Behind the scenes: What’s it like being a performer in Orlando?

ORLANDO, Fla. – Living in Central Florida, there always seems to be a show to see, an art exhibit to check out or a performance at a local restaurant or bar.

Have you ever wondered what all of those artists are up to outside their show? I’ve interviewed a few actors now for my “Setting The Stage” newsletter. It appears some have been able to make performing their full-time jobs, while others juggle multiple jobs to keep their dream alive.

I caught up with Tabitha Morales Cruz. She performs at Cocktails and Screams in downtown Orlando every Wednesday night.

She said she actually moved to Orlando from Ohio to further her music career.

“The reason I chose Orlando is because there is so much opportunity with entertainment with the theme parks, and the cost of living has always been affordable,” Cruz said.

She said her journey in Orlando began after graduating from Disney College Program in Entertainment in 2009.

From there, she has worked a number of performing jobs, including being a show host singer at Nickelodeon Resorts, she was part of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and she DJed weddings for about eight years.

She said at one point, she moved away for a year and lived in New York, but it was hard to keep up with the auditions and the cost of living.

She came back to Florida to perform and travel with a murder mystery company. She said Central Florida has a lot to offer besides just the theme parks, there’s also a lot of production companies.

“Not to mention, all the hotels that host live music each and every night. The opportunities here in Orlando are endless which is why I love this city,” Cruz said.

Her ultimate goal is to be a working actor and singer around Central Florida. Right now, during the day she works as a senior coordinator at a wedding venue, and uses her nights and weekends to perform. She gives herself one day off a week.

“When I’m performing, it doesn’t feel like a job,” she said.

She explained how the life of being in performance arts requires being ready for anything. She had this message for those who also want to pursue it full time.

“Sometimes you get a call for a gig and you have to be ready to perform within an hour notice and to never give up. There may be many no’s that you hear, but keep going after your dreams! It’s a true blessing to do something you love and get paid for it,” Cruz said.

One of her favorite parts of performing: taking people to a different place and giving them a chance to escape.

“I love being able to create a story for guests and being able to provide a journey where they get to leave their real world and enter a new one,” Cruz said.

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