#FFB: Michael James Scott
"I’m Michael James Scott and a big thing for me in my career has been about having fun. I’ve tried to really make every job something that made me excited. I’ve been pretty blessed with the opportunities that I’ve gotten to do and I can truly say a lot of that has been making sure to be a person who is kind and treats everyone with respect. I’ve loved getting to play the Genie these past 5 years on and off in my life and I believe that so much in my career lead me to it. I started my career out standing by for the legendary Ben Vereen in Fosse in Paris, France where I literally had no idea what the heck was going on. I was thrust into the world of theatre and my obsession for this incredible art form really took over. It’s been a career of light and laughter and when a door closed in front of me I’ve tried to live with the motto that 900 more would open!! I’m a big proponent of the people around you really being inspiration and driving force to help stay on track of the things you want to be. These people become your chosen family and can hold you accountable for all that you want to do. It’s a wonderful thing and I’ve been pretty blessed with some pretty badass rockstars of people. I’ve done many broadways shows, and cast recording and television appearances and teaching all over this county and I just want to continue to be inspired to laugh, love and light up the world!!!"
Q: Can we start from the beginning… What’s been your journey to Broadway?
A: The journey for me started back in Orlando, FL where I was a child actor and then in high school I went to a performing arts program and this was where all I wanted to do was be on the big Broadway. I was hit by the theatre bug and started a path to reach it. I attended a Conservatory theatre arts Program in St. Louis, Missouri at Webster University and then from there I was the stand by for the legendary Ben Vereen in Fosse in Paris, eventually taking over the role. From there, I ended up visiting my best Friend Jessica Rush in the 1st National Tour of Mamma Mia and they happened to be having open calls for the show for future replacements and at her suggestions I went in. Little did I know I would actually book the job... my best friend and I were on tour together understudying the 2 young leads. CRAZINESS. While on the road, I saw that there was an open call for a new Broadway show called All Shook up and decided to go in for the call and after three rounds of auditioning I booked my first Broadway show from an open call, thus beginning my Broadway journey.
Q: What is the most physically challenging part of being a performer?
A: I think it’s the day to day wear on your body. People don’t realize how much is going on physically doing shows eight times a week. It’s as if you were doing the same intense workout everyday for 2 hours and sometimes 4 hours with 2 shows in a day... your body would eventually start to wear down.
Q: How would you describe your daily wellness routine?
A: For me it all about moderation. I’m a big believer in trying to stay balanced with that. I use to cut carbs and so forth and what I realized is how important that stuff is to your whole mental and physical state. For me a big breakfast usually filled with eggs and avocado, an awesome yummy salad of some sort, a big swim to get my body loosened up and vocally warmed up (also meditation with the water) is a huge component. Then usually for dinner after my show there’s a big piece of protein and veggies!
Q: Top 3 tips for maintaining energy for your show.
Sleep
Water
Pacing
Q: #IMONVOCALREST How do you keep your voice healthy?
A: Hydration Hydration Hydration (that has been the key for me)
Q: What are your best tips for fighting fatigue, low energy, or emotional imbalance?
A: For me when these things are a challenge I use the fuel of people to help me. A chat with my fiancé about staying on track. Brunches with friends who you can talk that stuff out with. A spa day and or just a walk outside... I know it may sound crazy but these things energize me greatly. Truly, when I can laugh I get energy.
Q: Top 5 products, companies or brands that are shaping your lifestyle right now.
A: lululemon (specifically, the new jogger pants), Pierre Sparkling water, Fresh skin care, Le Labo, GQ style online
Q: Fill in the blanks…
A: The best part of working on Broadway is... the energy around the whole Broadway ‘Thing’, being in NYC, and being on what many people call the best stage in the world.
The most challenging part of working on Broadway is… the grind of doing eight shows a week, the sacrifice a lot of times, and missing out on life events.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: People who are living in their Authentic selves... who don’t really care what others think of them!
Q: Tips for finding the time to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally Fit for Broadway?
A: You have to make time. You have to put it on your calendar and truly schedule it in or else it’s so easy to not do it.
Q: If you could teach your younger self one lesson before entering the industry, what would it be?
A: NEVER stop being your own authentic self. The thing that you have no one else has because you’re YOU and even if that means the corky stat some people may have not understood. BE YOU!!!
Q: What’s your advice for aspiring performers who have their sights set on Broadway?
A: Don’t let anyone tell you there’s not a place for you. Believe in the THING that you have. Know your ministry (meaning know your type and lean into it and trust it) and most importantly.... BE KIND!!
Q: What are 3 lessons you wish you had known before you started performing on Broadway?
I wish I had known more about the marketing yourself factor.
I wish I had known a bit more of myself.
I wish I had known that it’s NOT PERSONAL
Michael is wearing “Vocal Rest” by Fit for Broadway Apparel in Partnership with NYU Langone Voice Center
Interview and photos by Jane Jourdan.