We had the good fortune of connecting with Ray Van Vleck and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ray, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Hard work is the most important element of success and fulfillment. I love being able to go home at the end of the day knowing that the commitment and passion I put into my projects have benefitted me, my future, and the lovely people around me. There are so many variables in the creative field, but your contribution to the project directly correlates to the success of the it. Having a clear outlook for the future and specific goals are motivators that I use to push me to work harder to achieve something great.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always had a passion for creating. I got my start in high school with little success, but a boat load of determination. After graduating with a lack-luster artistic resume in the midst of a pandemic, my creative future was looking bleak, but I knew I had to start somewhere. I began studying acting at community college and knew, almost immediately, that this was the field I wanted to be involved in for the rest of my life. From there, my passion carried me to where I am today. I have played a couple of my dream roles, established my presence in DFW theaters, made wonderful connections, and worked with peers to form what would become Mutiny Theatre Company. It has been far from easy, but by far the most rewarding commitment I’ve ever made.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite thing to do in the area is to go to improv nights at Dallas Comedy Club. They have some of the funniest improv groups in all of DFW, and I always take my friends when I can. I also love visiting Oak Lawn as much as possible. They have some fantastic artwork, adorable coffee shops, and my favorite thrift store in Dallas called “Out of the Closet”.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give the biggest shout out to all of the actors, technical masters, builders, designers, organizers, and creators at Mutiny Theatre Company. We could not have gotten our start at all without the help of every single member, and I am so grateful for the hard work and dedication each person has brought. We also can’t forget our mentors and teachers that inspired us to create such a wonderful and successful company.

Instagram: @rayvanvleck

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Twitter: @rayvanvleck

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Image Credits
Craig “Yo” Erickson, Ray Van Vleck

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