ABOUT JUAN TORRES
After more than a decade of success with entertainment and theatre, it is time to capture those moments as they happen, share my stories, and support those within the industry. I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the most talented in our industry resulting in so many great moments in my career and in life. On this stage you will find tools, resources, and stories in hopes of helping and inspiring those within the industry.
I grew up in the late 80’s, early 90's, in New Jersey, right outside of New York
City. Thanks to my mom, dad, and grandmother, I had plenty of
exposure to the entertainment world at an early age. During this time,
the theater industry was rich and thriving and Disney was producing
full-length animated musical films while partnering with FELD
Entertainment to produce live, traveling shows. We enjoyed
these experiences together as a family with my sister. It was through
these experiences that I was inspired to create my own backyard spectaculars using whatever I could find lying around the house for my production. Packing blankets were used for stage curtains, the list of songs I wanted to perform was hand-written on Grandma’s office computer paper and was attached to a clipboard, and sparklers were used for a wow factor. At the age of 10, the thought never occurred to me that I could be a part of the Entertainment and Theater industry, let alone find myself managing multiple productions at the “most magical place on earth”, Walt Disney World.
_JPG.jpg)
Fast forward three years to the summer leading into my first year of high school. My family moved from New Jersey to a city on the gulf coast, only a short drive from Walt Disney World. Once I graduated, I was feeling motivated to begin my general studies at State College of Florida. While in school, I was working part time in various jobs, eventually taking a job at a Disney Store in the local mall. Within a few months of working there, I developed a storytelling skill and a personal brand of leadership mainly because of my passion for the company brand that was emulated by Walt Disney. Throughout my time at the Disney Store, the Disney College Program came up in multiple conversations with store guests and colleagues.
In January of 2004, I decided to enroll in the Disney College Program after hearing the promising stories of the learning opportunities that were a part of the programs structure and experience. What was originally a five month commitment has led to a career of more than a 15 years with a Fortune 100 company. At the age of 21, that college program experience launched my management and leadership career. Once my program was complete, I continued working for the company as a Merchandise Manager culminating from a networking event attended where I met a leader in merchandise who was impressed with my experience from the Disney Store. I enrolled in Rosen School of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida to finish my college education.
At this point in life I felt on top of the world. I was a leader at Walt Disney World, moved to Orlando permanently, and was quickly becoming an independent adult. With the opportunity to become a leader at Walt Disney World, I had my eyes set on continuing my education in Business while working, determined to continue building on my successes. Three weeks into my required Macro and Microeconomics class, something did not seem right with my decision. I had no interest in the topic, I hated it – I couldn’t focus – so I quickly withdrew from the program before finding myself in a situation that I could not get out of.
With an unexpected change in my educational path, I took comfort in listening to my Broadway musical soundtracks and visiting Walt Disney World. It was while at the Magic Kingdom watching their nightly performance of the Spectro Magic Parade and seeing how it not only made me smile but everyone around me I asked myself, could I do this? Could I build a career in the entertainment industry and manage such an offering? Mark Twain once said “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life." With this quote running through my head, I realized what I needed to do; I needed to figure out how I could become part of the entertainment industry. I wanted to be able to provide the type of comfort that I found while listening and enjoying these offerings to others. Through networking and asking questions without fear of rejection, I began to pursue the career that I knew would change me for the better.
​
It was the spring of 2008 when I became a Stage Manager at Walt Disney World and I was excited for what was to come. The Stage Management program at UCF School of the Arts and a number of courses at the Rosen School of Hospitality Management prepared me for the moments in my career where I wasn’t just working but was living and enjoying every moment of my role with the company. These moments led to a variety of opportunities outside of Walt Disney World, including local arts groups and mentoring, which I continue with to this day.
I was finally able to give back to those that thrived from theatre and entertainment. I stage managed Walt Disney World shows and parades that thousands of people were able to enjoy and cherish. I mentor students from around the nation in theatre and stage management sharing my stories with them and helping them navigate through their up and coming careers. I get to support the local community groups with a variety of shows and concerts that bring people together both professional and nonprofessional to create art. I finally was able to find my calling and something I enjoy doing each and every day. If I do what I do well, those that benefit from my stories, my leadership, my thoughts, my willingness and my drive will be successful in what they are trying to accomplish. I am thrilled to be able to share within this platform these moments, resources, and learnings with you and most of all my life in the theatre!