Vic Vallaro(1933-1999)

Vic Vallaros's professional experience spanned 40 years in varied areas of the performing arts. Originally a dancer, Vic studied at the Metropolitan Opera School of Ballet in New York. Vic developed his craft as an actor appearing in 14 seasons of summer stock, 4 Broadway companies, 13 companies of "West Side Story", 3 national companies, and numerous other theatre groups. He performed, choreographed and instructed in all aspects of dance. Directing followed choreography. Vic segued from dance to acting. He worked with a number of acting teachers but the ones who had the most influence were John Cassavettes, Wyn Handman, Michael Gazzo and Cory Allen. Vic's producing background included owning his own company in New York, which concerned itself with bringing Off Broadway to the college and university circuit. Vic augmented this with the unique experience of being a managerial consultant to Groucho Marx. Vic's teaching background spanned 12 years with work done privately at various professional schools and two universities; East Carolina Teachers College and University of Nevada. Vic enjoyed an extensive repertoire. While in New York Vic landed a recurring role in the day time drama "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing". In Los Angeles he appeared in over seventy television shows and garnered motion picture roles. Vic also branched off to stand-up comedy throughout clubs nationwide. Vic's milieu however was the "stage" That is where he came from and what he most valued. His dedication was to the ultimate complete theatre experience-a place where all the elements of dramatic art can be developed into living, breathing productions-the physical manifestation of theatrical philosophy. Vic had an unwavering commitment to all his ventures and endeavors and most of all to his craft and to live theatre. During his last years, in his retirement, Vic would not ever be without an artistic outlet, he ventured into radio broadcasting where he created and produced a one hour weekly music/variety radio show called "The Latin Experience" in this show Vic exposed all aspects of Latin music from the early New York Latin big band to the current Latin music, specifically focusing on the roots of Latin music, from Latin jazz to Latin rock and based his show on the "crossover" of Latin music and how it impacted our music industry. Vic interviewed legends from Tito Puento, Celia Cruz, to local musicians whom have impacted Latin music in general. The show also included Latin artists, actors and various performers. His last endeavor proved his unwavering commitment to the performing arts and all artists.