Libby Avalos
10 years ago when I retired from my career as a professional performer, I never could have predicted that I'd be running a company like ARTSies today. In fact, when I first thought about stepping away from the stage, I imagined that I might get out of the arts altogether. But my path led me here… where I’m meant to be. When the idea for the performance program first came to me, it felt like a switch had gone off. This was the perfect culmination of all the work I had been doing, and felt 100% right deep in my bones.
Outside of ARTSies, in the last 10 years I was a self-employed artist juggling:
Teaching and choreographing for studios across the GTA.
Traveling many weekends to sit on the judging panel for dance competitions across Canada.
Guest teaching in schools across Ontario with a wonderful company called Moving Edgeucation. Leading interactive assembly experiences with students, as well as Teacher PD sessions for staff; integrating movement and social emotional learning methods with curriculum.
Creating and directing youth theatre camp programs for a local theatre.
Through all of this work, I began to note how young people were changing. It seemed that they were becoming more self-conscious at a younger age. Students were less willing to “play” and take risks, but when I was able to bring that creative side out of them, the joy was unmatched. I became dedicated to creating classrooms where every child felt empowered to express their true selves. I’ve always been passionate about personal development, and began sharing more with my students about leadership, confidence, and acceptance- using the arts as the vehicle to drive these soft skills home. Over time, this approach built a very strong community- particularly in the local theatre camps that I was running alongside Joey. We both realized that this was truly our “happy place” and started ARTSies in 2017 so that we could continue to make an even bigger positive impact in the lives of our students.
When Covid hit, all of my work stopped short. That was terrifying! Thankfully, we were able to keep ARTSies going online, and since being back to live shows, we’ve found an even deeper passion for what we do. Community, connection, creativity, and the thrill that theatre brings to the lives of our students and their families has never been more important, and will never be taken for granted!
Teaching and creating with my awesome partner Joey is an absolute joy, and we’re just getting started!
Fun Facts:
I met my husband Yetro on a cruise ship stage! He was playing guitar in the show band, and I was performing in the show. He moved to Canada from Mexico when we got married.
We have two awesome boys whom I love with all my heart; our son Remy and our dog Bo.
I love pilates, yoga, fitness, and have been vegetarian for over 20 years.
When I’m not listening to show tunes, I’ve been known to blare some 90’s hip hop, or Ani DiFranco. It’s a versatile playlist!