Meet Our Team: Natalia Soto

How did you get started with TD?
It’s actually a bit funny because at the time I was not skilled at networking.
I received an email from TD inviting me to interview/audition, but I declined because I was busy. I already had staged productions planned back-to-back, but Lyn ended up in the audience for my last one. My castmate (a fellow TD educator) was going to subtly reintroduce me after the show. So I awkwardly stood there silently and waited for my introduction — and it never came. I felt so silly and embarrassed for just standing there like a tree! Months later I sent an email that basically said “Hey TD! Remember me? I’m no longer busy. 🙃
What is your favorite work you’ve done with Theater Delta?
My favorite TD project was when I went to Iowa State (with Sonny, Caity, and Trevon) for What’s Your Problem. I loved that the TD team was able to provide different insight to each of the characters based on our diverse backgrounds. It’s just so rewarding to educate through arts and our own experiences. We had a great time working together, and the audience interactions were particularly memorable for me. I love when student audiences engage seriously, but also have a good sense of humor. There were jokes made about Children of the Corn, the Iowa Caucus, and spelling words with the letter K instead of C. It was sadly my last trip in 2019, but collaborating on What’s Your Problem was really fun and rewarding.
What do you do outside of TD?
I read books and try to teach myself new things! I think it’s important to be a lifelong learner and just try doing things.
I’m a nanny, a dog walker, a coach, a writer, a musician, and a student at NC State (BA: Science, Technology, and Society). Recently I’ve been studying paper making sciences and stenography.
My favorite project this past year was performing in Accord(ing). It was a one of a kind experience. Accord(ing) is an immersive theatrical experience, and it was perfect for a pandemic world because it is based entirely on movement — telling a story without dialogue. Wearing masks and staying six feet apart didn’t actually change the foundation of the show. We were fortunate enough to do live (sold out) performances in June 2020, and also make a documentary about producing live work in a pandemic (successfully with zero COVID cases). I got to originate the part of The Sister, and it remains the most physically challenging role I’ve ever done. Collaborating with TÉA Creative and SoundingLine Arts was wonderful.
**In 2022, be on the lookout for Accord(ing) installations in the Triangle    https://www.accordingimmersive.com/
What’s been your favorite self care strategy during the pandemic?
Dancing to a song in the morning and right before bed. I just jump around and act ridiculous. It’s goofy, but it really makes my day brighter.
What are you most looking forward to this Spring? 
Taking a breath of fresh air without worry…. and [shameless plug] a virtual concert I’m working on with my friend Chris Maxwell.
Oh, that sounds neat! Do you have any more information about the virtual concert? 
Sure! So my friend Chris and I have a shared love for obscure musical theatre. In quarantine we worked and developed a set with some of our favorite hidden gems. We’re singing obscure, unknown, and forgotten songs from both classic and contemporary composers. Audiences may be unfamiliar with our selections, but we hope they are thoroughly entertained regardless! Although the virtual cabaret release date is TBD, you’ll be notified by following North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre on social media or the website www.nract.org. You can also view some past Duet Cabarets on the NRACT Facebook Page.
Any other TD memories you’d like to share?
My favorite TD memory was when my group shared a very memorable conversation while waiting for our layover, and then we saw another TD group at the same airport terminal. We were all tired at that point, but running into each other made the adventure much better.

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I learned that Interactive Theater is a heck of a good teaching tool.

University of Alabama Birmingham faculty member

The open conversation allowed for many ideas to be shared and a deeper understanding to develop.

Washington and Jefferson College incoming freshman

Theater Delta did a great job. This should be done on every college campus.

Rush University undergraduate student

The acting was amazing. I also loved the instructor. Very engaging.

Rush University undergraduate student

After experiencing this performance, I intend to become an advocate rather than sitting in the shadows.

Columbia College-South Carolina undergraduate student

I wish you guys could do this for Congress! We would have a better government. Thank you, Theater Delta, for making me a better person and the world a better place.

Emory University faculty member

Interactive Theater is a very interesting, novel way to teach ethics. These were very relatable issues.

Duke University graduate student, Duke Pratt MEM Program

The facilitator draws in and wraps up each point – he was very effective in addressing key points and leading the discussion.

Duke University faculty member, BioCoRE Program

I appreciated the chance to actually interact with the characters and see how they feel and think.

Washington and Jefferson College undergraduate student

This performance provided us with opportunities to share ideas in a non-threatening environment.

University of California-Santa Barbara faculty member

The Theater Delta experience made it real; this format is significantly better than lecture.

North Dakota State University faculty member

This performance was highly engaging and interesting. Very thought-provoking.

North Dakota State University faculty member

Many other discussions/performances are very general, but this performance led to a very nuanced discussion of communication.

University of Alabama Birmingham graduate student

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