MEET MICHAEL
September's Member Of The Month
This month Manic Stage Productions would like to introduce you to another member of our talented team....We like for you to get to know each and every person that make up the Manic family, so here is a little bit about Michael to keep you up to date with who you might like to book this month!
When did you start dancing?
When I was about 8! The am-dram society my sister was involved with needed a boy for the Pantomime – so I was roped in! I loved it and was immediately hooked! I then went on to join West Lancs. Performing Arts Saturday School and later took modern, ballet and tap at Ormskirk School of Dance. In hindsight, I was very lucky to have parents willing to pay for and taxi me to all these classes!
Where did you train professionally?
After completing my A-levels I made the big move to London and trained at London Studio Centre, where I graduated as Head Boy with a degree in Theatre Dance. It was lots of hard work, but a fantastic experience. I got to train in all styles of dance, perform in the West End and made life long friends!
Tell us about your jobs since graduating?
My first job out of college was as a Parade Dancer in Disneyland Paris – that was a dream come true as I’m such a Disney fan, and I loved going into Paris on my days off! I then went on to work as a dancer for several Christmas and Summer Seasons at the Pavilion Theatre in Cromer. As well as dancing, I was lucky enough to be an illusionist’s assistant and help to make people fly and cut them in half! I’ve also spent the last few Christmases as a dancer in various Pantomimes at the Swan Theatre, Worcester!
What do you like about working for Manic?
I love being part of the Manic team; everyone was so welcoming when I first joined, I immediately felt at home! They’re a fantastic team and so lovely to be around. It’s great to be able to keep my fitness and technique up and work between contracts. Also I’ve learnt so many new skills through being part of the Manic team: Stilt walking, fire dancing and aerial hoop to name a few! Nicole and Matt always encourage us to expand our repertoire of skills!
Tell us about any specialist skills?
I trained as an aerialist before joining Manic, working primarily on aerial silks. I’ve dabbled in trapeze and hoop, but Silks are definitely my favourite! There’s something about being upside down, 10 foot in the air, holding on by one foot that appeals to the adrenalin junkie in me!
I usually train 2 nights a week (if not more) at Paradise Fitness in Fareham.
I find that my background as a dancer helps with the flexibility required for some silks moves. Aerial work is a great way to build up strength and stamina – It’s a long way down if you run out of energy!
Do you have a manic highlight?
I’d have to say performing as part of Manic’s 10th Anniversary Showcase at the Kings Theatre. It’s such a beautiful Edwardian theatre, not to mention huge! I work front of house there, so being on the other side of the Orchestra Pit was a nice change! I loved that we got to perform all of our favourite Manic medleys in one show. My favourite was the circus medley - as well as dancing in it, I got to go up on the silks. I loved doing the Fire Finale as well – that went down very well with the audience, it was such a fantastic atmosphere.
What’s next for you?
I’m working towards getting my aerial instructor qualifications! So hopefully I’ll be able to get all the Manic team up on the Silks before long.
In November I’m returning to Panto-land to work as Dance Captain on Dick Whittington at the Swan Theatre in Worcester! Then I’ll be back with Team Manic in January!
For all aspects of professional entertainment don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or ideas you may have.
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