Vincenzo Meduri:
Collaborator-at-Large

Vincenzo Meduri is the Founding Artistic Director at Enlightened Theatrics and has been so since Enlightened’s inception in 2013. A Salem native, he graduated from Sprague High School, then ventured from home for college in North Carolina at Elon University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater performance. After, he headed for the bright lights of New York City to pursue a newly discovered passion: directing and producing.

Inspired by his experiences on the east coast, Vincenzo returned home, bringing his newfound knowledge and connections back to Salem. He wanted to provide an opportunity for theater artists to get professional experience and training without having to leave their community.

But Vincenzo’s passion goes beyond the stage. He likes to use the word “infiltrate” to describe how he wants to see theater branch out into the city. He accomplishes this by being involved in as many community teams as he can, including as part of the Downtown Advisory Board and a board member with Liberty House Child Abuse Assessment Center, as well as participating in the Salem Theatre Network, which exists to support, promote and unite theater communities in and around Salem. So let’s stop, collaborate and read (I bet you thought, I was going to say “listen”) about what this community player has to say.

Favorite thing about Salem? I love how collaborative our city is! Being a theater artist, I thrive on collaboration and cooperation and I feel that Salem has a great understanding of the power that working together toward a common goal leads to success for everyone!

Favorite thing to do in Salem? Walking around Riverfront and Minto Island.

One character you have always wanted to portray? Someday I will play the Emcee in Cabaret. 

Favorite musical? HAIR. 

What are small things that make your day better? Music and sugar.

Who has been your biggest influence, and why. Cindy Meduri, Judy Garland, Janis Joplin, Beyoncé, Dolly Parton, women in general. I always gravitate toward women and the stories of women and their experiences.

What is your “secret” talent? I can stand on the tops of my toes.

Most treasured possession? My family.

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate and PEANUT BUTTER!

Early bird or night owl? Night owl.

This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 8 (Aug/Sep 2019).