Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Wheatley.
Chelsea, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
No matter where I am in the world, South Florida is my home. I was born in Orlando and raised between there and Miami, attending a number of schools including New World School of the Arts. I moved to NYC in the Fall of 2014, attending Circle in the Square Theatre School, where I trained before touring in a number of stage productions around the country. Just as COVID 19 hit the country, I was performing on the Regent Seven Seas Splendor cruse ship, the newest, most luxurious cruise ship in the world. Unfortunately, after flying home, my apartment burst into flames and I lost everything I owned, including my three fur babies.
I then spent 2.5 months back home in Miami with my parents and my wife. Slowly but surely, we picked up the pieces of our lives and now live in a new apartment in NYC, and have welcomed two new fur babies into our home. Being home in Miami gave me the time to rebuild, and the strength to keep going. If this virus has given us anything, it’s the time to be with family that we always wish we had. I can’t say how grateful I am for that time, and for the love and support we were shown in the hardest part of our lives. Back on our feet, we are finding ways to fuel our creative souls and help spark the industry that we moved here to be a part of. Stay safe and healthy, everyone.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As performers, we are constantly auditioning. That’s the real job. Finding the inspiration to keep that fresh has always been the hardest part. But keeping friends around that are also working to keep inspired, is inspiration in itself. Now, with the global pandemic putting the industry at a standstill, our problems are clearly much bigger. But we keep going. We keep creating. And we stick close to those that keep us inspired!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I began my performing career as a voice actor on Radio Disney in Orlando, Florida. I performed professionally as a kid in local theatres and in commercials. I have since, performed Off-Broadway, in national tours, in magic shows both Off-Broadway and on tour, on tv, in a web series, in movies, etc. It’s all about loving what we do, and I have loved every second of my journey so far.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Oh wow, I think that the biggest credit to my life and career has to go to my mom, Claudia Wheatley. Even when I’ve stopped seeing a reason to keep going, she always has. She’s been my biggest fam from day one. My wife Hannah Talbot has been my partner in crime for many years now, as well and we keep each other going every day. I don’t know where I’d be if it weren’t for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: Chelsealwheatley.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @Chelsea.lee.wheatley
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
