Who is Dean Vince?
Dean Vince is a tall, bald, prominent nosed character actor, singer, dancer who has been treading the professional boards since he was 17 (he is now 45) and due to his foreboding stature has played a policeman or some sort of law enforcement in almost every show of his career. He is currently performing in Sunset Boulevard at the Sydney Opera House.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Not a huge departure from what I do now but if I wasn’t prancing about on the stage I would probably be directing or choreographing said prancing.
Who inspires you and why?
I’ve had many wonderful mentors over the years. Some that spring to mind are; Gwen Schofield, my high school contemporary dance teacher, who taught me to think outside the box; Ivan, my ballet teacher at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) who showed me how to elegantly move my long limbs while maintaining my masculinity; Xi Best, my improv teacher, who encouraged me to take risks and how to be a silly bit skilful Clown.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think it’s really important for kids to have a wonderful, imagination full childhood. If I had all the money in the world, I would set up arts programs so students could see shows for free, do all sorts of fabulous classes and be encouraged to pursue creative adventures.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Nelson Bay in Port Stephens. It’s where our family have gone every summer since we were little. It’s such a beautiful part of the world. Quiet, not too commercial, and not too far from the big smoke.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
My husband and my favourite place in the entire world is King Street in Newtown. We live in Erskineville (the best suburb in the world) and we love taking a stroll up and down King Street on a lazy, sunny day, popping into all the antique stores, recycled clothing bazaars, and knick-knack establishments, followed by a cheeky pub crawl on the way back down the hill.
What are you currently reading?
I currently have four books on my bedside table. Two have been started but not completed; The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman; and two that have been devoured; Wrong Answers Only by Tobias Madden and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins.
What are you currently listening to?
I have quite an eclectic taste in music. While putting on my makeup to get ready for the show I listen to anything from Robbie Williams to The Carpenters to Enya.
Happiness is?
Sitting with my husband on our giant pink couch, drinking wine and watching an action movie ( big fans of John Wick) on our giant tv and with the surround sound blaring.
What does the future hold for you?
A lot more musical theatre. Apart from my husband and my family, I love nothing more than being on stage, singing, dancing, pretending, living. My mother in law saw the show a few weeks ago and the first thing she said when she saw me at stage door was, “You certainly look very comfortable up there”. No truer words have ever been spoken.
Dean can be seen in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Sunset Boulevard – currently playing in the Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House until 1 November 2024. For more information, visit: www.sunsetmusical.com.au for details.
Image: Dean Vince (supplied)