Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tony Reimonenq III. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tony, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I started acting as a child—my first stages were church plays and local community theatres, where I learned early on how powerful storytelling could be. I trained at StageStruck Performance Studio in middle school, and throughout high school, I was deeply involved in competitive theatre and show choir. That period was intense, but it taught me stamina, discipline, how to carry myself professionally, be a confident performer, and most importantly, how to be a strong ensemble member.

One of the first obstacles I faced was my stutter. As a kid, I felt like my voice might hold me back, but in time, I learned how to own it. It pushed me to find confidence in myself, not just in how I spoke, but in how I carried myself on stage. Another challenge was growing up in Mississippi, where theatre training and exposure resources were limited. I didn’t have access to Broadway tours or elite conservatories; I had to rely on faith, imagination, and the deep desire for something more. That hunger is what fueled me.

My real growth came through experience and rigorous training in college. Being surrounded by other passionate, high-level performers, many of whom were better than me, challenged me to push harder. I am still motivated to keep training, learning, and never settle.

Looking back, if I could’ve sped up the process, I probably would’ve given myself more grace earlier on. I used to believe I had to have it all figured out, but I’ve learned that the journey is the most rewarding part. The most essential skills I’ve gained are discipline, openness, and the ability to stay humble and hungry, no matter how far I’ve come.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a professional actor, singer, and creative from Mississippi, and I’ve been performing in one way or another for as long as I can remember. I got my start as a kid acting in church plays and community productions, and from there, I found my way into more formal training through StageStruck Performance Studio. In high school, I spent years immersed in competitive theatre and show choir—those experiences built the foundation for everything I do now. They taught me how to be consistent, how to work with an ensemble, how to balance excellence with joy, and how to handle the demands of live performance.

What makes my journey unique is that I didn’t come from a place where theatre was readily accessible. Growing up in Mississippi, I didn’t have Broadway shows touring through my city or big-name training programs down the street. I had to rely on my dreams. I had to build my confidence from the ground up—especially as someone with a stutter. Over time, I learned that my voice didn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. That lesson has carried into every role I’ve played and every story I’ve told.

After graduating college in May 2020, right at the peak of the pandemic, I made the bold move to Louisville, Kentucky to begin working with Kentucky Shakespeare. It was a time when the arts world was uncertain, but I knew I had to keep going. Since that move, I’ve built strong relationships within the theatre community and have had the honor of performing at every major professional theatre in Louisville and Southern Indiana. Those stages have shaped me, stretched me, and helped me evolve as both an artist and a human being. Each role I’ve taken on has added another layer to my growth, and every cast I’ve joined has reminded me why I love what I do.

Now, as a professional actor, my work spans stage, screen, and live events. I gravitate toward projects that are rooted in truth, vulnerability, and joy. I’ve trained in classical and musical theatre, and my voice—infused with gospel roots and R&B soul—has become a signature part of what I bring to the table. I tell human stories that reflect our struggles, our humor, our healing, and our light.

Alongside my acting career, I founded TONYTOPIA, a nonprofit and creative platform that celebrates authenticity, positivity, and self-expression through events, art, and community engagement. We host experiences like NIGHTCAP, an annual music and arts festival in Louisville that features live performances, local vendors, and a safe, joyful space for people to be themselves. We also run a summer series called Tony Tuesdays—intimate, uplifting gatherings designed to connect the community through creativity and love.

TONYTOPIA solves the problem of disconnection. In a world where people often feel unseen or pressured to fit into boxes, we create space for them to be celebrated as they are. Whether I’m on stage in a production or curating an event through Tonytopia, I want people to walk away feeling inspired, healed, and heard.

What sets me apart is my spirit. I bring joy and intentionality to everything I do. I believe in excellence, but I also believe in heart—and I lead with both. I’m most proud of how I’ve turned my personal journey into a vehicle for lifting others. I’ve faced obstacles, but I’ve never stopped showing up. That’s the energy I pour into every role, event, and person I encounter.

What I want people to know is this: Whether it’s through my performances or TONYTOPIA, everything I do is about making people feel seen, empowered, and full of possibility. This isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about transformation.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One of the hardest things for non-creatives to fully grasp is just how much faith this path requires. As an actor, there’s no guaranteed paycheck, no set ladder to climb, no clear sense of job security. You’re constantly putting yourself out there—auditioning, training, evolving—often without knowing when or where the next opportunity will come. That uncertainty can be overwhelming if you don’t have a strong belief in yourself, your craft, and your calling.

People might see the final performance—the applause, the costumes, the bright lights—but they don’t always see the grit it takes to keep going behind the scenes. There are seasons of silence. Seasons of “no.” Times when you question if you’re good enough or if you’ll ever get that breakthrough. And yet, you show up. Again and again. That’s where faith steps in.

For me, faith in God and faith in the gifts He gave me are what keep me grounded. I believe I was created to do this. Even when I’m in between jobs, even when the path feels unclear, I know that what I bring to the world matters. I’ve learned that success in this industry isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience, integrity, and believing in your worth before anyone else does.

To anyone watching from the outside, I’d say this: the creative journey isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. And like any calling, it demands courage. But it also brings deep joy, deep purpose, and a chance to change lives—starting with your own.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely! My mission is to reach as many people as I can with stories and experiences that evoke thought, inspire change, and stir real emotion. Whether I’m performing on stage, on screen, or curating a TONYTOPIA event, my goal is always the same: to leave people better than I found them.

I want audiences to walk away feeling joy, reflection, hope, and healing. I want them to see themselves, challenge their perspectives, and reconnect with their humanity. There’s so much noise in the world, and if I can create a moment that cuts through all of that and brings someone closer to joy, inspiration, or love, then I know I’ve done my job.

The core of it all is connection. That’s what drives me—to create art and experiences that connect people to themselves and each other. That’s the heart of my work, and that’s the legacy I’m building every time I step on a stage or open the doors to a TONYTOPIA event.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tonytopia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t0nytopia/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonytopia?app=desktop

Image Credits

Stephen Austin, Erin Didier