“ Fairytale Princess Visits ” is the concept of Courtney Lynn Mead . A native of Pittsburgh , her family moved to Florida when she was 5 . As a young adult she began to use her vocal talents to work in theme parks around the country , including Busch Gardens , Six Flags America , Coney Island Park , and even Old Tucson Studios , where “ Rio Bravo ,” “ Tombstone ” and many other classic westerns were filmed .
After returning to the area , Courtney worked for Latshaw Productions in Greensburg , which she still performs with on occasion . She also began her own carolers group called “ Holiday Harmonies ” and eventually that led to forming “ Fairytale Princess Visits .”
Courtney refers to herself as a Swiss Army Knife because she has experience as a makeup artist , hair stylist , singer , dancer and portrait artist . “ My original plan was to work as an illustrator for Disney , so I got a degree in graphic design and illustration ,” explains Courtney .
Her wide range of creative skills were perfect for starting a company that puts on mini productions at children ’ s birthday parties and corporate events for companies and nonprofits . She has created more than 100 different characters , which include magical princesses but also superheroes ( and heroines ), pirates , humorous villains and mermaids . She creates mobile sets that she takes to people ’ s homes or rented halls to set up . Then she adds a little music and a talented cast of professional actors , and magic begins to happen .
Children are mesmerized with the larger-than-life characters who have come for a visit , but the adult onlookers seem to enjoy the performance as well . Although all her shows have a different storyline , they have one common thread . They encourage kids to be brave , smart and kind . It ’ s a theme that resonates with children of all ages and backgrounds .
Courtney also tailors shows for kids with special needs . With a family member who has special needs , she understands the need to include everyone , and she has a gift for being able to communicate with the children in a meaningful way .
Her “ mini productions ” have lately morphed into larger shows , however . She and her merry band of players will be performing at The Oaks Theater on April 27 with a show called “ The Princess Cabaret ,” which will feature four princesses who will sing , entertain and tell stories . All ages are welcome , but tickets must be purchased in advance . This will be a great event that the whole family can enjoy .
Courtney has had a lot of young people come through her doors who have performed with the company and gone on to perform in New York and other high-profile entertainment areas . She is always looking for talented performers with that twinkle in their eyes who love performing for all audiences , large and small .
Courtney might have ended up doing illustrations for film if she had chosen a different path . But she loves what she does and bringing joy to the faces of the people in the audience . Her destiny may have been sealed at a very young age .
Her aunt , Patti Dasch , who attended Penn Hills High School , performed at Opryland , Disney and other theme parks . Courtney would look at the pictures of her aunt performing in her grandmother ’ s scrapbook and was fascinated with her job that looked like so much fun !
“ I have this creative itch to scratch ,” adds Courtney . “ I have to sing , act , paint , build things and to be with people .”
You can learn more at fairytaleprincessvisits . com . To learn about upcoming public performances , follow on Instagram and Facebook . n
OAKMONT-PENN HILLS-VERONA | SPRING 2024 9