Originally from Atlanta, Veda Covington, 27, came to Charlotte three years ago by way of Augusta, where she was studying mass communications with a minor in theatre. After graduation, Veda says she came to Charlotte and fell in love with the city, where you’ll occasionally spot her on stage, recently with Queen City Theatre Company’s production of “The Performers.”
Matt Comer: When did you first get the itch to perform on stage?
I was in sixth grade. I had done a lot of stuff like that and chorus in my younger years. In college, I got the bug again to do more stage production. But, in sixth grade, my friends and I would write skits and perform them for our class. It helped me with improv, coming up with creative things on the spot. I took a break from the stage to do more vocal stuff with choruses and going to festivals, singing solos and working with groups. I once did a Motown review. In college, I came back to do more with shows. I was really gearing more toward scenic work and stage production and character development.
What draws you to theatre?
I’m passionate about it because it really helps me invest in a character and be something that I may not ever be other wise. I had one show I had done int he past, it was “Dial M for Murder.” It’s a classic. I played a British woman. Some of these characters, I would never get to be personally. It’s cool to kind of create that and live it out on stage in a moment. It’s also why it’s sad to see a show open and close, because I really enjoyed being this person, even if only for a short time. I also like the relationship it has with the audience. You perform a part and there’s something specific about the character that strikes an individual in the audience. They are inspired or they are happy or sad. They can relate. When it hits home with the audience, personally sometimes it’s really sweet. I think I’ll probably do this for the rest of my life. It seems like I can’t stay away from the stage.
On a vacation, do you prefer the mountains or the beach?
I’m definitely a beach kind of person. I love the sun, sand and water. The mountains are pretty, too. I just went up to Asheville for Labor Day.
What’s your usual Friday or Saturday look like?
I’m a real social butterfly! I am always going out to bars or doing karaoke and I have my spots during the week where I go. I have a bunch of friends and we go out with each other. I really like to stay in the community to help build connections, see what’s going on and networking opportunities. I like to dance, and sometimes I’m at Snug Harbor and other times at Cathode. It’s just a really wild hair. I’m definitely a getter-outer. I’m always on the go.
What’s your favorite movie?
I like “The Shawshank Redemption” with Morgan Freeman. I like some Jackie Chan films. I have so many I really like — “Anchorman,” too. Will Ferrell is one of my favorite comedians.
What’s your favorite kind of music?
I actually like Classic Rock a lot. My dad is a professional singer and he introduced me to a lot of genres. He left me and my two brothers to decide which we really liked best. He wanted to make sure we were exposed to all of the genres of music. I just like the rock’n’roll of Classic Rock. I like the hard guitars and drums.
Where do you live in Charlotte and what’s your favorite neighborhood?
I live down Central near Sharon Amity. I guess that’s Plaza Midwood. That’s what I call it. My favorite part of town is, well, there are two — I like South End and I also like Plaza Midwood. That’s where my hangouts are. I do go to NoDa sometimes, but the parking is frustrating, but I know they are working on that, so yay. : :