Enchanted Entertainment leads the development of public art| Roadsleeper.com

In 2020, as collection restrictions engulf the world, Jayme Armstrong watched the fabric of her soul crumble. The famous actor and owner of Enchanted Entertainment shared that shortly after the performing arts were forced to pull the curtain, his ability to embrace the slow pace was replaced by originality.

He completed a Master’s Degree in Tourism and Cultural Management and continued to pursue his dream of directing.

“[As a young actress], I noticed men’s feelings. This is because I was not exposed to female directors. None of the directors, or art directors, were women at the time.

“I was lucky enough to meet Drayton Entertainment. And the thing I loved about being with Drayton in particular is that there is no limit to what I can do. As a leading lady in music, I was I’m still allowed to do that. make plays As long as I can play them.

“I was encouraged to check out the assistant guide, which eventually got me going.”

And these limitless experiences inspired Armstrong to play the role of mentor.

“It made me feel confident about who I am and that I can support other women who may have just experienced it and empower them to stand up for themselves,” she said.

“And what I love about being right now in my life is understanding who I am and being able to look at other women in leadership roles and empathize with what I know has been their journey and what they’re going through.” what did you see.”

When asked if he could remember the moment he knew acting was in his future, Armstrong shared his first memory of asking his mother if (after watching a Disney movie) I became part of the cast.

Her mother started taking her to local plays and, of course, they started dating. He was six years old when he made his debut as a Munchkin in his school’s version of The Wizard of Oz.

Since then, he has performed across North America, Austria and London, and among many other awards, was a runner-up in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “How do you solve a problem like Maria?”

Finally, finding his platform here in Waterloo Region, his name has become synonymous with Drayton Entertainment. But Armstrong admits it was never about the limelight; “that part is hypocrisy.”

“[For me], is strong . . . positivity. . . kindness and support.”

Dreams come true

The idea of ​​Enchanted Entertainment was born when he dreamed of the magic of a real Disney princess arriving at his birthday parties.

“I used to say to my mother, ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a princess came to your house on your birthday?’

After losing his mother to cancer, Armstrong found the determination to officially start his own business. The princess’ party experience became a tribute to her mother’s legacy.

“My mother was the most charitable person I will ever know. She gave to organizations and people with selflessness,” he said.

“[The company] it satisfies my need to create something that my mom and I have always dreamed of because of our love of Disney and making clothes. It also satisfies my need to teach young actors who deserve to be paid for their time.”

Mrs. Armstrong gives time to seriously ill children to have birthday parties.

“We’ve worked with hospitals all over North America, especially during this pandemic. We quickly saw that there was going to be a need to create something real, and that’s when we started working with SickKids and Make-a-Wish. [Foundation],” he added.

“[There was this one] little girl [with Leukemia]; I painted her nails, did her makeup; we read together, and I read him a story. I remember telling him that he could call me whenever he needed to talk to me — that his mom could call the castle,” Armstrong said.

“That was one of those moments where you realize that’s why we do it; everything else is secondary.”

Happily ever after

What started as a child’s dream has expanded to reach and hire actors across North America.

“I started with one person. It was just me trying it out in my days away from Drayton. From there, it became four or five characters. [which evolved into] 10 letters. And now it’s growing, and we’re growing.

“We’re expanding rapidly, and expanding geographically. [Enchanted] looking for some wonderful people to join us who believe in sharing the magic and joy. It’s amazing.

A surprising pause

In the wake of COVID, Armstrong shared that, for the arts industry, celebrating war and coming back has “a lot of value.”

“There [were] those days you [thought] you are still functioning well even on days when you know full well that you are not. Riding the wave [was] tiredness, and I know I speak for others when I say how much I missed my life.”

Currently shooting the first season of Glamorous for Netflix, the 2021 Rogers Woman of the Year says shooting the series “feels like a different world even though it’s very connected.”

There’s no place like home

When the stage lights return to Drayton’s entertainment, Armstrong will reprise her role as Maria in The Sound of Music. Performances run from November 24 to December 24 at the Hamilton Family Theater in Cambridge.

“Drayton [Entertainment] has done such a good job throughout the pandemic of finding a way to engage artists and build its school, [to] teach children and keep commitments. And I wanted to come back and do something for the community,” he said.