Talya Tinoco has enjoyed a lifetime of performances

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Talya Nicole Tinoco has literally been on stage her entire life.

“I have been performing since I was two years old; however, I was always at the Magnificent 7 Show from the beginning of my life, being introduced to the audience,” Talya explained.

Now, at 17, the Branson High School Senior is a seasoned professional. Born into a musical family, the daughter of multi-faceted entertainers Joe and Tamra Tinoco, Talya has been a featured performer in her family’s show for the past 15 years.

“I also performed with Jimmy Osmond on the road and with the Osmond Brothers when they were in Branson. They were like uncles to me,” said Talya. “I have also done shows, including “The Sound of Music,” with the Branson Regional Arts Council, as well as done shows – my favorite being ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ – at Branson High School, under the direction of the amazing Erin Moody.”

Talya Tinoco

Special to the Branson Globe

Talya has had nearly a lifetime of music lessons, beginning dance before the age of three.

“I still continue dance classes to this day. I have to keep my body moving, and I love dancing,” Talya noted. “As far as voice lessons, I have one of the best female vocalists anywhere who has worked with me from the beginning – my mom, Tamra! I have been blessed. My parents have been my greatest influence in entertainment and in life. Besides my parents, some of my other favorite vocalists would be people like Ariana Grande or Adele. However, I am a complete fan girl for others like Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. I enjoy every style of music; however, I tend to lean toward the pop style. I am also a huge fan of all musical theater. I have also studied all styles of dance. I really enjoy tap, because it is almost a lost art. But, I also enjoy hip hop, contemporary and jazz. I also enjoy Latin ballroom.”

Throughout years of performances and music lessons, Talya has also maintained exceptional grades in school, opting to attend public school, despite her busy schedule.

“I have always been in public school,” explained Talya. “We thought about being home schooled; however, I love the environment of all the other students and the great friends I have made. I would not change it.”

Recently, Talya’s parents made a decision to take a break from the daily grind of show business in order to allow Talya more time to pursue her passions without the daily demands of performing in a Branson show.

“So far, I’m doing more acting in school and at BRAC. I am currently in ‘Something Rotten,’ opening at the end of July. I’m also working on getting some agents in different parts of the country,” said Talya. “With the COVID protocol still in place in several areas, it has been a harder task, but we are learning and making connections as much as we can. I am so thankful for my parents allowing me the time to pursue my dreams outside of the Branson show market during my final year of high school. I loved the Magnificent 7, as it has been all I have known, but I am grateful that they are allowing me the chance to look and see what else is out there.”

Tamra Tinoco, Talya’s mother, shared her thoughts on taking a break from the show that defined her family for so many years.

“Twenty years of the Magnificent 7 show is a long time,” said Tamra. “It was our baby, before we actually had a baby. We loved being able to perform together as a family. But, after we made the decision, we try to never look back or have regrets. We believe everything happens for a reason. Talya has been in the show since she was born. We wanted to try to give her the time to do more things in school, like the plays and the musicals and choir, and just be a kid. She is also going to be looking at colleges and possibly auditioning at them, which takes time away from town, as well as audition for opportunities that come up in the acting, modeling or singing world. Again, there is no way to do those things if you are required to be at the show throughout the whole season. So, we feel as though this has been the decision that needed to be made. There is nothing to say we cannot reopen the Mag 7 show sometime in the future. You never know what lies ahead. We shall see.”

While they are not currently performing, the Tinoco family stays busy with the other family business – TNT Old Time photos, now in its seventh year of operation. The area’s largest old-time photo studio, TNT Old Time Photos is stocked with amazing costumes and realistic props and sets, making it the perfect place to create some favorite Branson memories.

Joe Tinoco, Talya’s father, chimed in with his thoughts on watching his daughter follow his footsteps into the entertainment field. “It is a double-edged sword. Part of me loves it. We know how much entertaining has given back to us and how blessed we are to be able to make people forget about their worries and just enjoy themselves, even if for only a couple of hours. We feel as though we touched many and made their lives better. On the other hand, we know the downside of entertainment, the constant search for the next job, the auditioning, the bad people in the business, the constant travel away from home that may be needed. So, it’s a tough business. She is so intelligent in school, like the top four in her class. She could be anything she wants. We were never achieving those kind of grades. That’s why we chose to entertain! But, we just want her to be happy; so whatever she pursues, we will stand behind her.”

For her part, Talya plans to put her background in performing to use after high school. “I would love to act in commercials, TV shows and movies, so that is one goal,” Talya explained. “I would also like to audition for some touring Broadway shows. As far as college, that is also in my sights, just not sure where I will be going just yet. I most definitely would want to pursue a career in entertaining, in some shape or form. But, I also know that I need to be knowledgeable in the business side of entertainment, so my studies will most likely continue, as long as I am able.”

Talya continued, “I have many dreams and aspirations, however, I will always remember what Branson has done for me as I have loved performing here, and maybe someday I will do that again. I will never forget my very special hometown. I would really like to thank my parents for supporting me in everything that I have done and will do in the future. I get to watch videos and see pictures of my parents’ accomplishments, traveling and doing shows all over the world, cruise ships, acting in movies, modeling for major chains. It makes me strive to do the things they have done and more. Their work ethic and their life ethics have helped mold me to how I want to continue in the business.

When asked what advice he has for his daughter, Joe Tinoco answered, “We always say this is a tough business to be successful in. But, if you want it, you’ve got to make it happen. Always do what is right, be kind, be persistent, be genuine, and be honest. And, always be prepared. Last but not least, chase the dream, not the competition. She has the drive to do whatever she wants to do, and we will always be in her corner!”