One on One with Sevyn Mindoro

I first met Sevyn a couple years ago after a Voices of Liberty set! He is truly one of the friendliest guys I've ever met. Sevyn has a huge smile that lights up the room and gives great hugs. I knew I had to interview him for my blog series about talented Orlando gentlemen! 

Let's dive in and learn about Sevyn. 

First up, the question I've wondered for a couple years now where did the name Sevyn come from?

Hahahaha... I always tell people that my parents figured that Six was too few, but Eight was too many. In actuality, the name originated from my time as a radio DJ. I first cracked the mic as “Sevyn” and it has stuck ever since. 

(The “y” is taken from my given name.)

What age/when/where did you start singing?

My parents say I was singing before I was talking! I sang a lot at church. Everyone in my family sings and my Dad has sung in a men’s chorus since before I was born. I sang in my first children’s choir (Reflections) when I was maybe four years old, and was introduced to acapella when I was about 12. I sang with several acapella groups, including one that my friends and I started when we were in HS, called “Resolution.”

Did you have voice lessons?

I didn’t have my first voice lesson until I was an adult! Since then, I’ve had voice lessons off and on with a few different coaches/teachers.

Correct me if I'm wrong, you've worked for Sea World, Disney and Universal? How do the three theme parks vary and how are they alike? 

Yes, I work at all three. I’d say all the parks/companies vary mostly in “culture”, more than anything. Though their goals tend to be very similar - creating great guest experiences - they each seem to have their own philosophies, structure, and “feel” to the way they do things. When you’re able to go back and forth between them, it’s fascinating to learn what each one values and how their actions support those values. I will say, one constant is that I’m very fortunate to perform with extremely talented people everywhere I work!

What jobs did you have before theme park entertainment? 

Well, I already mentioned radio DJ, which I did in Atlanta and Las Vegas. Also in Vegas, I worked for Blue Man Group hosting VIPs and celebrities, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas as a Guest Experience Manager, then I went back to performing as an improv character at KÀ by (Cirque du Soleil), before moving to Orlando.

At Walt Disney World you've been in at least 4 shows now. Including my 2 most favorite: The Festival of The Lion King (FOLK) and The Voices of Liberty (VOL). I imagine being in multiple shows it's hard to get bored. How do the shows differ?

Yes! I was also an emcee for the Move It, Shake It, Dance & Play It! parade - which I miss a lot. You’re right... it’s difficult to get bored when every show is so different, each with its own personality, environment, and challenges. The difference between each show really lies within what you’re being asked to bring to life - whether that’s a fish in the Big Blue World, a barber singing tunes with his buddies on Main Street, the leader of a band of singers who celebrates with Simba and his friends, or a vocalist in 19th century clothing singing patriotic, folk, Americana, and Disney classics. Each shows offers a unique chance to share music, magic, and an escape for every guest who comes to watch!

I stand corrected 5 Disney shows! It takes true talent to be that well-rounded. .And you've had some really neat jobs over the years. 

What is your favorite song you sing on property?

I’m gonna cheat and say TWO... LOL! Be Prepared (FOLK) and God Bless America (VOL).

What is one way you keep challenging yourself? 

Humility. As weird as it sounds, for me, being humble allows me to remain open to improvement through coaching, constructive criticism, and being teachable. Learning is always the biggest challenge and I’m passionate about learning everything I can about my craft, and about life!

Where do you see yourself in ten to fifteen years? 

I would love to be here in Florida, still performing. I’m trying to follow in Aaron Stratton’s footsteps, which means I’ll only have a decade to go before I reach where he is NOW. LOL!

#TMTMTL (The Man, The Myth, The Legend)

Aaron Stratton is a legend! 

He grew up in WV like I did!

What is one piece of advice that has served you well over the years? 

Well, it’s not so much “advice” as it is an example. When my parents immigrated here from the Philippines, they arrived in this country with one suitcase, two kids (my brother and sister), and $100. I was born a year after they moved here. Both of my parents worked full-time. My Mom was a nurse and my Dad worked as a financial auditor, as well as having a bunch of side hustles he would do on the weekends. From their simple begins, through hard work and perseverance, they built a new, successful life for themselves and our family. If not for what they did and the lessons they’ve taught me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

That's truly the American dream! 

What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self? 

Listen to “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” by Baz Lurhmann and take it to heart. If you haven’t heard it, go listen to it. You’re welcome.

I actually have heard that before. (As a redhead sunscreen is my best friend.)

What is one thing people are surprised to learn about you? 

I’m actually a pretty shy person. If left to my own devices, I will mostly keep to myself. See?! You don’t even believe me.

That does seem hard to believe; because, you're so friendly.

Last question, what hobbies do you have? 

I play ping pong with a couple friends, usually once a week. I like doing crossword puzzles, solving riddles/lateral-thinking puzzles, and other puzzle-type games. I also love coaching and pitching for the Voices of Liberty softball team, Old Glory! And mostly, I love spending time with my daughter, Rose, my girlfriend, Natasha, and her son, Dallin. ❤️

(Try to catch Sevyn at one of his many Orlando shows and see his talent!)