was a grand success.

Following graduation, I am now a co-founder of a Dog Cat Bear Productions, an upcoming film production company here on Orlando. Our mission is to harness the vibrant talent and creative potential of Central Florida, by producing exceptional media and artistic work that showcases the region’s cultural richness. We are committed to excellence and strive to inspire and challenge audiences while providing opportunities for creatives from all walks of life, including actors, directors, writers, make up artists, costume, designers and all those within our industry.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of my main reasons for going back to school to learn about the business side of the entertainment industry was to achieve my dream of opening a live entertainment venue. While in school, I created a comprehensive business plan and pitch deck for my dream company. My goal was to start by opening an event planning business right after graduation, expanding my network, and eventually opening my first venue. Halfway through my last year of school, a film project came my way. Initially, I was just an actor in it, but I was soon brought on as a producer. Months later, this project led to me becoming an owner of Dog Cat Bear Productions. This did not stop me from working toward my original goals but instead caused me to pivot my energy into this film company. The great thing about the entertainment industry is that it’s all interconnected. Shifting my focus to film does not mean my original dreams of having an entertainment venue are gone. Instead, I get to learn even more about the industry, broaden my network, and better position myself for future success with my other dreams.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is bringing joy into people’s lives. As a performer, my goal is to captivate audiences and bring stories to life. I’ve always dreamed of creating a space where people can escape their daily struggles and immerse themselves in pure enjoyment.

I also thrive on creating opportunities for others in our industry. Setting other up for success and witnessing them achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deiongalindo?igsh=MmVlMjlkMTBhMg==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deiongalindo