Congratulations are in order! Deval Soni, a 2023 graduate of our Theatre Arts & Performance program, landed a role in the Crave Original series Late Bloomer, created by Jasmeet Raina. We couldn’t be prouder to see our talented alumni making waves in the industry.
In the Q&A below, Deval shares his journey into acting, reflects on his most memorable experiences at the School of Communications, Media, Arts & Design, discusses how he landed the role on Late Bloomer, and much more.
What initially sparked your interest in acting? Did you always want to get into acting and television?
Since childhood, I was the kid who loved things that weren’t ordinary! This sounds like a cliché, but I was always curious about new stuff—whether it was the mechanics of a remote-control car or the new gadget my dad brought home. I never let that curiosity fade over the years.
Initially, my passion for the arts started with music — I picked up a guitar after watching a movie about a musician called Rockstar. That later led me to explore the artist’s life — the so-called painful or different route compared to the usual 9-to-5. Watching behind-the-scenes footage of filmmaking during summer vacations in the middle of the night, combined with my mischievous personality and natural tendency to entertain and lead in a group, all came together during my teenage years.
Eventually, that snowballed into a passion for travel journalism and sports journalism. While trying to find the right course for that, I discovered theatre and acting — and that’s where my journey truly began. Since then, I’ve worn many hats in the entertainment industry during my Bachelor’s in Performing Arts back In India. I started with producing, then directing, and eventually transitioned into acting more seriously in the graduating years. I even started a YouTube channel for food and travel — another passion rooted in that same childhood curiosity.
And I’m still here, continuing to pursue all those passions that curious child in me sparked. I’ve always loved drama, and being born on March 27th, World Theatre Day, I genuinely feel I was meant to be an entertainer.
What led you to the Theatre Arts & Performance program at Centennial? What stood out to you about the program?
I was looking for a program that allowed me to study acting and theatre for a longer period of time, as I wanted to work on my craft for acting. After many attempts and college applications, Centennial was the one I finalized — mainly because of its length and diverse curriculum. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out at first, but I found mentors and friends I truly love learning from and working within the real world to date.
What stood out most was the impulse-based theatre technique rooted in Mary Overlie’s Viewpoints and Grotowski’s physical theatre. I think I solidified my style of acting and devising through Centennial.
What was your favourite part about the program?
My favourite part about the program was the mentors! Since it was a new and indie-style program, all the professors were excited and eager to bring out the best in us and share their expertise. That helped me immensely — especially in learning from a Canadian perspective in theatre and performance.
Can you share a bit about the process of landing a role on the show Late Bloomer?
Actually, this is a really lucky story! I don’t believe in luck much, but I do believe that what’s meant to be never slips away.
I saw an open casting call and initially applied for a different character that involved playing guitar and singing. Two weeks passed, and I didn’t hear back. Then, they posted new casting requirements for additional roles, and I was about to apply again — when I suddenly got an email from the team asking me to audition for the role of Nehant!
I was so excited — they said, “We loved your first round. Now, can you audition for a different character?” That was my first official callback or second-round audition, and it was really special — especially because I didn’t have an agent at the time!
I was actually hesitant to apply because the call was only for permanent residents or Canadian citizens, but I took a chance anyway. I made the second-round audition in the most impulsive, raw, and curious way that really reflected who I am — and boom! A few weeks later, after some nerve-wracking waiting, back-and-forth emails, and calls, they sent me an offer.
But there was a twist: I was put on hold due to my immigration status. Later, I found out that many people on the show had seen my tape and didn’t want anyone else for the role! Even though the producers initially said no due to official reasons, some people, like Jasmeet, the creator of the show, Larrissa Mair and her casting team, and maybe a many more hidden angels fought to have me on board because they felt the story — about an immigrant — shouldn’t exclude an actual immigrant.
I was extremely fortunate to land in the lap of such good people who cared enough to put in the extra effort, money, and time — things that are so valuable in the film/TV industry.
You can catch a scene with Deval on Late Bloomer here.
What was it like being on set? Was there anything that stood out or that you didn’t expect going into it?
Being on set was great—that word doesn’t even do it justice. I was excited and filled with joy. This was my first big break or principal role — in Canada, a country I had just moved to. It was a huge step for me.
Everyone on set was really sweet; it felt like I was among friends. There was no pressure of “being an actor on a big show.” Jasmeet, the lead and creator of the show, was so down-to-earth. He was human — vulnerable, humble, and open, even after all he had achieved. He gave us space to perform rather than controlling the room with pride or ego. Not all sets are like that!
It was just pure joy and bliss. I was literally living the dream — being cast as a principal in a series.
Going forward, are you planning on auditioning or taking a new direction in the industry?
After getting the offer from Late Bloomer, I immediately signed with an agent — which I had been procrastinating on for a while. So yes, I’m now actively auditioning for film, TV, and commercials.
Beyond acting, my creative leadership is also coming back into play. I’m creating the kind of work I want to see as a producer under my own company, Dramatic Jukebox. It allows me to create opportunities for myself as an actor and for others — especially from the South Asian community, which remains underrepresented in Western media.
I look forward to producing more films, theatre, and immersive experiences for audiences in Toronto and around the world. On the side, we might also branch into creative marketing — especially story-driven marketing campaigns.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into acting but doesn’t know where to start?
I’d say: take a leap of faith. Convince your parents — especially if you come from a brown family — and start small. Take workshops, go watch local theatre, binge-watch TV, and dive into YouTube! There are so many resources out there.
Connect with like-minded artists and hang out with them. You don’t need to quit your job and jump headfirst into being an artist — you can start by exploring it as a hobby. Just be in an environment surrounded by art, artists, imagination, and curiosity. That energy will push you forward.
It’s all about being a kid again — go find that kid. The skill and craft can be learned with practice.
Anything is possible if you put your mind, soul, and heart into it! Just give your energy and passion fully, and things will align. Be kind, stay humble, and never lose your curiosity. What’s meant for you is never going anywhere.
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