Many of you have met Way Too Tall Torrie at community events and birthday parties. When Torrie Heathcoat is not 8-feet-2-inches high on her stilts, the Southwest Florida mom of two enjoys spending time with her husband, Andy,
a retired research analyst with the federal court, and their two children, Rowan and Ashton. Rowan attends FSW Collegiate High School, and Ashton appears to be following in his mom’s way-too-tall footsteps by attending Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School in Fort Myers.
How did you become Way Too Tall Torrie?
I graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and lived in the city for quite a few years. I have always loved performing and knew that was the path I wanted to be on. I auditioned for a company in Orlando: the Sports Magic Team. They were the entertainment for sporting events all over the country as well as Jimmy Buffet concerts. I thought it would be a fun way to see the country. I was hired (17 years ago), and they trained me to walk on stilts. Never in a million years was stilt walking on my radar and never did I think I would be owning my own stilt walking business.
What is something that would surprise us about you?
I’m only 5-feet-2-inches tall!
How did you spend the summer with your family?
This entire summer my son is playing Chip in Beauty and the Beast at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre so we are exploring all sorts of fun activities in Southwest Florida. We paddleboarded with SeaLyon Paddle, loved the Nature Park at Shell factory, and our family favorite, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon.
Were you surprised that your children would follow you into musical theater?
I wasn’t surprised at all that my son would love performing. He’s been exposed to the arts since he was little. I always laugh that he knew who Stephen Sondheim was by age 3. He shares the role (of Chip) with two other boys and that’s great! With 68 shows over the summer it’s been a nice balance. He loves being part of a great show with crazy talent but still gets to enjoy summer with friends. Ashton also had a regular role as Beto on season 2 of Nickelodeon’s I Am Frankie this past year.
From first through sixth grade, my daughter performed in musicals all over Southwest Florida and absolutely loved it. But, she started finding new interests in seventh grade and now has her mind set on being an engineer.
It’s so much fun as a parent watching your child performing.
What is your favorite musical role?
My favorite role has to be my first professional show. I played Martha in The Secret Garden on tour.
What is your favorite musical to watch?
I do love Miss Saigon, but my list of favorites is really long!
Have you performed in musicals in Southwest Florida?
Only one: Peter Pan at Cultural Park Theater with my daughter years ago. My business is so busy that I don’t have the time to commit to a show. Once I retire from stilt walking I’ll get back to the stage. I’ll be playing the crazy grandma.
What is your best parenting advice?
My one thing I find myself saying a lot: it takes a village to raise kids. Parenting is hard, let’s face it! Ask for help, and be willing to help other parents out. Even just an encouraging word. Over the years I’ll see a parent with a little one having a massive meltdown and just saying to them “We have all been there!” seems to make a huge impact.
Learn more about Way Too Tall Torrie at https://www.waytootalltorrie.com.