Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Victoria Summer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Victoria, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I started dancing at age three and I was definitely very keen even at that age to attend ballet classes. I actually wanted to be a ballet dancer but then in school I started to get cast as the lead roles in the Christmas plays and I realised I actually loved singing and acting too. I remember very well at junior school singing solo in the school choir. I was very nervous but I remember loving hearing myself sing when everyone else was listening.
The role that made me decide to go to stage school was Nancy in Oliver. Singing ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ was a moment in my life I’ll never forget. I always felt so big on stage – I felt free. That song opened me up emotionally as an artist. There’s not much in life that matches that feeling. What an honour it is to be an artist !
Victoria, 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?
I’m an actress, singer, producer and owner of Victoria Summer Entertainment.
As a teenager, I won a scholarship to Arts Educational Schools in London and I have a degree in Dance and Musical Theatre. Since then, I’ve sung for the Queen of England, won roles in West End Musicals and Hollywood movies including Julie Andrew’s in Saving Mr Banks and worked with Mark Wahlberg and Michael Bay in Transformers 4. In my next movie which comes out March 8th in UK cinemas, I had fun playing villain Edith Gade in ‘Vindication Swim’ about the first British woman to swim the English Channel set in the 1920’s.
In my home town of Los Angeles, I have a twelve piece big band and we perform at upscale Galas, Weddings and Milestone events. For example I recently performed with my band to celebrate the‘Women in Film 50th Anniversary’ in LA and also at the Biltmore Hotel as ‘The Biltmore Girl’. We do mostly contemporary music and jazz.
There is nothing better in life than moving an audience. It’s the most beautiful job to sing… particularly with a big band. I love being my own boss and I love running my own company. I really enjoy tailoring an evenings entertainment to a clients specifications and I know it’s my job to provide confidence and the highest standard of care and service.
I’m most proud of the five star reviews my band has had and that some of the best musicians I know love to work for me! On a broader level I’m proud that I was strong enough to follow my dreams, move to LA and continue to do what I love.
I enjoy having a multi-faceted career. Some days singing, acting or doing voiceovers and other days being a business owner, doing interviews or photoshoots or figuring out financing our next music video!
I love a challenge and I love all the people I get to meet and work with, especially I love working with other musicians.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Covid was tough for us all – but I do believe that one of the groups that suffered the most were actors and singers. During that time I chose to focus on my singing which had taken a back-seat due to my busy acting career. So I created ‘Victoria Summer Entertainment’ and that pivot lead to some incredibly rewarding gigs, new connections and creative ventures. I look back on that now and I’m grateful I had the courage to take that step.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being on stage in front of a live audience and giving your all. Of course we all desire admiration for a job well done, but really it’s being in the moment and moving people that really counts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.victoriasummer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriasummer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaSummerEntertainment
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriasummerentertainment
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictoriaSummer
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@officialvictoriasummer
Image Credits
Rob Watt Dave Hogan Elizabeth Elder Katerina Hung